Dear CSCA members,
On May 16, 2019 the CFIA received a notification from the Government of Vietnam stating that Vietnam Plant Protection Department (PPD) has recommended that Vietnam suspend the import of all shipments Canadian grains and oilseeds (including pulses) that have the potential to contain creeping thistle (Cirsium arvense). This recommendation comes after Vietnam PPD identified the presence of creeping thistle in 9 more container shipments (including 1 shipment of peas). The 9 detections are in addition to previous notices of non-compliance that have been issued by Vietnam PPD for detection of creeping thistle in Canadian shipments.
Vietnam PPD has communicated that an official notification of suspension on the import of all Canadian grains and oilseeds could be issued to Canada as soon as June 1, 2019, upon which a 60-day grace/transition period would be implemented for shipments in transit from Canada to Vietnam.
CFIA continues to work with Vietnam PPD to find a technical resolution to this matter prior to Vietnam’s implementation of an import suspension on all Canadian grains and oilseeds. As you will recall (included in below email), CFIA recently implemented additional phytosanitary certification measures for exports to Vietnam in order to prevent further creeping thistle detections and is hopeful that these measures will aid in preventing an import suspension.
This situation remains fluid and subject to change. CSCA members with exports intended for Vietnam are encouraged to reach out to Pulse Canada for the latest information regarding Vietnam market access.