Entry of Treated Non-manufactured Wood Packaging Materials
Non-manufactured wood packaging materials may enter Canada provided the material has been officially treated by one of the two specified methods.

A logo or mark, officially endorsed by the NPPO (National Plant Protection Organization) of the country from which the wood packaging originates, must be permanently affixed to each unit of wood packaging materials.

The NPPO of the origin country must have a certification system in place for the approval and monitoring of facilities producing treated wood packaging materials. This certification system must ensure that the wood packaging materials or wood used in wood packaging materials are treated in accordance with one of the two specific treatment methods. Facilities must be approved by the NPPO to affix a mark to the treated wood packaging materials. The system of marking must conform to the laid out specifications.

The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency), until June 1, 2004, may permit the entry of wood packaging materials from countries that do not have a certification system in place. The wood packaging materials must have been treated in accordance with the treatment specifications and must be accompanied by a document officially endorsed by the NPPO of the country producing wood packaging materials. The document must identify the treatment that has been applied to the wood packaging materials, the date treatment was applied, the signature and date of the certifying official of the NPPO and the nature of the product accompanying the wood packaging materials (i.e. Natural Rubber). Arrangements regarding the types of certificates to be used, the endorsements to be applied, must be made available to the CFIA prior to any wood packaging materials certified in this manner entering Canada.

Non-Compliance
The importation or movement in-transit through Canada of untreated non-manufactured wood packaging materials from any area of the world excluding the United States is prohibited.

Untreated non-manufactured wood packaging materials originating from areas other than the United States but transiting through the United States and entering Canada is prohibited.

Any regulated material found to be in non-compliance with the important requirements will be ordered removed from Canada.

Inspection Requirements
CFIA inspection staff will inspect imports containing wood packaging materials at a rate specified within Area operational work plans. Inspectors will verify that wood packaging materials are marked appropriately or accompanied by appropriate certification documents and check that the wood packaging material does not contain any pests or signs of living pests.

Approved Methods of Treatment
The three methods of treatment listed below are approved according to ISPM-15 regulations. Any of the methods below may be used to ensure the regulations are satisfied.

1. Heat Treatment
All wood packaging materials must be heated to a minimum internal wood core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes. Kiln-drying, chemical pressure impregnation, or other treatments may be used as a means of achieving heat treatment provided that the above temperature and time requirements are met.

2. Fumigation
Wood may be fumigated with methyl bromide at normal atmospheric pressure at the following rates:

Temperature	Dosage Rate	Minimum concentration (g/m3)
		0.5 hrs	2 hrs	4 hrs	16 hrs
21°C or above	48	36	24	17	14
16°C or above	56	42	28	20	17
11°C or above	64	48	32	22	19

3. Other Treatment Methods (subject to prior verification)
The CFIA may approve other treatment measures, if it can be proven that such measures are effective in minimizing the risks of quarantine pests associated with untreated wood packaging materials. Importers should contact a local office of the CFIA to enquire about the use of other treatments. All costs associated with the verification that an alternative treatment method is effective in precluding pest movement into Canada, must be borne by the shipper.

Systems Acceptable for the Marking of Treated Wood Packaging Materials
Wood packaging materials that has been treated by one of the two specified methods and in a manner officially endorsed by the NPPO of the country from which the wood packaging material originates may be permitted entry into Canada provided the wood packaging materials is marked as follows:

1. The mark must as minimum include:

• The IPPC symbol for treated wood packaging materials as reproduced here:

• Any other marking system provided by the NPPO of the country in which the wood packaging materials is produced, provided a template of the officially endorsed symbol has been provided to the CFIA prior to any shipments being received.

2. NPPOs or producers may at their discretion add control numbers or other information used for identifying specific lots. Other information may also be included provided it is not confusing, misleading, or deceptive.

3. Markings should be legible, permanent and not transferable (tags are not allowed), and placed in a visible location on at least two opposite sides of the article being certified.

4. The colors: red or orange should be avoided.

5. Reconditioned wood packaging materials must be treated and contain the marks of the facility approved to perform the re-treatment.

Additional Resources
Additional information is available by visiting the following links: