D-22-04: Box tree moth (Cydalima perspectalis) – domestic and import phytosanitary requirements

Effective date: May 23, 2023
Version 1 (original)

Subject

This directive describes import and domestic phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction to, and spread within Canada of Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth).

On this page

• 1.0 Legislative authority
• 2.0 Definitions, abbreviations and acronyms
• 3.0 Introduction
• 4.0 Scope
  • 4.1 Regulated pest
  • 4.2 Regulated articles
    • 4.2.1 Articles not in the scope of this directive
  • 4.3 Regulated areas
    • 4.3.1 Canada
    • 4.3.2 Continental United States
    • 4.3.3 Areas other than the continental United States
• 5.0 Phytosanitary requirements
  • 5.1 General import requirements
  • 5.2 CFIA-recognized pest free area
  • 5.3 CFIA-accepted systems approach
• 6.0 Specific requirements
  • 6.1 Import requirements
  • 6.2 Domestic requirements
• 7.0 Non-compliance
• 8.0 References
  • 8.1 Fees
  • 8.2 Supporting documents
• Annex 1: Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth) pest module
• Annex 2: Preventive control plan
• Appendix 1: List of areas in Canada regulated for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)
• Appendix 2: List of quarantine areas in the continental United States for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)
• Appendix 3: Countries regulated for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)
• Appendix 4: List of countries with a CFIA recognized pest free area for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)
• Appendix 5: List of countries with a CFIA-accepted systems approach for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

1.0 Legislative authority

Plant Protection Act (S.C. 1990, c. 22)

Plant Protection Regulations (SOR/95-212)

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette, Part I (as amended from time to time)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act (S.C. 1995, c. 40)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (SOR/2000-187)

2.0 Definitions, abbreviations and acronyms

Definitions of terms used in this document can be found in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 5: Glossary of phytosanitary terms or the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA's) Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

3.0 Introduction

Cydalima perspectalis, box tree moth (BTM), is a serious pest of Buxus spp. (boxwood). Although not native to North America, this woody ornamental plant represented an estimated annual value of $40 million to the Canadian nursery sector in 2020. Cydalima perspectalis larvae feed on the leaves of Buxus spp. plants leading to plant defoliation if left unmanaged. Feeding damage from the larvae is easily visible on the plant, with leaves often appearing skeletonized. Defoliation and dieback are unsightly, and reduce the plant value and in extreme cases result in plant death. The introduction and spread of C. perspectalis in North America is a concern to the landscape and nursery sectors. There are 2 main areas of Buxus spp. production in Canada, British Columbia (BC) and eastern Canada, primarily in southern Ontario (ON). It is not industry practice to ship Buxus spp. plants from Ontario to British Columbia.

In 2018, C. perspectalis was detected for the first time in North America in the greater Toronto area of Ontario, Canada. To date, in Canada, C. perspectalis has only been detected in southern Ontario and only in association with Buxus spp.

In 2021, C. perspectalis was confirmed in New York State. The United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) in cooperation with the New York State Agriculture and Markets (NYSAGM) established a quarantine area for BTM in Erie, Niagara, and Orleans counties in the State of New York. Interstate movement of regulated articles of Buxus spp. from the quarantine area is prohibited.

In November 2022, after consideration of comments on the proposed Risk Management Document RMD-22-02 in the summer of 2022, C. perspectalis was added to the List of pests regulated by Canada and a regulated area including all of Ontario was established. This directive summarizes domestic and import requirements for Buxus spp. plants for planting in Canada.

4.0 Scope

4.1 Regulated pest

Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

4.2 Regulated articles

• Buxus spp. plants for planting, including rooted and unrooted cuttings

Note: these articles may also be subject to other requirements in addition to those specific to the scope of this directive. Please consult the list of all Plant Health directives, Schedules I and II of the Plant Protection Regulations and the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information.

