The CFIA has recently been notified of a detection of Bonamia ostrea (a reportable disease in Canada) in New Zealand in Ostrea chilensis (Chilean Flat Oyster).
 
As a result of this disease detection, the CFIA will be changing the AIRS release recommendation from “Approved with Documentation” to Refuse Entry for the following HSOGD Codes.
 
03.07.11.6295.18 - Ostrea chilensis - TSN 79882 - Chilean flat oyster  (live or non-ready-to-eat, shell on) (fresh or chilled)
03.07.19.6295.18 - Ostrea chilensis - TSN 79882 - Chilean flat oyster (non-ready-to-eat, shell on) (other)
 
All live and with both shells intact Ostrea chilensis (Chilean Flat Oyster) will be refused entry into all areas of Canada for all end uses with the exception of British Columbia. Imports into British Columbia for further processing and retail use/food service will be unaffected.
 
As per international standards, half shell and shucked products of Ostrea chilensis (Chilean Flat Oyster) are considered a safe commodity and do not require an aquatic animal health permit or aquatic animal health export certification from New Zealand.  Provided that importers are properly declaring the HS Codes for half shell products, trade in this commodity should not be impacted.  In order to minimize impacts on importers of half shell and shucked Ostrea chilensis (Chilean flat oyster) products, this commodity should be declared under the following HSOGD Codes:
 
03.07.11.6295.19 - Ostrea chilensis - TSN 79882 - Chilean flat oyster (non-ready-to-eat, shell off) (fresh or chilled)
03.07.19.6295.19 - Ostrea chilensis - TSN 79882 - Chilean flat oyster (non-ready-to-eat, shell off) (other)
 
For information on the aquatic animal health regulations and import requirements for aquatic animals please visit the CFIA website at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/aqua/imp/impe.shtml.
 
You can contact the CFIA Centre of Administration for more information at:
 
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 1-855-212-7695 or 613-773-0801