Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Plant Products Directorate
Plant Health Division
Forestry Section

Canada’s Import Policy for Wood Packaging Materials

Entry of Wood Packaging into Canada

Canada strictly regulates the entry of wood packaging from all countries of the world. The entry requirements for wood packaging from all areas except the United States are specified in policy D-98-08. The requirements for the entry of forestry products from the United States are specified in a number of policy directives including D-94-22 (pine shoot beetle), D-98-09 (gypsy moth), D-01-01 (sudden oak death) and others.

Wood packaging is any piece of non-manufactured wood used to brace, support, protect or secure a consignment or cargo. Wood packaging products include, but are not limited to dunnage, crating, wood boxes, load boards, pallets, wooden wire drums and skids.

Wood packaging products constructed entirely (100%) from manufactured parts: plywood, plastics, cardboard, fibre board and oriented strand board are exempt from Canada’s import requirements.

All wood packaging entering Canada may be subject to inspection by the CFIA. Any wood packaging found to be infested with pests or not appropriately treated, where the treatment does not meet the specific requirements for entry will be returned to the country of origin, destroyed or if available treated. Any costs associated with the inspection or safe disposal of non-compliant material is the responsibility of the person importing the commodity.

Canada changed it’s import policy for wood packaging on June 1^st 2004

In March of 2002, the International Plant Protection Convention, of which Canada is a member, adopted International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15; Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade. This standard advocates that countries adopt approved treatment measures and a marking system for wood packaging moving internationally. It is anticipated that most of Canada’s trading partners will implement the International Standard in the future.

When Canada receives official notification of changes in import requirements for wood packaging from a foreign country, a notice will be posted on the CFIA wood packaging website.