General requirements for exporters under the REGAL program

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Approved samplers

Container or railcar shipments

  • Grain must be sampled by a CFIA-approved sampler
  • CFIA inspectors or facilities and third-party samplers approved under the Canadian Grain Sampling Program (CGSP) are approved samplers for containerized shipments

Bulk vessel shipments

  • Grain must be sampled by a CFIA-approved sampler
  • The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) is the only approved sampler for bulk vessel shipments

Sampling

Container or railcar shipments

When CFIA inspectors collect the samples, the exporter will inform the inspector if the sample is to be sent to a REGAL authorized laboratory for testing.

  • The CFIA inspector will sample the shipment, label the samples and complete a sample submission form
  • The CFIA inspector will provide the sample to the exporter, who is responsible for arranging for courier service to the REGAL authorized laboratory of their choice

When CGSP-approved facilities or samplers collect the samples:

  • the requirements of the CGSP must be followed
  • the sample submission form must meet the requirements set out in the CGSP, Appendix 7
  • the exporter and the sampler must collaborate to use a common unique identifier that is traceable on the sample submission form and the application for a phytosanitary certificate (for example, lot number, railcar number, etc.)
  • the CGSP-approved sampler or exporter is responsible for sending the samples and the sample submission form directly to the preferred REGAL authorized laboratory

Bulk vessel shipments

  • The exporter is responsible for requesting an official sample from the CGC to be tested for weed seeds, percentage soil and live insects
  • The CGC will notify the exporter when the official sample is available for pickup. The exporter arranges a courier for shipment to the preferred REGAL authorized laboratory

Testing by a REGAL authorized laboratory

Container or railcar shipments

  • The exporter is responsible for selecting a REGAL authorized laboratory to perform testing
  • The CFIA maintains a list of REGAL authorized laboratories and weed seeds eligible for testing by REGAL authorized laboratories
  • REGAL authorized laboratories are responsible for setting the fees related to testing performed for the grain industry
  • REGAL authorized laboratories will provide a copy of the sample submission form and the report of analysis to the exporter
  • The exporter must submit the following to the CFIA at least 10 days before the grain is shipped:
    • the sample submission form
    • the report of analysis and
    • the application for a phytosanitary certificate

Bulk vessel shipments

  • The exporter is responsible for selecting a REGAL authorized laboratory to perform testing
  • The CFIA maintains a list of REGAL authorized laboratories and weed seeds eligible for testing by REGAL authorized laboratories
  • REGAL authorized laboratories are responsible for setting the fees related to testing performed for the grain industry
  • Each CGC official sample sent to a REGAL authorized laboratory will contain a sample label that provides the necessary information for the issuance of the phytosanitary certificate
  • REGAL authorized laboratories will provide a copy of the label from the CGC's official sample and the report of analysis to the exporter
  • The exporter must submit the following to the CFIA:
    • the copy of the label
    • the report of analysis and
    • the application for a phytosanitary certificate

Samples where soil, weed seeds or live insects are detected by the laboratory for container, railcar and bulk vessel shipments

  • REGAL authorized laboratories provide all laboratory results directly to the CFIA when soil, weed seeds regulated by the destination country, or live insects are detected
  • The local CFIA office will initiate follow-up action, as required

Application for a phytosanitary certificate for containerized shipments and bulk vessel shipments

  • The exporter must attach the following before submitting the request for a phytosanitary certificate to the CFIA inspection office:
    • the sample submission form (containerized shipments) or sample label (bulk vessel shipments) and
    • the report of analysis
  • The exporter is responsible for submitting the request to the CFIA at least 10 days before the grain is shipped (containerized shipments) or as soon as the results are available from the REGAL authorized lab (bulk vessel shipments)
  • CFIA inspection staff will carefully interpret laboratory results that are provided in support of phytosanitary certification. Exporters are encouraged to contact their local phytosanitary certificate issuing office if there are questions related to their test results
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