Wood Packaging

The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada from all threats, including those posed to the environment through harmful pests and invasive alien species. As of July 5, 2006, the Canada Border Services Agency will refuse shipments containing wood packaging that do not meet Canadian import requirements.

• Import Requirements
• Infested Shipments
  • Returning infested shipments
  • Mixed loads
• Additional Information

Import Requirements

Wood packaging found to be non-compliant with the Government of Canada’s import requirements will be refused entry into the country. These import requirements cover solid wood (excluding manufactured wood and paper products) used in packaging, supporting, protecting, bracing or carrying a commodity, including dunnage.

Wood packaging must be treated, marked, or have a valid Phytosanitary Certificate and be free from living pests. The regulation does not differentiate among types of loads or types of entry document. Wood packaging is either compliant or non-compliant and will be handled accordingly.

Infested Shipments

Shipments showing visible signs of infestation will be immediately safeguarded to mitigate the risk of pest escape and will be refused entry.

Returning infested shipments

It will be the responsibility of the importer(s) or the person in care and control of the shipment to determine an alternate destination that will accept the untreated wood packaging.

The regulation does not state that non-compliant wood packaging must be returned to any particular country, i.e. the country of origin. It simply states that non-compliant wood packaging may not come into Canada. Non-compliant shipments must be secured at the port and removed from Canada as soon as possible.

Mixed loads

Shipments showing visible signs of pest infestation will be refused entry, whether they are mixed loads or not. The CBSA is under no obligation to separate non-compliant wood packaging from compliant wood packaging or associated merchandise. If the CBSA determines that separation of the non-compliant crates from the cargo is not feasible, then the entire shipment shall be refused entry.

All expenses related to the movement, inspection, separation, safeguarding, storage and ultimate disposition of non-compliant wood packaging will be the responsibility of the importer(s) or the person in care and control of the shipment.

Additional Information

• CFIA Wood Packaging Questions and Answers
• 2006-03-09: Government Steps up Enforcement of Wood Packaging Import Requirements
  • Non-Compliant Wood Packaging – International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15