As of February 2, 2015, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) no longer requires an import permit for root crops intended for human consumption originating from areas other than the continental United States. The CFIA’s Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and Directive D-94-26 have been amended to reflect this change.
The other phytosanitary import requirements for root crops have not changed. It is prohibited to propagate material that is imported for consumption (a Phytosanitary Certificate is required for material that is intended for propagation). Material must be free from pests, soil and soil-related matter, and is subject to inspection upon arrival in Canada to verify that it meets Canada’s phytosanitary import requirements.
The phytosanitary import requirements for root crop containers have also been clarified. AIRS now states: “If packaged in containers, the containers must be new or cleaned in a manner that addresses risks from regulated plant pests and removes all organic matter, soil and/or soil-related matter.â€
For any questions, please contact the CFIA’s Horticulture Section.Â