4.2.1 Articles not in the scope of this directive

• Buxus spp. branches/cuts for decorative purposes and not intended for propagation
• Buxus spp. seeds
• Buxus spp. in vitro

Note: although not regulated under this directive, all material moving from a regulated area (Appendix 1) to an unregulated area must be free from all life stages of box tree moth. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that the material moving out of a regulated area is free from all life stages of box tree moth.

Note: requirements for these articles may exist in other directives. Please consult the list of all Plant Health directives or the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for more information.

4.3 Regulated areas

4.3.1 Canada

See Appendix 1

4.3.2 Continental United States

See Appendix 2

4.3.3 Areas other than the continental United States

See Appendix 3

Regulated articles from the countries listed in Appendix 3 are subject to the requirements in this directive due to the presence of C. perspectalis in the country.

Regulated articles entering Canada via a third country must meet the same phytosanitary requirements as shipments that are imported directly into Canada from the country of origin.

5.0 Phytosanitary requirements

Note: this directive describes only the phytosanitary requirements related to C. perspectalis. Other requirements may also apply. Please consult the list of Plant Health directives and the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) or contact the CFIA for details.

5.1 General import requirements

Regulated articles must meet the applicable requirements of D-08-04: Plant protection import requirements for plants and plant parts for planting, in addition to the requirements listed in this directive. Imported material may be subject to inspection upon arrival to Canada.

5.2 CFIA-recognized pest free area

Buxus spp. plants for planting originating from countries where C. perspectalis is present may be certified for export to Canada if produced in a CFIA-recognized pest free area.

The pest free area must be established and administered under the authority of the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin, in accordance with the requirements identified in International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 4: Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas. Additionally, consignments from a pest free area transiting to a packinghouse or a port through an area not known to be free of the pest must be covered with an insect-proof mesh, screen or plastic tarpaulin or otherwise safeguarded from infestation by C. perspectalis.

The CFIA will review the protocols to establish and maintain pest free areas submitted by the exporting country's NPPO as per International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 29: Recognition of pest free areas and areas of low pest prevalence. The NPPO must demonstrate to the CFIA that the conditions of ISPM 4 are met.

Appendix 4 lists the countries for which the CFIA has recognized a pest free area for C. perspectalis.

5.3 CFIA-accepted systems approach

Regulated articles may be imported into Canada or moved out of regulated areas in Canada under a CFIA-accepted systems approach that conforms to international guidelines as per International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 14: The use of integrated measures in a systems approach for pest risk management.

For imports, the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country must submit a written description of the systems approach to the CFIA for review to determine if it meets Canada's import requirements. The CFIA will review the systems approach proposal and communicate the results in writing to the NPPO. The NPPO must approve and oversee the places of production or production sites that use the systems-based integrated measures.

Annex 1 is the Box Tree Moth pest module that could be used in established systems-approaches, such as the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP), United States – Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP), and the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute's Clean Plants Program. It may also be applied to other CFIA-accepted systems-approaches.

Annex 2 presents the minimum requirements for written procedures for a systems-approach (preventive control plan [PCP]).

Appendix 5 lists the countries for which the CFIA has accepted a systems approach for C. perspectalis.

6.0 Specific requirements

6.1 Import requirements

The official phytosanitary import requirements for all CFIA-regulated articles are outlined in CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) and may also include requirements under other directives. The requirements described in this section are specific to C. perspectalis.

See Appendix 4 for CFIA-recognized pest free area and Appendix 5 for CFIA-recognized systems approach.

6.2 Domestic requirements

7.0 Non-compliance

The CFIA will follow the guiding principles in its Compliance and Enforcement Policy when informing regulated parties, assessing and monitoring compliance and responding to instances of non-compliance.

