D-97-07: Phytosanitary requirements for the importation from the United States and domestic movement of elm material (Ulmus spp. and Zelkova spp.) to prevent the introduction and spread of Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi (Brasier)) within Canada

Effective Date: June 16, 2026
(second revision)

This directive outlines the phytosanitary requirements established to prevent the introduction of Dutch elm disease (DED), Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier, from the United States (U.S.) and from infested areas of Canada into non-infested areas of Canada: This directive regulates commodity pathways and therefore governs the movement of propagative material, including nursery stock and non-propagative material with bark attached such as:

• logs
• lumber
• firewood
• crates and isolated bark of all species
• hybrids and horticultural cultivars of elm (Ulmus spp. and Zelkova spp.)

This new version updates the regulated areas, including a map of the area regulated in British Columbia (B.C.). Saskatchewan (Sask.) now being considered fully regulated for DED, the partially-regulated map of Sask. was removed from the directive. Additional details to reflect these changes, as well as formatting adjustments, have also been added throughout the document. The order of the sections has also been re-organized.

On this page

• 1. Legislative authority
• 2. Definitions
• 3. Introduction
• 4. Scope
  • 4.1 Regulated pests
  • 4.2 Regulated articles
  • 4.3 Exempted articles
  • 4.4 Regulated areas
  • 4.5 Non-regulated areas
• 5. Phytosanitary requirements
  • 5.1 Prohibitions
  • 5.2 Import requirements
  • 5.3 Domestic movement requirements
  • 5.4 Material for research purposes
  • 5.5 Firewood
• 6. Inspection procedures and reference information
• 7. Non-compliance
• 8. References
  • 8.1 Fees
  • 8.2 Supporting Links
• Appendix 1: Summary of import and domestic movement requirements for elm products
• Appendix 2: Areas of known Dutch elm disease infestations within a partially infested province

1. Legislative authority

The Plant Protection Act (S.C. 1990, c. 22)

The Plant Protection Regulations (SOR/95-212)

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette: Part I (as amended from time to time)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act (S.C. 1995, c. 40)

Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (SOR/2000-187)

2. Definitions

Definitions for terms used in the present document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms.

3. Introduction

Dutch elm disease is a serious disease of elms in almost every country where elm is native or cultivated. First detected in Canada in 1944, the disease has since killed millions of trees in Canada and continues to result in millions of dollars annually to control.

The primary pathways for the disease to spread are:

• elm bark beetle vectors - specifically the native elm bark beetle Hylurogopinus rufipes (Eichh.)
• the European elm bark beetle Scolytus multistriatus (Marsh.)
• most recently, the banded elm bark beetle Scolytus schevyrewi (Semenov)
• the movement of elm trees, logs and firewood

Young elm trees without branches grown to a length of two metres (79 inches) or less with a stem diameter no larger than 1.27 cm (½ inch) pose less risk of carrying the Dutch elm disease fungus, especially if produced from disease-free stock initially. This is because beetle feeding or breeding necessary to introduce the Dutch elm disease fungus is unlikely to occur on unbranched material of this size or smaller. Trees of this size are expected to be free of Dutch elm disease provided they originate from disease-free stock initially.

The most effective control measure is the control of movement of elm material. The provinces of Alberta (Alta), Nova Scotia (N.S.), Manitoba (Man.) and Sask. have provincial regulations in place to control the introduction or spread of Dutch elm disease into their provinces.

In Canada, Dutch elm disease occurs in all provinces except Alberta and Newfoundland-and-Labrador (N.L.). Although isolated incidents of the disease were reported in Alberta in Wainwright (1998) and Lethbridge (2020), they were eradicated. In 2024, Dutch elm disease was detected for the first time in two places: Edmonton (Alberta) where eradication measures are under way and the Kootenay Boundary Regional District of British Columbia.

4. Scope

This directive is intended for the use of:

• the CFIA inspection staff
• Canada Border Service Agency
• Canadian importers 
• national plant protection organizations
• industry
• the public

The directive outlines the requirements and inspection procedures for the importation of and domestic movement of elm (Ulmus spp. et Zelkova spp.) material.

4.1 Regulated pests

• Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. (= Ceratocystis ulmi (Buisman) C. Moreau)
• Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier

4.2 Regulated articles

All propagative material including nursery stock and non-propagative material, with bark attached of all species, hybrids and horticultural cultivars of elm (Ulmus spp. and Zelkova spp.) such as:

• logs
• lumber
• firewood
• crates and
• isolated bark

4.3 Exempted articles

Seeds and non-propagative material of regulated host species which is debarked such as:

• logs
• lumber
• solid wood packing material

4.4 Regulated areas

4.4.1 Generally infested areas

Canada:

• Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.)
• Nova Scotia
• New Brunswick
• Quebec (Que.)
• Ontario (Ont.)
• Manitoba
• Saskatchewan

United States: all states

4.4.2 Partially infested provinces

British Columbia (see map in appendix 2)

4.5 Non-regulated areas

4.5.1 Non infested provinces

Newfoundland-and-Labrador and Alberta. Alberta is considered non-infested because successful eradication measures are in place.

