Canada phases in wood packaging enforcement

OTTAWA, — Canada has joined with the United States in phasing in enforcement of the Wood Packaging Materials (WMP) requirements, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced.

To permit entry into Canada, wood packaging materials are required to have been heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide as specified in the regulation. Other treatments may be acceptable provided their use is pre-approved by the CFIA.

During the first phase, from September 16, 2005 to January 31, 2006, shipments with wood packaging materials found to contain pests will be refused entry. Post-entry treatment of infested wood packaging materials is no longer allowed. If shipments do not contain pests but are otherwise non-compliant, notices of non-compliance will continue to be issued to importers.

In Phase 2, February 1, 2006 to July 4, 2006, shipments with wood packaging materials found to contain pests, or that are lacking the required ISPM No. 15 mark or a phytosanitary certificate, will be refused entry.

During Phase 3, July 5, 2006 and beyond, shipments containing WPM found to be non-compliant in any way will be refused entry.

Provided the WPM is made of U.S. and/or Canadian origin wood, and provided it comes directly from the U.S., then it continues to be exempt from the WPM treatment/marking requirements. The same exemption applies in the case of WPM of U.S./Canadian origin imported into the US directly from Canada, says Customs brokerage firm Livingston International.