Customs Notice 10-018: Update Regarding the Strengthening of the Canada Border Services Agency's Procedure Respecting the Importation of Goods Contaminated With Soil

(CBSA)
1. This notice serves as a reminder that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will be strengthening its commercial importation process respecting goods contaminated with soil. As previously announced, February 1, 2010 marked the launch of a twelve-month transition period culminating in the full implementation and enforcement of the strengthened process in 2011. This period allows industry an opportunity to adjust their operations and ensure that goods arriving in Canada are clean and free of soil.

2. Goods contaminated with soil are not admissible into Canada. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent it applies at the border.

3. Beginning February 1, 2011, non-compliant goods, i.e. goods contaminated with soil, arriving at the Canadian border will be restricted to a CBSA-controlled area and may be cleaned on-site by a mobile wash facility approved by the CFIA, provided certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility. If a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility is not available, or if other conditions listed above are not met, the contaminated goods will be refused entry into Canada under the authority of the Plant Protection Act and the Health of Animals Act. Note: Plants and/or plant products are not eligible for remedial action.

4. The costs associated with cleaning or removal from Canada will be paid for by the importer.

5. This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA's policy regarding the importation of foreign soil. It will further ensure that the CBSA maintains appropriate control over the contaminated goods, thereby preserving the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

6. Under the current process, the CBSA may allow contaminated goods to be transported to either a stationary or mobile CFIA-approved treatment facility. However, treatment may only occur if certain conditions can be met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodgement during transport, operational capacity exists, availability of a CFIA-approved stationary or mobile wash facility. If the conditions listed above cannot be met, the shipment is refused entry into Canada and ordered removed at the importer's expense.

7. Inquiries and comments about this notice should be directed to:

Food, Plant and Animal Program, Programs Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 613-957-6868, Fax: 613-946-1520 E-mail: fpa-ava@cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

CFIA: New Requirements for Importing Fresh Fruit and Vegetables HS Codes Starting with 07 and 08

(CSCB – CFIA)1. Attestation of Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) federal produce licence number or Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) membership number

Under the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations, Canadian purchasers of fresh fruit and vegetables are required to be licensed with the CFIA and/or be a member of the DRC, if they are not exempt from the Regulations.

Importers submitting information for paper release will be required to enter the above information on the Confirmation of Sale (COS) form in box 22.

Importers transmitting information through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) will be required to enter their federal produce licence number, their DRC membership number or indicate that they are exempt from the requirements of the Licensing and Arbitration Regulations in the “Registration Requirements” field. In those cases where the importer is a non-resident importer, the Canadian consignee’s federal produce licence or DRC membership number must be entered.

2. Mexican Cantaloupes

Currently, cantaloupes from Mexico may only be imported if the grower/packer has been certified by the Mexican government under the Mexican Cantaloupe Certification Program. Importers are required to enter the name of the certified grower/packer company as listed by SENASICA on the COS form in box 22.

Importers of cantaloupes from Mexico, transmitting information through EDI will be required to enter the name of the grower/packer company in the “Registration Requirements” field. If cantaloupes are imported from multiple certified grower/packers, all grower/packers must be identified in the “Registration Requirements” field.

A list of certified grower/packers can be obtained from SENASICA on the SENASICA website at http://www.senasica.gob.mx/?id=712, which is also accessible through the CFIA website http://www.inspection.gc.ca by following these links: “Food”, “Fresh fruits and Vegetables”, “Imports and Interprovincial Trade”, “Country Specific Requirements”, “Mexico - Cantaloupes”.

3. California Leafy Greens

Leafy greens from California may only be imported if the product has been handled by a signatory handler (certified member) of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement.
Importers of leafy greens from California submitting information for paper release are required to enter the name of the signatory handler in box 22 of the COS.

Importers of Californian leafy greens transmitting information through EDI will be required to enter the name of the signatory handler (certified member) in the “Registration Requirements” field. If leafy greens are imported from multiple handlers, all handlers must be identified in the “Registration Requirements” field.

A list of signatory handlers (certified members) can be obtained from the California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement (LGMA) website, a link also provided through the CFIA website.
As a result of the these changes importers transmitting through EDI will no longer be required to present a hard copy of the COS form at time of entry to CBSA. A hard copy of the COS form will continue to be a requirement for transactions not transmitted through EDI.

The Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated to reflect these changes in import procedures.

