D-98-08 - Wood Packaging Import Requirements
The following note is from the CFIA, and is found at http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/for/noted98-08e.shtml. This follows our message to members of 21 September 2005 about harmonization of Canadian and American practices concerning wood packaging requirements.
Canada has joined with the United States and Mexico, the three members of the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), in the staged implementation of the regulation of wood packaging under the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15. Under this standard, as of September 16, 2005, any regulated wood packaging materials found to be non-compliant with Canadian import requirements may be ordered removed from Canada.
During the first phase, September 16, 2005, until January 31, 2006, shipments with wood packaging materials found to be infested will be refused entry. Notices of non-compliance will continue to be issued to importers where no pests are found, but where shipments are non-compliant. Post-entry treatment of infested wood packaging materials, which was allowed until now, will be discontinued.
During the second phase, February 1, 2006, until July 4, 2006, all shipments found to have infested wood packaging materials, or that are lacking an ISPM No. 15 mark or a phytosanitary certificate, will be refused entry, whether or not signs of pests have been detected.
During the third phase beginning July 5, 2006, Canada will refuse entry on all non-compliant wood packaging.
Canada's import requirements cover solid wood (excluding manufactured wood and paper products) used in packaging, supporting, protecting, bracing or carrying a commodity, including ships' dunnage. The intent of these requirements is to reduce the risk of introducing Invasive Alien Species (IAS), harmful pests which are known to be transported and spread via untreated wood packaging. The introduction of these pests could have a serious negative impact on Canada's plants and trees, including those important to the logging, horticulture and agriculture industries.
Wood packaging materials manufactured from wood of Canadian or U.S. origin that have not moved internationally are exempt from the treatment and marking requirements of Canadian and U.S. wood packaging import regulations. Shipments moving from Canada to the U.S. must be accompanied by a declaration on the shipping or customs documents stating that the wood packaging is derived from trees harvested in the U.S. or Canada. All costs incurred in removing non-compliant wood packaging materials from Canada will be the responsibility of the person or entity in care and control at the time of entry to Canada.
From the U.S. Homeland Sercurity
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin enforcement of the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) import regulation for wood packaging material (WPM). The rule requires WPM, such as pallets, crates, boxes, and dunnage used to support or brace cargo, to be treated and marked. In cases of non-compliance, the WPM will be subject to immediate export along with the accompanying cargo. Click here for further information.
