The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is amending the requirements for woody plant material imported from the continental United States and intended for propagation. The changes take effect on July 6, 2021.
These changes are in response to the continued spread of spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in the United States.
As a measure to reduce the risk of spreading spotted lanternfly through the nursery pathway, additional declarations for this pest will be required to be added to the phytosanitary certificates that are required to accompany woody plant material that is imported from the continental United States and intended for propagation.
The additional declarations for spotted lanternfly will need to appear on the phytosanitary certificates accompanying propagative woody material from the United States, regardless of whether or not the material requires an import permit.
As of July 6, 2021, import permits issued for propagative woody material from the continental United States will specify the new, required additional declarations for spotted lanternfly that must be on the phytosanitary certificates.
The National Centre for Permissions will update import permits for propagative woody material from the United States that were issued prior to July 6, 2021. All permits are expected to be updated by spring 2022. Shipments imported under an import permit that has not been updated with the new additional declarations for spotted lanternfly will be accepted, whether or not the additional declarations appear on the phytosanitary certificate that accompanies the shipment.
Impacted countries
The United States of America
Updates to AIRS
The CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) will be updated to reflect this change and remains the definitive source for up to date import requirements.
For more information
Please see the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Pest Fact Sheet:
Spotted Lanternfly – Lycorma delicatula
Importers are reminded of the duty to report any suspected detections.