Canadian officials yesterday announced plans to put stiffer restrictions on the importing of Hawai'i fruits, vegetables and flowers in an effort to prevent the introduction of the light brown apple moth.

State and federal officials yesterday were unsure how much the regulations that take effect June 25 will affect local exporters. Dorothy Alontaga, who specializes in plant protection and quarantine at U.S. Department of Agriculture, said it's possible the new restrictions could require so-called phytosanitary certificates for products that previously did not require such documentation. The department does not know how many shippers might be affected — however, many of the produce types involved are not major Hawai'i exports, including apples, pears and blueberries.

Alontaga said local exporters should check with Canadian officials to determine how they will be affected by the new restrictions.

Yesterday's announcement follows a switch to stricter import restrictions in California in the spring. Those also are aimed at preventing the spread of apple moths, which attack grapes, apples, citrus and other crops.

Canada "is implementing these measures to protect the competitiveness and access to foreign markets of Canadian fruits, vegetables and horticultural products," said Chuck Strahl, Canadian minister of agriculture, in a news release. "Further, we must protect our natural environment, and contribute to the well-being of our citizens by preventing the introduction of the light brown apple moth and other invasive pests into Canada's farms and orchards."

Light brown apple moths are usually found at higher elevations in Hawai'i. They have been in the Islands for at least 100 years and have not been a problem.

Reach Sean Hao at shao@honoluluadvertiser.com.