Import Requirements for Handicrafts, Decorative and Festive Wood Items

In an effort to protect Canadian agriculture, forestry and the environment, Canada regulates the import of non-processed, non-propagative plant products to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of pests. This notice is to clarify the phytosanitary import requirements for fresh and/or dried plant products commonly found in handicrafts, decorative and festive items with wood components from countries other than the continental United States.

Phytosanitary requirements for plant products commonly found in handicrafts, decorative and festive wood items/items with wood components imported from countries other than the continental United States are dependent on the commodity and may include specific treatment requirements and/or a phytosanitary certificate. Refer to CFIAs directives below for further information on specific products in the table:

D-02-12: Import requirements for non-processed wood and other non-propagative wood products, except solid wood packaging material, for all areas other than the continental United States http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/directives/forestry/d-02-12/eng/1312383927173/1312384324372

D-01-01: Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Entry and Spread of Phytophthora ramorum http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/directives/horticulture/d-01-01/eng/1323825108375/1323825214385

Note that all conifer cones are regulated under CFIAs directive D-02-12 (Sections 2.6.1 and 2.6.2).

Please refer to Section 2.8 of D-02-12 for information on import documentation requirements for bamboo products and treated decorative wood items from a country of re-export (ex. United States), when the product originates from a third country.

For other wood commodities not included in the table, please refer to the appropriate CFIA directive. A complete listing of CFIA Plant Health Directives can be found at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-protection/directives/date/eng/1312227346910/1312227453760

There are HS codes with corresponding OGD extensions that specifically cover each of the noted commodities and the appropriate code must be used when applicable.

It is the responsibility of broker acting on behalf of the importer or person in care and control of the importation to ensure the correct HS codes and OGD extensions are being used when submitting an electronic release through EDI. The use of the appropriate HS codes and OGD extensions will ensure you are accurately declaring the product being imported and that the appropriate legislation is being applied. Please refer to CFIAs Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) for guidance: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/imports/airs/eng/1300127512994/1300127627409

Failure to correctly code CFIA regulated products may result in EDI privileges being revoked. Missing or incorrect phyosanitary documents may result in shipments being refused entry into Canada and may be found to be in contravention of Section 23.1 of the Plant Protection Act which states: No person shall obstruct or hinder or make any false or misleading statements either orally or in writing to an inspector who is performing duties or functions under this Act or the Regulations

The Plant Protection Act and Plant Protection Regulations can be found at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/acts-and-regulations/eng/1299846777345/1299847442232

Please note that requirements for specific commodities are subject to change. Should you have further questions regarding import requirements for any commodity regulated by the CFIA, please contact the National Import Service Centre: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/food/imports/commercial-importers/nisc/eng/1364059150360/1364059265637

Your immediate attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
_______________________________________________________________

Phytosanitary documentation requirements for non-processed wood & non-propagative wood products commonly found in decorative and festive wood items imported from all areas other than the Continental US. 

Note: MC Moisture Content; MBr Methyl Bromide ; PC Phytosanitary Certificate

Commodity: Bamboo Poles and Stakes whole pieces in any size
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: MBr fumigation details on PC
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.7

Commodity: Bamboo Products all dried bamboo furniture, souvenirs and baskets, with individual bamboo pieces Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: Dried
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 1.5

Commodity: Bamboo products containing bamboo pieces that are > 1.5 cm diam
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: MBr fumigation details on PC
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.7 & 2.8

Commodity: Branches/Stems/Vines with/without bark Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: MC  D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 1.5

Commodity: Branches/Stems/Vines with/without bark > 1.5 cm diam
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.2

Commodity: Branches/Stems/Vines P ramorum hosts from regulated areas
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: Hot water treatment 71C for min 1h or Pest free place of production
D-02-12: D-01-01

Commodity: Conifer Cones dried & painted/lacquered as a component of wreaths
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.1

Commodity: Conifer Cones dried
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes

Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.2

Commodity: Conifer Cones for propagation
Import Permit: Yes
Phytosanitary Certificate: -
Entry Requirements*: As per Import Permit
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.2

Commodity: Decorative Wood Items (Household) non-treated decorative wood items; and baskets, branches, wreaths with dried cones
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.1

Commodity: Decorative wood items containing bark; wood > 1.5 cm in thickness or; dried, unsealed cones
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.2

Commodity: Decorative wood items Artificial Christmas trees with bark or wood > 1.5 cm in thickness Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: Yes
Entry Requirements*: MC D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 2.6.2

Commodity: Leaves Coniferous needles/leaves
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: Dried
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 1.5

Commodity: Leaves Non-cereal grasses, reeds, palm leaves (including raffia)
Import Permit: No
Phytosanitary Certificate: No
Entry Requirements*: Dried
D-02-12: D-02-12; Sec 1.5

* All commodities must be free of soil, live pests and debris