Violations may be subject to penalties as described within the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act and regulations

Imported articles may be inspected by the CFIA and must meet all requirements when reaching their first point of arrival in Canada. Articles that are found to be infested with pests of quarantine concern or are otherwise non-compliant will be refused entry to Canada, and may be ordered removed from the country or destroyed. Infested articles may be ordered treated prior to disposal to prevent the spread of pests. The importer is responsible for all costs relating to treatment, disposal or removal of the articles, including costs incurred by the CFIA to monitor the action taken. The CFIA will advise the NPPO of the country of origin and/or re-export of any non-compliance as per directive D-01-06: Canadian phytosanitary policy for the notification of non-compliance and emergency action.

8.0 References

8.1 Fees

The CFIA charges fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees, please contact your local CFIA office or visit the CFIA's Fees Notice website.

8.2 Supporting documents

Cydalima perspectalis (Walker) – (Box tree moth)– Fact sheet - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

RMD 22-02 Pest risk management decision for the regulation of Cydalima perspectalis in Canada

D-04-01: Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP)

D-16-02: Administration of the United States – Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP)

Annex 1: Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth) pest module

A domestic movement certificate is required to move Buxus spp. plants for planting material from a regulated area to a non-regulated area in Canada (excluding British Columbia). CFIA inspection of a facility must be completed as part of the review process of the pest module and the review of preventive control plan (PCP) and pest module. CFIA inspection of a shipment may also be required. A facility requesting a domestic movement certificate must have a:

• CFIA-accepted systems approach such as the United States-Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP), the Canadian Nursery Certification Program (CNCP), or the Canadian Nursery Certification Institute's (CNCI) Clean Plants Program with a C. perspectalis pest module in place

  Once the pest module has been developed by the facility, it is to be submitted to the local CFIA office. The pest module will be reviewed and accepted by the CFIA when all requirements of the system are met. An additional inspection of the facility may be conducted to confirm the ability of the facility to follow the written procedures.

or

• for facilities not on a systems approach (GCP, CNCP, Clean Plants), the facility is required to submit written procedures (PCP) (Annex 2) and the pest module to the local CFIA office

  The PCP and pest module will be reviewed and accepted by the CFIA when all requirements of the system are met, and an inspection of the facility must be conducted to confirm the ability of the facility to follow the written procedures.

The pest module and/or PCP should be reviewed on an ongoing basis (minimum once per year) by the facility to ensure that the procedures and processes effectively address the risk associated with C. perspectalis. If major changes affecting the delivery of the program are made, the pest module must be reviewed by the CFIA.

The sections of the pest module follow a sequence of general facility information (sections A.1 and A.2), a summary of the pest biology and associated risks (A.3), an evaluation of the specific risks for the pest at the facility (A.4), and sections A.5-A.8 where the facility identifies the measures specific to the management of box tree moth (BTM). These measures are in addition to the systems-approach measures already in place at a facility within the systems approach framework. Alternate measures implemented by the facility to mitigate identified risks must be detailed within the pest module and may require acceptance by the CFIA. Section B includes facility commitment and approval verification. To support the development and implementation of the pest module, please refer to the companion document and the best management practices developed by the industry found at the clean plants website.

A.1. Contact information

A.2. Systems approach

A.3. BTM-Specific risk factors to consider

A.4. Facility risk analysis

Attach a map of your facility that illustrates the farm locations and specific blocks where host plants will be produced (the specific blocks/fields or farm locations listed in section A.1), as well as identifying the border areas. Your current CNCP/GCP/Clean Plants maps may already include this information. Note: specified fields or blocks must be separated by at least 3 m (10').

A.5 – A.8 BTM Specific pest risk mitigation measures at the facility

A.5. Administrative controls

A.6. Systems to establish and maintain pest freedom

A.7. Verification that pest freedom has been attained or maintained

A.8. Emergency planning (what happens if you find the pest at your facility?)

