Canada sets final date for new wood packaging rules

CANADA’S STRICT new import requirements for wood packaging materials will take effect on April 1, 2005. That’s the word from Cargocare managing director Roland Raath who told FTW last week that wood packaging materials found to be non-compliant after that date would be returned to the point of origin. Costs incurred will be the responsibility of the person in control of the non-compliant materials at the time of entry. This includes port or berthing facilities receiving untreated dunnage. Canada changed its wood packaging rules on January 2 this year in order to harmonise its import regulations with a new International Standard ISPM No 15 - regulating wood packaging used in trade. Enforcement of the policy is currently being phased in. If packaging is found to contain regulated pests during this phase-in period, the appropriate phytosanitary procedures will be implemented.