| Enforcement of Wood Packaging Regulations begins February 1st |
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(Ottawa, January 20, 2006)… On February 1, 2006, Canada, USA and Mexico will begin Phase 2 of the Wood Packaging Import Regulations. During this Phase, extending from February 1, 2006 to July 4, 2006, international shipments arriving in North America found to have infested wood packaging materials, or lacking an ISPM No. 15 mark or a phytosanitary certificate (Canada only), will be refused entry, whether or not signs of pests have been detected.
Full enforcement will begin on July 5, 2006, when all non-compliant wood packaging will be refused and ordered re-exported from North America.
Upon import, proof of treatment (copy of IPPC Stamp Coding) is required to gain release from the appropriate Plant Protection Organization of Canada, USA or Mexico.
If the shipment contains no solid wood packaging an "exporter's declaration" is required.
Shipments within North America:
a) Shipments from Canada to USA:
Wood packaging manufactured from wood of Canadian origin that has not moved internationally is exempt from the treatment and marking requirements of U.S. wood packaging import regulations. Canadian origin wood packaging is also exempt from treatment and marking requirements when moving to non-continental territories of the U.S.
All shipments entering the USA (and U.S. non-continental territories) from Canada containing unmarked wood packaging materials must contain a declaration on customs documentation or importer's letterhead stating that "Wood packaging in this shipment is derived from trees harvested in the U.S. or Canada".
If shipments from Canada do not contain the appropriate wood packaging declaration, U.S. Customs will assume that the packaging is of the same origin as the goods contained thereon and may refuse entry. Shipments moving through Canada for ultimate destination to the USA are subject to full International regulations.
The current policy, which requires that wood packaging must be free of living pests/diseases or signs thereof, is still in effect for both countries.
b) Shipments from USA to Canada:
Wood packaging manufactured from wood of USA origin that has not moved internationally is exempt from the treatment and marking requirements of Canadian wood packaging import regulations.
There are no requirements for treatments, marking or declaration for shipments imported into Canada from the USA. Shipments moving through the USA for ultimate destination in Canada are subject to full International regulations.
The current policy, which requires that wood packaging must be free of living pests/diseases or signs thereof, is still in effect for both countries.
c) Shipments from Mexico to USA/Canada:
The same regulations for International shipments apply to all imports into Canada/USA from Mexico.
For more information, please contact Brian Rowe, General Manager – Customs Consulting Services or David Lychek, Manager – Ocean Services (905) 882-4880.
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