Subject: Policy Decision Regarding the Importation of Live Insects for Feed/Bait or as Pets

Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9

May 7, 2010

Effective June 1, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will no longer issue or amend import permits pursuant to the Plant Protection Act for any live insect that is a "pest" as defined in section 3 of that Act, where the importation is intended for use as feed/bait, a pet or any other similar or related use. Any permits that have already been issued will remain in effect until their expiry date, however, no new permits will be issued nor will any valid permits be amended. After June 1, 2010, live insects defined as plant pests will no longer be permitted entry into Canada for use as feed/bait, a pet or any other similar or related use.

This decision comes as a result of a review of the Plant Protection Act. It has been determined that under the Act there is no authority for the CFIA to permit the importation of live insects that are plant pests for use as feed/bait, a pet or any other similar or related use. Furthermore, the issuance of an import permit under those circumstances is contrary to the purpose and intent of the Plant Protection Act which is to protect plant life and the agricultural and forestry sectors of the Canadian economy by preventing the importation, exportation and spread of pests (e.g., insects) and by controlling or eradicating pests in Canada.

Greg Stubbings
Chief Plant Health Officer for Canada