June 2004 Update Regarding Canada's Import and ...

June 23, 2004

23 June 2004

June 2004 Update Regarding Canada's Import and Export Policies and World Implementation of ISPM No. 15 as an Import Measure

Exports
Many countries of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) will soon be implementing International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15 as an import measure (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/cwpc/ispm15e.shtml). To meet these import requirements, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has developed a policy D-01-05 Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) for export (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/protect/dir/d-01-05e.shtml).

In consultation with industry and the hardwood working group, hardwood treatment schedules have been developed for dimensional lumber up to four inches in thickness. These schedules are currently available and approved for use in a facility certified under the CWPCP. Dimensional lumber larger than four inches may be heat treated by a facility only if the treatment is verified by the CFIA to meet the requirements of D-01-05.

Imports
Phase-in procedures for D-98-08 4th revision (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/noted98-08e.shtml).

Canada's import requirements for wood packaging materials changed June 1st, 2004. Some of North America's trading partners will not be ready to implement ISPM No. 15 for export on June 1st, 2004, nor will all of the NAPPO members have legislation in place regarding enforcement of ISPM No. 15 on June 1st, 2004. We are currently phasing-in the enforcement of this policy. Importers will receive a non-compliance notice for wood packaging materials not meeting the requirements of the policy. As per normal, Canada will maintain our container inspection program targeting wood packaging. If material is found to contain regulated pests during this phase-in period, the appropriate phytosanitary procedures will still be implemented.

A new target date for strict enforcement has been set for April 1st, 2005 (http://www.nappo.org/Standards/Woodpacking-bil.htm). Starting on this date, wood packaging materials found to be non-compliant may be ordered returned to origin. Costs incurred in returning the wood packaging materials to origin are the responsibility of the person or entity in care and control of the non-compliant wood packaging materials at the time of entry to Canada (including port or berthing facilities receiving untreated dunnage).

A 'Question & Answer' page (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/cwpc/wdpkgqae.shtml)has been developed to answer some common questions with regard to this matter.

For more information, you can contact a local office of the CFIA (http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/directory/offbure.shtml).

Topic(s): 
Other Government Departments (OGDs) Requirements
Information Source: 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
Document Type: 
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