Changes to import requirements for Fraxinus spp. from the U.S.

Due to the upcoming removal of the United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) domestic emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) quarantine regulations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be prohibiting the movement of Ash species (Fraxinus spp.) for propagation and ornamental use from the United States effective January 14th, 2021. For specific requirements for fresh and dried ash branches please see the CFIA automated import reference system (AIRS). Also, ash logs and wood products must now be imported with an import permit or a phytosanitary certificate and in some situations will only be allowed to be imported during the low risk season (October 1- March 31).

The National Centre for Permissions will be updating existing permits for plants for planting to remove ash species (Fraxinus spp.) and anticipate that all permits will be updated by March 1st, 2021.

Impacted countries
The United States of America

Updates to AIRS
CFIA's Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) was updated to reflect this change and remains the definitive source for up to date import requirements.

For more information
The following directive will be updated to reflect these changes.
D-03-08: Phytosanitary Requirements to Prevent the Introduction into and Spread within Canada of the Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)

If you have any questions, please use the established communication pathways.