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.

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

Tariff Wars: China Slaps Duties on US Chicken

(domain-b.com)

Amidst a gradually escalating trade war China has now imposed anti-subsidy duties on US chicken products for a period of five years, its commerce ministry said Wednesday.

The move comes hard on the heels of a decision by the US Commerce Department to impose duties on aluminium products from China (See: Tariff wars: US penalises aluminum imports from China).

US broiler and chicken products will attract tariff rates ranging from 4 per cent to 30.3 per cent, the ministry announced. It said US producers benefited from government subsidies that lowered feed prices and hurt Chinese competitors.

The tariffs apply to chicken parts and whole birds but not to live chickens or cooked products such as chicken sausage. Read more here.

USDA Announces $150 Fee for Import Licenses Under 2011 Dairy TRQ

(World Trade Interactive)

The Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service has announced that it will charge a $150 fee for each license it issues to a person or firm authorizing the importation of certain dairy articles subject to tariff-rate quotas in 2011. Such dairy articles may only be entered into the U.S. at the in-quota tariff rates by or for the account of a person or firm to whom such a license has been issued. Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis, and each license authorizes the holder to import a specified quantity and type of dairy article from a specified country of origin.

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: Importation of Fresh Tomatoes

(CFIA)

Effective June 28, 2010, shipments of tomato fruit from Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Syrian Arab Republic and Turkey will be required to be accompanied by a Phytosanitary Certificate with an additional declaration stating: “This consignment originated from a place where Tuta absoluta is known not to occur and was inspected and found free of Tuta absoluta”.

Shipments not meeting this requirement will be refused entry to Canada. The phytosanitary import requirement for tomatoes and the complete list of regulated countries are available in the directive D-10-01-01.

For all questions relating to these changes please contact:

Johanne Coulombe
Import Control and Enforcement Officer
Import control and Export Market information
Telephone: (613) 221-4331 Fax: (613) 228-6605
Johanne.Coulombe@inspection.gc.ca

U.S. Rep Rejects Call to Exclude Dairy from Trade Deal

(Radio New Zealand)

U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has rejected calls by American lawmakers for dairy to be excluded from a free trade deal that includes New Zealand. The legislators want Mr Kirk to exclude dairy from the eight-country Trans Pacific Partnership.

The call from the Congressional dairy farmers caucus followed a letter from 30 senators in March opposing dairy’s inclusion. It claims increased imports of New Zealand dairy products will depress already-low prices and devastate the U.S. industry.

But Mr Kirk says it is too early to exclude sectors from a possible deal and improving access to overseas markets as a result of the deal could be a boost for American farmers.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has expressed unease at the inclusion of Canada in the Trans Pacific Partnership. Canada, which has a strong local dairy lobby, is not currently part of the talks but is believed to be pressing to join. Read more here.

USDA Weighs Requests for Sugar Imports

(Reuters – Roberta Rampton)

The U.S. Agriculture Department continues to review sugar supply and demand forecasts to evaluate food industry requests to boost sugar imports, a top official said Monday.

Sugar supplies in the United States are currently adequate, but there is much uncertainty in forecasts for the rest of the year, said Jim Miller, undersecretary charged with trade policy, in remarks prepared for the International Sweeteners Colloquium in Miami.

"We are carefully watching the global market for sugar due to the significant tightening of supplies throughout the world," Miller said.

Raw sugar prices have more than doubled in the past year, with futures SBc1 hitting a 29-year high of 30.40 cents per pound on Feb. 1. Under the U.S. sugar program, the government balances sugar use with domestic supplies and imports to ensure a minimum price to farmers at no cost to taxpayers. Sugar from Mexico can enter the United States without restrictions under the North American Free Trade Agreement. Food companies have urged the USDA to boost imports from other sources. Read more here.

CFIA: Validation of Destination Address for Imports

(CFIA)

Please be informed as of February 1, 2010, when using the Electronic Data Interchange, EDI, the information entered under Destination, for the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable, Processed Products, Dairy & Honey Programs will be automatically validated and admission will be based on a complete and correct address. The Canadian destination of a shipment is currently a requirement in regulation for these programs and the address will be assessed against the postal code. Errors or incomplete submissions will result in the transaction being rejected until satisfactory information has been received. If the transaction is still in a rejected status when the product arrives at the border, it will not be permitted entry into Canada.

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.

Changes in Processing U.S. Meat Shipments at the Border

(CBSA)

Memorandum to Importers/Brokers/Carriers/Inspection Facility Operators/Associations

Subject: Discontinuation of the practice of advance notification of inspection of U.S. meat imports.

The following is to inform you that as of January 4, 2010, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will discontinue the practice of providing advance notification of inspection of US meat imports. This change in procedure is in line with the Government of Canada Food Safety Action Plan. Canada has full confidence in the safety of food imported from the USA. This change will make Canada’s food safety system stronger and will move Canada a step closer to full harmonization with US meat import controls

All meat shipments from the USA are inspected and certified by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorities prior to exportation to Canada. Importers/Brokers can submit their import requests to the CFIA Import Service Centres (ISC) for documentation review up to 72 hours in advance of the actual shipment arrival. This procedure will continue to apply.

Starting January 4, 2010, when a meat shipment is presented for electronic release, the CFIA Import Service Centre (ISC) will transmit a message to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicating if the shipment has been selected for an inland CFIA inspection. If the shipment is identified as a “skip lot” it will be allowed to proceed to its manifested destination.

It should be noted that ALL meat shipments that are presented on a paper release will be directed to report to a CFIA approved facility inland for inspection.

If an inland CFIA inspection is required, the CBSA Border Services Officer (BSO) at the Primary Inspection Line (PIL) will affix a special CFIA stamp (similar to the attached specimen) on the import documentation which will serve as notice to the Carrier to report inland for CFIA inspection.

