Changes to EU export requirements for tomato and pepper seeds

As of January 1st, 2025 Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) will be regulated by the European Union (EU) as a regulated non-quarantine pest (RNQP).

Prior to January 1st, 2025 the EU regulated ToBRFV as a quarantine pest (QP) and required an additional declaration on a phytosanitary certificate to meet the EU’s requirements.

As of January 1st, 2025, neither a phytosanitary certificate nor an additional declaration is required for ToBRFV. However, seeds of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) and Capsicum annuum L (pepper) exported or re-exported to the EU must fulfill the requirements related to ToBRFV as listed in Annex V of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The requirements include the following options:

• The seeds originate in a country officially established as free from ToBRFV.
  

OR

• The seeds have been officially tested and found free of ToBRFV.

OR

• If the seed lot originates from 30 or less mother plants, the seeds or the mother plants need to be officially tested and found free from ToBRFV.

Upon arrival in the EU, 20% of the consignment may be sampled and tested for the presence of ToBRFV. This applies to seeds produced in all countries except China and Israel.

Seeds produced in Canada can be exported as originating from a country officially established as free from ToBRFV. If seeds produced in Canada test positive for ToBRFV upon entry into the EU, the CFIA may conduct follow-up at the establishment where the seeds were produced.

To re-export tomato and pepper seeds to the EU, exporters will need to provide documentation to demonstrate one of the above requirements has been met. The following documents may be provided by the exporter:

• a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating the seeds were produced in a country free from ToBRFV,

  
  

• a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating the seeds were officially tested and found free from ToBRFV by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the country of origin,

  
  

• official test results from the NPPO of the country of origin indicating the seeds were tested and found free from ToBRFV.

Resistant varieties are exempt from these requirements. Exporters will need to provide documentation to the CFIA to show the variety is resistant.

For more information please refer to the World Trade Organization notifications: G/SPS/N/EU/789 and G/SPS/N/EU/789/Add.1