B. Signatures for commitment and approval

B.1. Statement of facility commitment

B.2. Pest module administrative approval (to be completed by CFIA)

Annex 2: Preventive control plan

For a facility, in a regulated area (see Appendix 1), that is not a participant in a CFIA-accepted systems approach (such as, GCP, CNCP, Clean Plants), the facility will be required to submit written procedures in the form of a preventive control plan (PCP) and the pest module checklist (Annex 1).

A preventive control plan (PCP) describes a systems-based approach implemented by the facility that focuses on prevention of pest introductions and spread. Depending on the nature of the operation, the PCP to control the spread of the BTM will include some or all of the following phytosanitary control points, and a description of how the associated outcome(s) will be achieved. For more information on the PCP process, please refer to the Integrated Agency Inspection Model - Canadian Food Inspection Agency (canada.ca).

Once the PCP has been developed, it must be submitted along with the pest module in Annex 1 to the local CFIA office. The PCP will be reviewed and accepted by the CFIA, and an inspection of the facility must be conducted to confirm the ability of the facility to follow the written procedures.

The PCP should be reviewed on an ongoing basis (minimum annually) by the facility staff to ensure that the procedures and processes effectively address the risk associated with BTM. If major changes affecting the delivery of the program are made, the PCP must be reviewed by the CFIA.

A PCP will be implemented and managed through inspection of regulated articles by the regulated party and oversight by CFIA. For all facilities operating under a PCP, the CFIA will review the PCP and an onsite preventive control inspection will be performed to confirm that the elements of the PCP can be met.

Each facility will determine the elements that need to be included in its PCP. The following elements should be considered:

Incoming inputs (Element 1.1 a of Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

The receiving process is controlled to achieve regulatory compliance and prevent pest introductions into the facility.

The PCP describes specific handling procedures and how pest introductions are prevented:

• the facility must demonstrate and document the methods for handling incoming materials, including identification and/or segregation of material that is awaiting inspection by trained staff
• the source material is known in order to determine compliance and enable trace back if BTM is detected

Finished product (Element 1.2 of Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

The shipping process is controlled to achieve regulatory compliance. Finished products must meet regulatory requirements.

The PCP describes how end product is evaluated for compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and how the risk of introduction/spread of BTM is mitigated.

Pre-shipment inspections of regulated commodities must be conducted by trained facility staff prior to moving from the facility to an unregulated area of Canada, other than BC, or to be exported. CFIA inspection of the finished product may also be required when applying for a domestic movement certificate.

Regulated commodities may only be moved under the authorization of the CFIA. This authorization will be in the form of either a movement certificate (domestic) or phytosanitary certificate (export).

• List of all destinations/buyers that they ship to is included in the PCP and maintained up to date
• Procedures to ensure that Buxus spp. plants meet the requirements in D-22-04 are described
• Procedures to verify that Buxus spp. plants are free from BTM prior to ship out of the regulated area are described
• The facility has a process and written records that Buxus spp. plants meet D-22-04 requirements when shipping outside the regulated area
• The facility has a statement or process indicating that a copy of the domestic movement certificate will accompany each shipment of Buxus spp. plants
• The facility has measures in place to ensure the Buxus spp. plants shipped under the movement certificate will be move directly to the location indicated on the movement certificate
• Records related to domestic requirements are maintained for a period of 3 years List of records maintained by the facility must be detailed in the PCP

Pest control (Element 2.2. Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

PCP describes program for prevention, control and removal of pests, and schedule for monitoring for evidence of signs of pest activity.

• Description of the inspection to detect signs and symptoms of BTM, including training, and documented inspection report
• The facility must demonstrate and document inspection, scouting and monitoring of BTM during the growing season
• Description of the process to report suspected BTM to the CFIA

  The PCP must include procedures describing how the facility will collect, safeguard and report to the CFIA a detection of any life stages of BTM. The PCP must describe the procedures to follow to resume shipping after a positive detection.

• If treatment is applicable, the PCP should describe what the facility intends to do to mitigate the risk of movement of potentially infested articles

  Records of treatment and description of procedure used must be documented.

