Dear Member,
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has advised us of their annual reminder of the program requirements for vessels which have called on areas regulated for the FSMC, Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (previously known as the Asian Gypsy Moth, AGM).
Please click here for the bulletin from CFIA to industry regarding the name change of Asian Gypsy Moth to Flighted Spongy Moth Complex.
Please take note that that there have been no changes to the policy other than the change in name from Asian Gypsy Moth to Flighted Spongy Moth Complex. It is expected that it will take time to update websites, policies and forms to reflect the new name and therefore, reference to AGM (Asian Gypsy Moth) may continue to be seen during the transition period.
It is also important to note that the change in name has no bearing on program requirements or regulations. Therefore, the name AGM (Asian Gypsy Moth) appearing on certificates will continue to be considered valid if they have been issued by a recognized certification body.
For Western Canada, please click here for the notice of High Risk Period, which goes from March 1, 2023 to September 15, 2023.
For Eastern Canada, please click here for the notice of High Risk Period, which starts March 15, 2023 to September 15, 2023.
Also, for Eastern Canada, we would like to bring to your attention that there are still COVID-19 restrictions in place for vessel inspection. Therefore, all vessels arriving at Canada’s East Coast without the required certification for Flighted Spongy Moth Complex are still being inspected only at the designated offshore anchorage location in Halifax Harbour, as directed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Please direct any questions to the undersigned or Chad Allen, Director of Marine Operations at callen@shipfed.ca.
Sincerely,
Farah Ahmad
Administrative Coordinator
Shipping Federation of Canada