Imports & Exports

Members of the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) are active in a number of initiatives from variety exchange agreements at the research and development level to contractual agreements for
production of seed for export and import. Below are a number of documents detailing requirements for seed imports and exports.

• Seed Trade Import/Export Codes
• Imports- ABCs of Seed Importation into Canada
• USDA / APHIS Phytosanitary Requirements for Seed Entering USA from Canada
• Seed Exports Using the OECD Seed Scheme
• Automated Import Reference System

Seed Trade Import/Export Codes

Seed Trade Import/Export Codes
This is the summary of codes to be used on all seed, imports and exports and is provided for the easy reference of CSTA International Division members. Please have your internal people or Customs House use these codes. Accurate use of these codes is important.

USDA/APHIS Phytosanitary Requirements for Seed Entering USA from Canada
Summary of Documentation Requirements for Seeds Shipped to USA Effective January 22, 2002

• English Summary
• French Summary
  

Detailed Requirements of Status of Seeds Entering the United States for Planting Under Foreign Quarantine 7CFR319.37

• English Requirements
• French Requirements

Documentation Acceptable for Seed Shipped to the USA from Canada

• Sample of CFIA Seed Analysis Certificate 5289
  
• Sample of PPQ Form 925
  
• Instructions to complete PPQ Form 925 and CFIA Certificate
  5289
• English Instructions
• French Instructions
• CFIA Phytosanitary Certificate issued by CFIA offices – link to CFIA
• CFIA Labs Accredited to Issue PPQ Form 925 and CFIA Certificate 5289
• D-Memo D-02-10. This directive outlines five options to certify seed exports from Canada to the United States.
• English Memo – link to CFIA
• French Memo – link to CFIA

Seed Exports Using the OECD Seed Scheme

Canada has been active in the formulation of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Certification Rules since 1962. The scheme allows Canadian produced seed to be inspected and certified by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to the standards of the importing OECD member country.

Canada must now assist in funding the OECD Seed Schemes, and it was agreed that the Canadian Seed Trade Association will participate in the raising of additional funds. It was acknowledged that the beneficiaries of the schemes are those that seal and label seed with OECD labels, and that these companies will be assessed an OECD fee based on the net quantity of seed sealed.

The CSTA will levy an administration fee on all export shipments under the OECD. The administration fee is refunded to CSTA members. These levies will be used to pay the OECD administrative assessment each year.