Import requirements for lumber of tropical or non-tropical wood species from all countries except the continental United States - Plant Protection Act

Forestry Division

Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate
59 Camelot Drive
Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0Y9

1. Lumber of tropical wood species

• A permit to Import is not required.
• A valid Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country, is required. The tropical lumber must meet the following conditions:
  • free of bark;
  • free of pests;
  • free of signs of living pests;
  • free of soil; and
  • listed as a tropical species in Appendix 2 of the Policy Directive and Revision Number: D-02-12 (5^th Revision) which are exempt from treatment.

Note: Lumber of tropical wood species that is re-exported to Canada by a foreign country other than the country of origin:

• A permit to Import is not required.
• A valid Phytosanitary Certificate for re-export or a valid Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the NPPO of the re-exporting country is required.

2. Lumber of non-tropical wood species

• A permit to Import is not required.
• A valid Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) of the exporting country, is required. The lumber must conform to the following conditions:
  • free of bark;
  • free of pests;
  • free of signs of living pests;
  • free of soil; and
  • the Phytosanitary Certificate must attest that the lumber was either heat treated to attain a minimum temperature of 56ºC throughout the profile of the wood (including at its core) for a minimum of 30 minutes or fumigated with methyl bromide as specified in Appendix 1 of D-02-12.

Note: Lumber of non-tropical wood species that is re-exported to Canada by a foreign country other than the country of origin:

• A permit to import is not required.
• A valid Phytosanitary Certificate for re-export or a valid Phytosanitary Certificat issued by the NPPO of the re-exporting country with the treatment details is required.

Note: Lumber of non-tropical wood species imported and treated in the US may be re-exported to Canada if accompanied by one of the following documents:

• A valid US Phytosanitary Certificate specifying the origin of the lumber and all applicable treatment details in the treatment section of the certificate; or
• A Phytosanitary Certificate for re-export attesting to the above treatment specifications; or
• A separate treatment document issued by a Heat Treatment facility registered with an American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) accredited Grading Agency; or
• A Fumigation Certificate, in lieu of a Phytosanitary Certificate will be accepted from fumigation facilities recognized by the USDA-APHIS, as listed on the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association

Note: For non-tropical lumber, where the material cannot be heat treated to attain a minimum temperature of 56ºC throughout the profile of the wood (including at its core) for a minimum of 30 minutes or fumigated with methyl bromide as specified in Appendix 1 of D-02-12, alternate treatment which will mitigate the risk of pest introduction may be considered. In order for the CFIA to assess the alternate treatment, the importer is required to apply for a Permit to Import prior to importation of the product. A Permit to Import may be issued where it is determined that the alternate treatment will mitigate this risk.

3. For both tropical and non-tropical lumber

• It is the importer's responsibility to verify the tropical/non-tropical status of the species being imported prior to importation.
• It is the importer's responsibility to ensure whether the species being imported is listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). CITES sets controls on the international trade and movement of animal and plant species that have been, or may be, threatened due to excessive commercial exploitation. Please contact Environment Canada, or check the CITES to verify if the species is listed and the requirements that apply.

Note: In addition to the requirements outlined above, please be advised that all shipments of regulated material imported into Canada may be subject to inspection upon arrival and all costs associated with non-compliant imports are the responsibility of the importer. Imported shipments found to be non-compliant are refused entry and further subject to one or several of the following actions at the importer's expense:

1. Pest eradication treatment, if infested by a plant- or plant-product pest, or if there are signs and/or symptoms of live pests;
2. Return of imported shipment to the Country of origin; or
3. Disposal in a manner approved by CFIA.

These requirements although current at this time are subject to change. For most up to date information please refer to Directive D-02-12

National Manager
Forestry Division