Importers should be aware that, although a hard copy of the COS form will no longer be required at time of entry for EDI transmissions, licensees and DRC members are required to maintain documentation that sets out the terms and condi tions of their purchases. This information is a vital requirement for resolution of any disputes.

Implementation of the above changes will come into effect on December 1, 2010. Should you have any questions on the above requirements, please contact John Wood, A/Chief, Imports, Agrifood Division at john.wood@inspection.gc.ca or (204) 984-6186.

If you wish to confirm your CFIA federal produce licence number, please refer to the CFIA website http://www.inspection.gc.ca following the “Food” and “Fresh Fruit and Vegetable” links, or contact Manon Dicaire at manon.dicaire@inspection.gc.ca. Information in regard to a DRC membership number can be obtained from Dawn Hughes at dhughes@fvdrc.com or by consulting http://www.fvdrc.com.On December 1, 2010, the CFIA federal produce licence number, or alternatively the Canadian DRC membership number, or a declaration of exemption will be required to be part of the submission of import documentation for shipments of fresh fruits and vegetables coming to Canada. This will improve the information available regarding the identity of the importers and traceability of product.

CFIA: Change of Inspection Facility for Imported Meat and Meat Products

(CFIA)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has a new contact to request a change to the import inspection facility for meat and meat products.

Prior to a meat or meat products shipment obtaining the CFIA release recommendation from the Import Service Centre (ISC), the broker/importer is able to select a different inspection facility.

The change will be made by the ISC upon receipt of the Request for Documentation Review form.
However, once a meat or meat product shipment from the USA receives the CFIA release recommendation, changes to the inspection facility may be allowed under exceptional circumstances only.

To request a change to the inspection facility, you will have to contact Kim Rodrigue of the Import Control Division in Ottawa at 613-773-773-5334, during normal business hours and with all relevant information. Your request will be evaluated and a response sent back.

CFIA: Changes to Import Notification Requirements – Phase 3

(CFIA)

This is a reminder to importers and brokers that phase 3 implementation of the changes to import notification requirements for commodities in the non-federally registered food sector will come into effect on November 08, 2010.

Annex 1 of the Notice to Importers and Brokers – Phase 3 on the CFIA website has been updated to include the OGD extension codes for the commodities relevant to this phase.

Import of Restricted Feeder Cattle from the U.S.

(CFIA)
Please be advised that the new policy Import of Restricted Feeder Cattle from the United States to a Terminal Feedlot, has been finalized and is now available as an option for importers. Details of the policy can be found here.

Also note that the existing feeder cattle policy Import of Restricted Feeder Cattle from the United States, remains in effect and also remains as an option for importers. Details of the policy can be found  here.

If there are any questions, please contact Dr. Amy Snow, Amy.Snow@inspection.gc.ca.

New Requirements for ‘Grape Must’ from California

(CFIA)

As of Wednesday October 13, 2010, the CFIA will put new phytosanitary requirements in place for the import of ‘grape must’ from areas of California that are quarantined for Lobesia botrana, the European grapevine moth.

As it was the case with the other requirements related to Lobesia botrana, it is the responsibility of the USDA to determine when a phyto is required, and what declaration should apply. There is no requirement for the CFIA staff to verify the county of origin of the consignment relative to EGVM regulated areas.

‘Grape must’ (2009692163)

If the shipment originates from or was produced in an area regulated for Lobesia botrana, a Phytosanitary Certificate will be required. The phytosanitary certificate must either include the following additional declaration: “The grapes used to produce the must in this consignment were inspected and found free of European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana.”

OR

one of the following treatments must be indicated:

“Material was fumigated with 64 g/m3 methyl bromide at 4-9ºC (40-49ºF) for 2 hours at normal atmospheric pressure.” OR
“ Material was fumigated with 48 g/m3 methyl bromide at 10-15ºC (50-59ºF) for 2 hours at normal atmospheric pressure.” OR
“ Material was fumigated with 40 g/m3 methyl bromide at 16-20ºC (60-69ºF) for 2 hours at normal atmospheric pressure.” OR
“ Material was fumigated with 32 g/m3 methyl bromide at 21-26ºC (70-79ºF) for 2 hours at normal atmospheric pressure.” OR
“ Material was fumigated with 24 g/m3 methyl bromide at or above 27ºC (at or above 80ºF) for 2 hours at normal atmospheric pressure.”

