DRAFT SUBJECT TO COMMENT BY OCTOBER 23, 2026.

Matsucoccus matsumurae Kuwana, commonly known as red pine scale or pine bast scale, is a pest that feeds on the phloem tissue of various Pinus species. It is native to Japan and was introduced in China, South Korea, Europe and the United States (Anderson et al. 1976; Choi et al. 2019; Gertsson 2001; McClure 1983; Van Driesche et al. undated) and is now invasive in those countries. As of June 2026, it had not been detected in Canada. In the United States (U.S.), red pine scale was first discovered in the 1940s and is a significant pest of red pine (Pinus resinosa). It kills red pines of all ages within a few years of infestation and is also known to kill some cultivated exotic pine species used as ornamentals.

The recent northward spread of red pine scale in the U.S., suggests that climatic conditions may be increasingly favourable for establishment in northern areas. A PRA undertaken by the CFIA determined that red pine scale would be able to survive and establish itself in Canada if introduced. The impacts could be devastating, because many of the areas that are climatically suitable for the pest also have natural stands of red pine and exotic ornamental pine tree species.

There are four Pinus species known to be hosts that are present in Canada: P. resinosa (the only host that is native to Canada), P. densiflora, P. tabuliformis and P. thunbergii. The import of host species of pine plants for planting and pine products, such as timber and logs, from infested areas represents high risk pathways for the introduction of the pest into Canada. Existing regulations already address the plants-for-planting pathway for other pests. However, Canada currently has no requirements to mitigate the risk associated with pine logs with bark that originate from infested areas of the continental U.S.

This RMD provides options with regards to the regulation of red pine scale in Canada. The removal and destruction of bark from logs of hosts species of pine imported from infested areas are suggested measures to prevent the introduction of red pine scale into Canada.

Red pine scale is proposed for addition to the List of Pests Regulated by Canada. Another proposed measure is the inclusion of additional declarations on Phytosanitary Certificates issued by the U.S. for the export of host pine species to Canada. These measures are expected to reduce the risk of the pest being introduced into Canada. Alternatively, importers would also have the option to participate in a compliance program for importing host species of pine forest products with bark (such as logs) from infested areas of the continental U.S.