The CFIA published amendments to the Weed Seeds Order (WSO) on May 18th, 2016 in Canada Gazette, Part II which come into force on November 1, 2016. The amended WSO includes harmful new species and reclassifications of existing species.

Registered Seed Establishments, Operators and Graders need to be familiar with the changes so that they are ready to apply the changes on November 1st, 2016. The new WSO includes:

• the addition of 16 species to Class 1 (Prohibited Noxious), 16 species to Class 2 (Primary Noxious) and 5 species to Class 3 (Secondary Noxious),
• the reclassification of 11 species from Class 1 (Prohibited Noxious) to Class 2 (Primary Noxious), 7 species from Class 2 (Primary Noxious) to Class 3 (Secondary Noxious),
• Class 2 (Primary Noxious) weed seeds applying to all Grade Tables in Schedule I of the Seeds Regulations, and,
• Camelina spp. and Chicorium intybus have been removed from Class 3 (Secondary Noxious) and are now considered other weed seeds.

Operators, Graders and seed industry stakeholders can access additional information on the CFIA website:http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/seeds/weed-seeds-order/eng/1463453027786/1463453028410

Please use the following links to download a copy the Weed Seeds Order documents prepared by CFIA:

• Weed Seeds Order, 2016 Poster
• CFIA Notice on WSO Amendments