For further information, please contact:

Marie-Pierre Mignault, M.Sc.
marie-pierre.mignault@inspection.gc.ca,
Phone: 613-773-7173, Facsimile : (613) 773-7163
Horticulture specialist, Edible horticulture crops, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
59 Promenade Camelot, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y9

Review of Section 92, Meat Inspection Regulations

(CFIA)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is seeking your feedback on the current regulatory scheme for pre-market registration of meat packaging materials (Section 92, Meat Inspection Regulations, 1990).

All interested parties are invited to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions on the regulatory scheme. We also want to hear your views on potential options and considerations to help us determine our next steps.

This consultation is open for comment until October 31, 2010. Information on the current regulations and an online questionnaire are posted on the CFIA website here.

Food Inspectors Focused on Imports Before Report

(The Globe and Mail – Gloria Galloway)

The agency responsible for food safety in Canada says it started to improve surveillance of imported food even before an internal audit found two years ago that it was not doing a good job of monitoring what was coming into this country.

Cameron Prince, vice-president of operations at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, said Friday that his organization has taken a number of steps to enhance its imported food program.

Dedicated teams of food inspectors have been established to look for contraband items in the marketplace, Mr. Prince said. Others have been regularly redirected from their usual jobs at Canadian processing plants to conduct “border blitzes,” he said. [...]

There’s a better tracking system in place so the agency knows what food has arrived in Canada and where it has gone. And 538 new front-line inspectors have been hired since 2005 – though Mr. Prince could not say how many of them have been dedicated to watching the imports. Read more here.

CFIA: Extended Hours for U.S. Meat Importers re: Inspection Notifications

(CFIA)

Further to our Notice of January 5, 2010 regarding the advance notification of the status of meat shipments from the USA and the distribution of MCAP Import Inspection Reports, we would like to advise you that CFIA is extending the hours of service for the availability of the toll-free number for requesting these reports.

Effective September 7, 2010 for shipments targeted for inspection, registered meat establishment staff can contact the CFIA Meat Import Control and Data Information Centre (MICDIC) in Ottawa at 1-877-682-5191 during the following hours:

Monday to Friday: from 08:00 to 20:00 ET
Saturday and Sunday: from 09:00 to 14:00 ET

If you have any questions regarding this procedure please contact the CFIA Meat Import Specialist in your area.

CFIA: Industry Notice

(CFIA)

Please be advised that the following has been added on the CFIA web site: Industry Notice: European Union Audit of Canada’s Fish Inspection Program.

CFIA: Vietnam Certificate

(CFIA)

Vietnam is enhancing controls for imported foods of animal origin that will affect Canadian fish and seafood exports. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has been working with Vietnamese officials to maintain market access for Canadian exporters.

CFIA has successfully negotiated a certificate for non-live fish that is required for each consignment of non-live fish and fishery products exported from Canada to Vietnam. Implementation date is September 1, 2010. Please ensure that you use this updated certificate for shipments certified after September 1, 2010.

A separate certificate for live fish will be required and negotiations for this certificate are in progress. CFIA will provide further notice about the requirements for the certification of live fish once the negotiations have been completed.”

CFIA: Changes to Import Notification Requirements – Phase 3

(CFIA)

This notice is to inform importers and brokers that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will be implementing phase 3 of the changes to import notification requirements for products in the non-federally registered food sector, effective November 08, 2010.

Please click here for more information.

CFIA Statistics on Wood Packaging Non-Compliance (Imports)

(CIFFA eBulletin)

The CFIA has provided the following statistical information on Wood Packaging Non-compliance for Imports, for the period January 1 to March 31, 2010.

The CFIA said twenty-four (24) countries received a notice of non-compliance for this period. A total of 1657 shipments with wood packaging material (WPM) were inspected during that period (data includes shipments inspected at the ports of Halifax, Montreal, Vancouver, Prince Rupert). Data collected by the CBSA during that period has been analyzed by the CFIA to determine that compliance is about 93.4% with regards to presence of a IPPC mark or a Phytosanitary Certificate and with no live pests or signs of living pests.

Approximately 2.2% (37/1657) of shipments were infested. Most of these infested shipments were from China. The remaining non-compliant shipments had no mark and no Phytosanitary Certificate and no live pests or signs of living pests. No fraudulent phytosanitary certificates were intercepted during this period. Pest identification has been included in the notices sent to exporting countries.

CIFFA would like to remind Members that Canada strictly regulates the entry of wood packaging from all countries of the world. The entry requirements for wood packaging from all areas except the continental United States are specified in policy D-98-08. You should also be aware that non-compliant wood packaging may be refused entry into Canada. Members can help prevent the introduction and spread within Canada of pests by staying vigilant and ensure that the overseas agents used are reputable. For more visit here.

