This directive will be reviewed every two years unless otherwise needed. The next review date for this directive is June
23, 2011. The contact for this directive is Joanne Rousson. For further information or clarification, please contact the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Imported plants, seeds and other plant material can be a pathway for the entry of plant pests into Canada. Therefore,
many imported plants and plant products including those imported for exhibition use, are regulated under the Plant
Protection Act to prevent the entry of plant pests.
This directive is intended for use by those wishing to import plants, seeds and other plant material for exhibition
purposes into Canada. This directive is also intended for the use of the CFIA inspection staff and the Canada Border Services Agency.
This directive supersedes D-94-31 (Original), dated June 26, 2006 and all previous documents on this subject
including Permit Letter L49, dated June 23, 1988; memorandum dated July 11, 1988; memorandum dated July 5, 1989, memorandum
N-25B dated January 9, 1990 and memorandum N-25C dated February 21, 1990.
The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c.
22 The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette: Part I (as amended from time to time)
The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported product, please contact the Import Service Centre (ISC). Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact any local CFIA office or visit our Fees Notice Web Site.
Plant material imported for exhibition use must meet current Canadian Plant Protection import
requirements. Depending on the risks associated with the commodity, exempted entries under special permit may be allowed.
The Permit to Import will outline such things as conditions for safekeeping and disposition of material after the exhibition
is over.
An authorized official in Canada responsible for the exhibit, or his Canadian representative
(known as the Importer of Record), must apply for a Permit to Import. The importer must indicate on the application the
names and addresses of all exporters and the kind of plant material to be shipped by each exporter, including the origin of
the plant material. The Application for Permit to Import should be submitted to the Permit Office at least two (2) months
before the start of the exhibition to allow time to evaluate the various import requests. Some plant materials, such as
dried flowers, cut flowers, tropical fruits and some kinds of seeds do not require a permit.
The Permit Office of the CFIA will
evaluate the application and identify the commodities with special permit requirements.
All imported plant material is subject to inspection upon arrival in Canada. Any plant material
found infested with regulated pests will be subject to treatment, returned to origin or destroyed.
The Importer of Record is responsible for forwarding any instructions provided by the CFIA, and a copy of the Permit to Import, to each of the exhibitors and
shippers of plant material being imported for the exhibition.
The importer is also responsible for providing the facilities and supervision before, during
and after the exhibition to prevent the loss or pilferage of plant material which enter under a special permit.
Any plant material that enters Canada for exhibition purposes under special permit conditions,
must be disposed of after the exhibition is over, as specified by the entry conditions listed on the Permit to Import and/or
the accompanying instructions. Disposal of plant material must be under the supervision of a Plant Protection
inspector.