Implementation of ISPM 15 (2009) for Wood Packaging Between Canada and the United States

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

Memorandum To:

• Association du camionnage du Québec
• British Columbia Chamber of Shipping
• Canada Wood
• Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters
• Canadian Chamber of Shipping
• Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association
• Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors
• Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers
• Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association
• Canadian Manufacturers Association
• Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board
• Canadian Society of Customs Brokers
• Canadian Transportation Equipment Association
• Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association
• Canadian Wood Pallet and Container Association
• ESSA Canada LLC
• Supply Chain and Logistics Association Canada

Wood packaging material (WPM) moving in international trade (wooden pallets, crates, dunnage, etc. used in the transportation of goods) is regulated by many countries - to prevent the spread of pests - in accordance with the specifications described in the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15 (2009) Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.

On December 2, 2010, the United States published a proposed rule notifying their intention to regulate the import of wood packaging material from Canada in the same manner as wood packaging material entering from other countries.

The CFIA is also revising Canada's regulatory policies for wood packaging material entering or leaving Canada:

• D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Materials Produced in All Areas Other Than the Continental United States will be revised to include wood packaging material from all United States.
• D-01-05: Canadian wood packaging certification program (CWPCP) for export will be revised to include exports of wood packaging material to the United States.

Although the full implementation timelines have not been finalized, it is expected that the Canadian policies and the United States final rule will be published in the spring of 2011, at which time both countries will commence a period of "informed compliance", during which wood packaging material found non-compliant will be permitted to proceed to destination provided no pests are present. However, the carrier will be notified that shipments will be required to comply with ISPM No. 15 once full implementation occurs. If pests are detected, the countries will enforce actions such as requiring treatment of the shipment, or refusing the shipment to enter the country.

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Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Wood Packaging

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