1 February 2010

Strengthened Processes for Goods Contaminated With Soil

The following fact sheet was published by CBSA.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is strengthening its commercial importation process regarding goods contaminated with soil. Goods contaminated with soil are not admissible into Canada and this has not changed. However, beginning on February 1, 2011, goods arriving at the Canadian border contaminated with soil will be restricted to a CBSA-controlled environment and may be cleaned by a mobile wash facility approved by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), provided certain conditions are met, e.g. there is no risk of soil dislodging during transport. If a CFIA-approved mobile wash facility is not available, or if other conditions are not met, the goods will be refused entry into Canada. The importer will pay for the cost of this cleaning or removal.

Under the current process, the CBSA may allow the contaminated goods to be transported to a stationary, CFIA-approved treatment facility. However, if certain conditions are not met, the shipment is refused entry into Canada.

This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA's policy regarding soil. It will help the CBSA maintain appropriate control over contaminated goods, thereby further ensuring the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

A Customs Notice will be issued in January 2010 advising stakeholders of the updated process. This will include a twelve-month transitional period to allow industry an opportunity to adjust their operations starting on February 1, 2010.

The CFIA is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent that it applies at the border.