The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Directive D-12-01 recently updated to clarify specific import requirements and treatments on the phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive plants regulated as pests.
Importation
All imported shipments must be free from regulated pest plants and meet Canadian phytosanitary requirements. Importation of regulated pest plants and their propagative parts is prohibited unless authorized in a CFIA-issued Import Permit.
Import of devitalized material may be accepted if regulated pest plants or plant parts have been rendered non-viable. Prior approval is required before import, an application should be presented to the CFIA in accordance with policy directive D-97-04: Application, procedures, issuance and use of a permit to import under the Plant Protection Act. An acceptable treatment method should result in complete devitalization. Any devitalization treatment proposed should be done at origin prior to importation and proof of treatment must accompany the shipment
Pest plants or consignments that are contaminated with regulated plants or otherwise non-compliant may be subject to CFIA regulatory action. This may include, the shipment being removed from Canada, destroyed or ordered to be treated to prevent the spread of pests prior to disposal. Import permits and written authorizations may be revoked if the person to whom a permit or authorization has been issued does not comply with the conditions of the permit or authorization or the provisions of the Plant Protection Act and Regulations. The importer is responsible for all costs relating to treatment, disposal, removal or re-routing, including costs incurred by the CFIA to monitor the action taken.
If a species cannot be found on the List of Pests Regulated by Canada and/or on the Automated Import Reference System, assessment by the CFIA prior to import is required. Importers should contact the CFIA or apply for an Import permit if they are unsure about the requirements, including whether a species is permitted into Canada. Importation is prohibited until the CFIA has evaluated the risk of the species.