Licensing of Food Importers

(CFIA)

On Monday August 16, 2010 CFIA posted a consultation survey on the CFIA website signalling their intent to move forward with licensing of food importers. Importers of food and food ingredients that are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act will require a license and to be able to demonstrate that they have in place a food safety system that minimizes the risk of a food-borne incident being associated with the products that they import, and processes that ensure that the their products comply with the requirements of the Consumer Product Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations.

The regulation will be established under the authority of the Agricultural Products Act and will apply to importers of products such as:

• alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• confectionery
• fats and oils
• infant formula
• coffee and tea
• cereals
• spices and seasonings
• juices
• bakery products

The regulation will not apply to importers of:

• processed fruits and vegetables
• meat and poultry
• dairy products
• egg products
• honey and maple products
• seafood
• fresh fruits and vegetables
• synthetic colours
• bottled water

CFIA intends to hold public consultations in Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver during September. Dates and details will be an announced when finalized.

The CFIA on line consultation survey, background material and question and answers can be found on the CFIA website. The consultation closes October 4, 2010.

CFIA intends to publish the draft regulation in Canada Gazette Part 1 before the end of December 2010.

Proposed Establishment # 713 for Reinspection of U.S. Imported Meat Products (9B/C/US)

(CFIA)

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a notice advising of additional establishments to the list of possible proposed additions to the list of designated facilities for the re-inspection of meat products from the United States.

CFIA has also provided a list of procedures for companies to follow if they receive a request from one of the establishments on the attached list. For more information, please see the CFIA Notice (dated August 10, 2010) here

CFIA Launches Updated Labelling and Advertising Website

(CFIA)

Based on recommendations received from stakeholders, the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) has updated the food labelling and advertising web pages to better meet the needs of its users. The pilot website can be found here.

After viewing the pilot website, individuals are encouraged to complete the online questionnaire to evaluate its organization and design. The survey will be available until September 3, 2010.

Updates of the list of Foods Containing Meat and Fish

(CFIA)

Please note that the table of Foods Containing Meat and Fish that are Classified as Meat Products and Exempt from the Fish Inspection Regulations has been updated. It now includes “Beef rolls stuffed with shrimp”.

Meat Import Control and Data Information Centre Relocation

(CFIA)

Notice to Importers, Customs Brokers, Inspection Establishment Operators, Carriers, and Associations

Please forward this communiqué to staff and clients involved in importing meat from the USA.

The following is to inform you that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Meat Import Control and Data Information Centre (MICDIC) is moving on Saturday July 31st and Sunday August 1st. Service is expected to resume as scheduled on Monday, August 2, 2010.

MICDIC provides meat pre-clearance for U.S. origin meat. The Centre is the contact to obtain the inspection notice for U.S. meat after the load enters Canada. The contact information will remain the same:

1. Pre-Clearance (certificate verification) of U.S. certificates for meat and poultry products Certificates: Phone: 613-228-6118 (Hotline) Facsimile: 613-228-6623

2. Enquiries regarding Import Inspection Reports IIR (a.k.a. Multi-Commodity Activities Program – MCAP) for U.S. meat shipments: Toll Free: 1-877-682-5191

3. Email: Meat-PreClearance@inspection.gc.ca

4. Mailing address:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Import Control Division
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0Y9 Canada

CFIA: Reminder of Changes to Import Notification Requirements – Second Phase

(CFIA)

This is a reminder to all importers and brokers that the second phase of implementation of new import notification requirements for selected commodities regulated solely under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations will come into effect on July 19, 2010.

Please click here to direct you to the Reminder Notice on the CFIA website. The Reminder Notice provides a listing of the products and the corresponding HS codes that will be affected by this new notification requirements.

D19-1-1 Revised: Food, Plants, Animals and Related Products

(CBSA)

This memorandum replaces Memorandum D19-1-1, Food, Agricultural Inputs and Agricultural Products, dated September 20, 2006, dealing with the import requirements for food, plants, animals (FPA) and related products regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and other government departments.

Appendix A, which contained a brief explanation of the goods subject to control, the applicable legislation and the exemptions that apply to commercial and non-commercial importations of goods regulated by the CFIA, has been removed. To determine the most up-to-date import requirements for specific FPA or related products, please use the CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).