As all US meat shipments must be released by the CBSA at the border, the BSO will continue to stamp the import documents with a customs release stamp.

The onus will be on Importers/Brokers to ensure that their Carriers are aware of this new procedure and that they know where to report in the event that their shipment has been selected for CFIA inspection. The Importers/Brokers are to provide the Carriers with the location and directions to the meat inspection facility that has been pre-selected by the importer prior to crossing the border.

Should you have questions regarding these new procedures, contact a CFIA Import Service Centre

USDA Proposes to Revise Info Collection on Import and Export of Meat and Poultry Products

(World Trade Interactive)

The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is seeking comments by Dec. 28 on an information collection addressing paperwork requirements related to the exportation, transportation and importation of meat and poultry products.

FSIS requires that meat and poultry establishments exporting product to foreign countries complete an export certificate in order to certify to the importing countries that FSIS inspectors have inspected the product and have found it sound and wholesome. Meat and poultry products not marked with the mark of inspection and shipped from one official establishment to another for further processing must be transported under USDA seal to prevent such unmarked product from entering into commerce. To track product shipped under seal, FSIS requires shipping establishments to complete a form that identifies the type, amount and weight of the product. Read more here

A Balancing Act Between Free Trade and Supply Management Politics

(Embassy – Laura Payton)

Canada’s policies keep some farmers profitable, but could threaten export opportunities for other agricultural sectors

As negotiators prepare to begin talks with the European Union on the biggest economic agreement Canada has undertaken in decades, the government has already taken a big bargaining chip off the table. The message seems clear: supply management is not up for debate.

Only a handful of Canadian agriculture sectors – dairy, eggs and egg-hatching, chicken and turkey – are supply managed. Supply management assigns quotas to producers, managing production and keeping farmers profitable. However, it also keeps prices high for consumers and, most importantly from a bargaining perspective, represents a major barrier to foreign imports.

For a government that champions free trade and lowering barriers, the position seems dissonant. But because the farms that benefit from supply management are concentrated in Ontario and Quebec, where the majority of House of Commons seats are also concentrated, politicians of all stripes are loathe to mess with it. In fact, in 2005, members of Parliament went as far as to adopt an all-party motion instructing Canadian negotiators at the World Trade Organization not to budge on supply management. Read more here.

(International Herald Tribune – James Kanter)

European Union governments agreed Thursday to overhaul the way the trade bloc distributes tens of billions of euros in subsidies to farmers. But some said the measures did not go far enough and risked skewing markets.

The measures, which cover the period from now to 2013, are aimed at revamping a decades-old system in which farmers automatically earned money for farm products whether there was market demand or not. That system has been attacked at the World Trade Organization for making Europe less likely to import more competitive farm products from outside the bloc.

The measures represent the biggest reform of European farming policy in five years.

Even so, critics said the measures, which were hashed out Thursday morning after all-night talks in Brussels, were only a partial shift in policy rather than a wholesale reform of the €43 billion subsidy system.

“I regret what has been conceded in order to secure a deal which will lead to some new distortions in the short term,” said the British environment secretary, Hilary Benn. “We want to see further changes for the benefit of farmers, consumers and the environment and will continue to press for this.”

The Common Agricultural Policy absorbs more than 40% of the annual EU budget of more than €100 billion, or $125 billion, although the bloc’s 13 million farmers represent only about 3% of its population. Read the rest here.

Spam, Still Mystery Meat, Escapes Food-Label Rules

(Bloomberg – Alan Bjerga and Tony C. Dreibus)

U.S. rules requiring meat and fresh produce to be labeled by national origin are falling short of lawmakers’ aims, leaving shoppers in the dark about where mixed vegetables, steaks and Spam come from, some lawmakers say.

Six years after being adopted by Congress, country-of-origin labeling [took effect last week]. Concern about unsafe imports from China and Canada helped overcome food industry efforts to delay the measures. They will cost companies $2.5 billion in the first year, with retailers spending more to market beef, pork and lamb, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says.

Industry groups say expenses will be even higher.

Some lawmakers and consumer advocates say loopholes will let meatpackers blur the distinction between foreign and domestic meat. Mixed vegetables are exempt from the requirements, as are processed foods ranging from roasted peanuts to Spam, the canned luncheon meat made by Hormel Foods Corp. More regulations may be needed, the lawmakers say. Click here for the complete article.

COOL: Ag Secretary Admits Changes Needed, Rule Set To Go Into Effect Sept. 30

(Cattle Network)

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today joined a bipartisan group of 30 Senators in urging the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to make modifications to its interim final rule for implementing Country of Origin Labeling (COOL). COOL is slated to go into effect September 30. Harkin is Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, the Committee that ushered the new farm bill into law.

“People want to know where their food comes from,” said Harkin. “Yet, USDA appears to be taking an overly broad approach to implementing this program, allowing certain food products to not be labeled as required by the farm bill. USDA’s rule also allows packers to just label all U.S. products jointly with other countries, limiting consumer choice. People are expecting to find meat labeled as exclusively U.S. product, not just hidden with everything else.

“I am encouraged by statements made by Agriculture Secretary Schafer that this implementation needed additional work, but with such a short amount of time left before this rule goes into effect, I am hopeful USDA will act quickly to implement these changes.” Find out more here.

Canada: FAIRS Country Report

(USDA Foreign Agricultural Service)

Summary of food importing regulations in Canada. Updates to the following sections were made in August 2008: Food Allergen Labeling, Guide to Food Labeling, Import Safety Legislation,

Compositional Standards for Cheese, Organic Food, Benzene, Canada’s Enhanced Feed Ban, and the GOC Policy on Trans Fats. All website links were refreshed. The report is available here (PDF format – 31 pages).