Employee Training (Element 3.2 of Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

Employees have adequate technical knowledge and understanding of operation(s) or processes that they are responsible for and how they may impact plant health, the environment and other regulatory requirements.

The facility must be able to demonstrate that their employees are properly trained and understand their roles in relation to the handling of Buxus spp. plants to ensure compliance with regulations.

The employees must be able to recognize signs and symptoms of BTM.

The facility will designate 1 individual responsible for the PCP and will be responsible for:

• ensuring that this PCP is complied with
• ensuring that the designated staff are adequately trained to inspect for and identify all life stages of BTM
• ensuring that any find of BTM on product or within the facility is reported to the CFIA

The PCP must include:

• description of training provided to staff responsible for inspecting and identifying BTM life stages documented
• training frequency
• description of procedure for training newly hired staff
• how training is documented and maintained
• a sample of the monitoring record used to track employee training

Premises and surroundings (element 5.1 of Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

PCP includes:

• maps on file indicating where the host plant production occurs
• description of how inspections of premises and surroundings are conducted
• description of isolation/buffer zone or other practices in place to minimize the risk of introduction or movement of BTM

Traceability and control (element 7.1 of Integrated Agency Inspection Model)

PCP describes the traceability and control process used at the facility.

PCP details how the Buxus spp. plants are traced to the next point of distribution and the process for contacting customers and the CFIA in case of suspect BTM findings.

PCP includes a description of records to be kept (for a period of 3 years), including records pertaining to:

• training
• staff
• purchasing
• inventory control

Appendix 1: List of areas in Canada regulated for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

Province of Ontario

Appendix 2: List of quarantine areas in the continental United States for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

State of New York: Counties of Erie, Niagara, and Orleans

State of Michigan: Counties of Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Jackson, Livingston, Monroe, Oakland, and Wayne

Appendix 3: Countries regulated for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

Regulated articles from the countries in the following list are subject to the requirements in directive D-22-04 due to the presence of C. perspectalis. This list may change at any time based on new information and products imported to Canada must always be free from C. perspectalis regardless of country of origin.

Note that the articles regulated in D-22-04 may not all be authorized entry into Canada from the countries below. For complete import requirements, including prohibitions, see the list of all Plant Health directives and the CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS).

• Albania
• Austria
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• China
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• France
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Guernsey
• Hungary
• India
• Italy
• Ireland
• Japan
• Korea, Republic of
• Kosovo, Republic of
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Moldova, Republic of
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• North Macedonia, Republic of
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia Federation
• Serbia
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Türkiye
• Ukraine
• United Kingdom

Appendix 4: List of countries with a CFIA recognized pest free area for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

At this time, the CFIA has not recognized any pest free areas for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth).

Appendix 5: List of countries with a CFIA-accepted systems approach for Cydalima perspectalis (box tree moth)

United States:

• United States Nursery Certification Program (US-NCP) with a box tree moth pest module

Note: Buxus spp. plants for planting from Canada imported under the US NCP will be allowed only after implementation of the pest module for Cydalima perspectalis by the facility. A US-NCP Phytosanitary Certificate may be used in lieu of a traditional Phytosanitary Certificate with this additional declaration: "This shipment of plants was produced in accordance with the United States Nursery Certification Program (US-NCP) and is considered to conform with the phytosanitary import requirements of Canada." No pest-specific or plant-specific additional declarations will appear on the US-NCP Phytosanitary Certificate (reference: D-04-01).

Note: at this time, Federal Order DA-2021-11 prohibits the importation of Buxus spp., Euonymus spp., and Ilex spp. plants for planting from Canada. Buxus spp. plants for planting will not be eligible for export from the U.S. to Canada under the United States – Canada Greenhouse-Grown Plant Certification Program (GCP) until trade of these plants between Canada and U.S. resumes. GCP and CNCP are accepted systems to support domestic movement within Canada.