5. Phytosanitary requirements

5.1 Prohibitions

The import of untreated non-propagative material with bark attached of all elm (Ulmus and Zelkova spp.) species hybrids and cultivars from the U.S. to non-infested provinces and non-infested areas within a partially infested province is prohibited. This includes:

• logs
• lumber
• crates
• firewood
• isolated bark

5.2 Import requirements

This directive outlines the phytosanitary requirements for importation from the U.S. and the domestic movement of the regulated article within Canada (see summary in appendix 1). For importation of non-propagative material from all areas other than the continental U.S. consult D-02-12: Phytosanitary import requirements for non-processed wood and other wooden products, bamboo and bamboo products, originating from all areas other than the continental United States. For importation of propagative material from all countries consult D-08-04, Plant Protection Import Requirements for Plants and Plant Parts for Planting.

With respect to regulated material that is to transit through a non-infested region or a non-infested province before reaching its destination, preventive measures are required to mitigate risks. For example, transportation should be carried out in a closed vehicle or only during low-risk periods to prevent the potential release of elm bark beetles.

5.2.1 From the U.S. to generally infested provinces

5.2.1.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

Proof of destination.

5.2.1.2 Propagative material

An Import Permit is required and a Phytosanitary Certificate must accompany the shipment.

5.2.2 From the U.S. to partially infested provinces

5.2.2.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

An Import Permit is required, the shipment must be destined to Dutch elm disease-infested areas within the partially infested province as per the map in appendix 2.

5.2.2.2 Propagative material

A Import Permit and a Phytosanitary Certificate are required

The following additional declaration must appear on the Phytosanitary Certificate:

Ulmus spp. and/or Zelkova spp. material was visually inspected and found to be free of signs and symptoms of Dutch elm disease, Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier."

The shipment must meet the following conditions:

• all material must be transported within the time period of November 1 to April 30, the low-risk period
• plants must be branchless and no more than 2 metres (79 inches) in height, with a stem diameter of 1.27 cm (½ inch) or less
• all material is destined to Dutch elm disease infested areas within the province as per the map in appendix 2

5.2.3 From the U.S. to non-infested provinces and non-infested areas of partially infested provinces of Canada

5.2.3.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

Prohibited.

5.2.3.2 Propagative material

Prohibited.

5.3 Domestic movement requirements

If there is in-transit movement of regulated material through non-infested areas of Canada, then risk mitigation measures. For instance, travel in a fully enclosed vehicle or only during the low-risk period of November 1 to April 30, are required to prevent the potential release of infected elm bark beetles.

5.3.1 From a generally infested province to a generally infested province of Canada

5.3.1.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

No requirements.

Note: all non-propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists, contact the relevant authorities.

5.3.1.2 Propagative material

No requirements.

Note: all propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists, contact the relevant authorities.

5.3.2 From a generally infested province to an infested area of a partially infested province of Canada

5.3.2.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

A Movement Certificate is required. The shipment must be destined to Dutch elm disease- infested areas within the partially infested province as per map in appendix 2.

5.3.2.2 Propagative material

A Movement Certificate is required.

The following additional declaration must appear on the Movement Certificate:

"Ulmus spp. and or Zelkova spp. material was visually inspected and found to be free of signs and symptoms of Dutch elm disease, Ophiostoma ulmi (Buisman) Nannf. and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi Brasier." The shipment must meet the following movement conditions:

• all material must be transported within the time period of November 1 to April 30, the low-risk period
• plants must be branchless and no more than 2 metres (79 inches) in height, with a stem diameter of 1.27 cm (½ inch) or less
• all material is destined to Dutch elm disease-infested areas within the province as per the map in appendix 2

5.3.3 From a generally infested province to a non-infested province or non-infested areas of partially infested provinces of Canada

5.3.3.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

Prohibited.

5.3.3.2 Propagative material

Prohibited.

5.3.4 From a partially infested province to a generally infested province of Canada

5.3.4.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

No requirements.

Note: all non-propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists, contact the relevant authorities.

5.3.4.2 Propagative material

No requirements.

Note: all propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists,  contact the relevant authorities.

5.3.5 From an infested area of a partially-infested province to a non-infested province of Canada

5.3.5.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

Prohibited.

5.3.5.2 Propagative material

Prohibited.

5.3.6 From a non-infested province or a non-infested areas of a partially-infested province to all provinces of Canada

5.3.6.1 Non-propagative material with bark or isolated bark

No requirements.

