New Canadian requirements for wood packaging material from China

1. The purpose of this customs notice is to inform importers about a change to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) wood packaging policy. Starting September 1, 2009, phytosanitary certificates from China for wood packaging material will no longer be accepted in Canada due to high rates of non-compliance from China. A valid International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark will be the only accepted treatment certification method.

2. Beginning June 1, 2009, importers will be granted a three-month grace period whereby wood packaging material accompanied by a Chinese phytosanitary certificate in lieu of an IPPC mark will be allowed to enter Canada, subject to a verification of the certificate's authenticity by the CFIA and China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

3. The CFIA has advised China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the phased-in approach that will be used to implement this policy change:

1. Phase I: The CFIA is now notifying Canadian importers that as of September 1, 2009, a valid IPPC mark is the only accepted treatment certification method for wood packaging material from China.
2. Phase II: Starting June 1 and until September 1, 2009, phytosanitary certificates that are presented in lieu of valid IPPC marks will be verified.
3. Phase III: Starting September 1, 2009, the new policy change will be fully enforced. The Canada Border Services Agency will refuse the entry of any wood packaging material certified with a Chinese phytosanitary certificate in lieu of a valid IPPC mark.

4. For examples of valid IPPC marks, please consult the IPPC's Web site at www.ippc.int.
Food, Plant and Animal Programs Unit
Partnerships Division
Admissibility Branch
Canada Border Services Agency
Telephone: 613-957-6868
Fax: 613-946-1520