© 2007 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), all rights reserved. Use without permission is prohibited.

National Aquatic Animal Health Program

Aquatic Animals HealthImport Program Dr. Joanne Constantine

Amended Health of Animals Regulations,(Section XVI 190 – 200 and 160 (permits) &

Reportable Disease Regulations• Amendments completed December 10,

2010http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/reg/approe.shtmlOrhttp://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/aqua/aquae.shtml

• Canada’s regulations for control of animal diseases now includes aquatic animals

• Regulatory framework is now consistent with international standards • World Animals Health Organization (OIE)

AND• International obligations

• – World Trade Organization SPS Agreement

Objectives1. Prevent introduction into and spread within Canada of aquatic animal diseases

2. Ensure healthy and sustainable aquatic resources

Three main activities:1. Mandatory notification of Reportable and

Notifiable diseases • Schedule VII and VIII of H of A Regulations and

Reportable Diseases Regulations

2. Control import (permits) for aquatic animals susceptible to regulated diseases

• Schedule III in Health of Animals Regulations

3. Control animal movement within Canada• Domestic permits and zonation

Amended Health of Animals Regulations,(Section XVI 190 – 200 and 160 (permits)) &

Reportable Diseases Regulations

Import Controls:

Who will need a permit?

Health of Animals RegulationsSchedule III -Susceptible Aquatic Animals

• Aquatic animals are regulated –• defined as finfish/molluscs/crustaceans

• Schedule III – susceptible aquatic animals • only those aquatic animals affected by diseases

listed as reportable and immediately notifiable

• List of animals is based on evidence of susceptibility to the CFIA regulated diseases

• Diseases listed based on OIE code and others endemic to Canada

1. Live susceptible aquatic animals (fish, molluscs, crustaceans) and their germplasm

2. Finfish, crustacean and mollusc carcasses, part of a carcass or offal when the end use will be:

1. Bait2. Feed for aquatic animals/Feeding to aquatic animals3. Research4. Diagnosis and testing5. Any purpose that will produce effluent or offal

• This includes processing

NB * 5. Does not apply for products eviscerated, or ready to eat, packaged products

Schedule III - Animals Requiring Permits

Industries and Sectors: Permits in December 2011

• Aquaculture• Baitfish• Feed Manufacturers• Processors of Fish and Seafood • Live Fish Importers • Ornamental and Aquarium Industries• Research Institutions• Diagnostic Labs

Import Requirements• Aquatic animals will need to be declared

and information provided to CBSA upon border arrival

• 405 aquatic animal species (Schedule III) will need permits and/or export certificates

• CFIA will be modifying the HS_OGD codes to include taxonomic names of the regulated animals and new end uses

Exemptions

• Specific fish on the SSL -verify they are “pets”

• Personal use (e.g. taxidermy, food consumption, sport caught fish)• 4 crustaceans, 3 kgs. Molluscs, 10 fish not eviscerated

CFIA Import and Permitting Process

Step 1 – Pre-Import Request

•Import permit application form will be available on the web• Permit applications need to be submitted prior to import• Permits can be flexible – multi species, time limited, multi-entry etc • Permit type depends upon the risk (Origin x End use)

Step 2 Application Process

Permit information requirements include:Consignor ConsigneeSpecies Taxonomic NameDestinationOriginIntended End Use of productPermits are issued as signed documents but not validated until conditions are met

Step 3 - Importer ResponsibilitiesPermit contain:1.Specific Importer instructions and requirements 2. Export conditions and animal health or “zoosanitary” conditions•Zoosanitary certificates signed by Competent Authority in foreign country will need to accompany imports •CFIA negotiating with the countries in advance of Dec 2011

Step 4 Verification Process•Paper work is submitted electronically to CBSA and reviewed by CFIA•There are pre-notification and approval processes to facilitate import (e.g. PARS)•For commodities permit approval can be done in advance if no inspection at the border is required•Inspection requirements depend on the risk(Origin x Species x End Use)

Step 5 - Validation and Decision

•For live animals and high risk end uses inspections will be required•Inspections must be pre arranged• Can occur in quarantine circumstance, post entry into Canada•Licenses for movement are required for latter

So in December 2011…Imports of aquatic animals listed in

Schedule III will need either an:1. Aquatic Animal Health Import permit

2. Zoosanitary certificate signed by Competent Authority of the origin of the animals

Thank you!

Questions?