Dear Members,
The Canadian Food Inspections Agency (CFIA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) jointly issued the attached notification reminding industry of key Flighted Spongy Moth Complex (FSMC) inspection and certification requirements.
In addition to obtaining FSMC certification, CFIA and USDA are requesting extra vigilance when vessels conduct self-inspection in order to prevent a high number of vessels with egg masses arriving in 2026. Vessels must arrive in North American ports free of FSMC and having already obtained pre-departure certification.
Key points of the notice include the following:
- It is the responsibility of the shipping lines to meet all requirements for entry to the U.S. and Canada, including freedom from FSMC and other pests of concern;
- Vessels should be inspected and certificated free of FSMC by a recognized certification body;
- Vessels must provide two-year port of call data, at least 96 hours prior to arrival in a North American port, to the vessel’s Canadian or U.S. agent;
- Conducting post certification checks of the vessel while en route to North America and removing any FSMC observed, particularly after navigating shipping routes close to shore in FSMC regulated areas, is recommended to confirm continued freedom from FSMC prior to arrival.
We invite members to review the full notice, and to kindly contact the undersigned with any questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Nathan Phillips
Operations Analyst