Commercial Import of Lulavim Allowed Into Canada

By COLlive reporter

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which regulates imports into Canada, has banned a commercial import of Lulavim, hadassim and Aravos, it was reported on Tuesday, causing Jews to fear how to observe the customs of Sukkos this year.

The CFIA website states that Lulavs are allowed to be imported “For ceremonial or religious use during the holiday of Sukkot. Lulavs are for personal use only and must accompany the traveler at the time of entry into Canada. Commercial imports are not permitted.”

The site also states: “A Permit to Import is not required. A Phytosanitary Certificate is not required.

“The authorized period for import is 3 days prior to the beginning of Sukkot through to 8 days following the end of the holiday.

“Lulavs must be free from insect and disease pests. If insect pests or diseases are found on any of the items that make up the lulav, the lulav will be prohibited from entering Canada. Travelers must state the origin of the willow.”

Dovid Leib Silverstein, owner of Rodal’s Judaica in Montreal, who received the news told residents that the only way for thousands of Canadian Jews to be able to observe the Mitzvah of Lulav is to travel to the United States within 3 days of Sukkos and bring it back into the county for personal use.

Later on Tuesday, Silverstein reported that the shipment has been allowed into the country, crediting the involvement of community activists and Rachel Bendayan, Member of Canadian’s Parliament for Outremont.

The CJHQ – Jewish Hasidic Council of Quebec issued a statement:

“Baruch Hashem there is no Ban on imports of Dalat Minim and Beseyata Dishmaya Canadian Jews will have their Dalat Minim the same as every year.

“Since the issue happened this morning CJHQ has been in touch with officials from Several levels in the Federal government and it has BH been resolved.

“The issue was a case of misclassification of goods at the customs and Baruch Hashem we were able to clarify.”