Note: all non-propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists, contact the relevant authorities.

5.3.6.2 Propagative material

No requirements.

Note: all non-propagative material is subject to provincial and/or municipal legislation where it exists, contact the relevant authorities.

5.4 Material for research purposes

There has been interest in testing the winter hardiness of some Ulmus spp. and/or Zelkova spp. varieties. The CFIA may approve the importation of propagative and/or non-propagative Ulmus spp. and or Zelkova spp. material from the U.S. and partially infested and generally infested provinces of Canada for research purposes. Any proposed research material originating in the U.S. and moving to non-infested areas of Canada will require CFIA approval via a CFIA issued Permit to Import under Section 43, of the Plant Protection Regulations for research purposes only. Any proposed research material originating in generally or partially infested provinces of Canada will require a CFIA issued Movement Certificate for research purposes only. The applicant must also submit a detailed research plan. The research must take place in a CFIA accredited level 2 or higher plant containment facility. Any required certificate or Permit to Import will be issued by the CFIA in consultation with the affected province.

5.5 Firewood

Within this policy directive, firewood is regulated as non-propagative material and may be subject to additional requirements as per directive D-01-12, Phytosanitary requirements for the importation and domestic movement of firewood.

6. Inspection procedures and reference information

Phytosanitary and Movement Certificate(s) must be verified. Material with Dutch elm disease vectors or symptoms of Dutch elm disease will be refused entry, destroyed or returned to origin at importer's expense. Material must be free of all quarantine pests and substantially free of other injurious pests. Forestry products are subject to verification for freedom from bark.

Dutch elm disease signs and symptoms are extremely difficult to detect on logs, firewood and young branchless nursery stock. Below is a generic description of Dutch elm disease symptoms in live trees with leaves and associated sampling procedures.

Infected elm trees show symptoms as early as mid June such as wilting leaves that turn yellow, then curl and turn brown. Symptoms usually appear in the crown of the tree and can be seen until fall colours appear. Sometimes the curls, brown leaves will remain on the tree throughout winter. Trees that become infected later in the summer can cause tree leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely much like normal fall colouration.

If the presence of Dutch elm disease is suspected collect samples from the branch showing symptoms, peel back the bark and look for brown staining in the sap wood. If brown staining is found, remove another section of the branch, try to get a sample that is smooth and straight, lacking any cankers and is not dried out or dead. Cut this branch into 5 pieces that are 10-15 mm long and 2 cm in diameter. Do not remove the bark but remove the leaves and twigs. These samples can be submitted for lab analysis to confirm the presence of Dutch elm disease.

7. Non-compliance

Shipments not meeting the import and domestic movement requirements of this directive will be either, at owner's expense:

• refused entry
• returned to origin
• destroyed

8. Supporting references

8.1 Fees

The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported product, contact the Import Service Centre (ISC). Anyone requiring other information regarding fees may contact their local CFIA office or visit our Fees Notice website.

8.2 Supporting Links

ISPM No. 4, Requirements for the establishment of Pest Free Areas. 1995., FAO, Rome.

ISPM No. 5, Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms. FAO, Rome (updated annually).

ISPM No. 13, Guidelines for the notification of non-compliance and emergency action. 2001. FAO, Rome.

ISPM No. 20, Guidelines for a phytosanitary import regulatory system. 2004., FAO, Rome.

CFIA Policy D-08-04, Plant Protection Import Requirements for Plants and Plant Parts for Planting.

CFIA Policy D-02-12, Import Requirements for Potentially Injurious Organisms (Other than Plants) to Prevent the Importation of Plant Pests in Canada.

CFIA Policy D-01-12, Phytosanitary Requirements for the Importation and Domestic Movement of Firewood.

Appendix 1: Summary of import and domestic movement requirements for elm products

Domestic Movement

Appendix 2: Areas of known Dutch elm disease infestations within a partially infested province

Map: Known extent of Dutch elm disease in British Columbia

Description of the Regulated area in British Columbia^Footnote *

Part of the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary and part of the Regional District of Central Kootenay in the province of British Columbia, more particularly described as follows:

• Commencing at the point of intersection between the United States border with Canada and Highway 22
• Thence proceeding northward along Highway 22 to the intersection of Highway 22 and the limit of the City of Roseland
• From there, north along the western municipal boundary of the City of Rossland to the intersection of the municipal boundary of the City of Rossland and Highway 3B
• From there, head northwest along the northeast side of Highway 3B to the intersection of Highway 3B and Highway 3
• From there, head east on Highway 3 to the municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar
• Thence north along the western municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar to the northern boundary of the City of Castlegar at the centre of the Columbia River
  Note that the entire municipality of Castlegar is included in the regulated zone, even the discontinuous portion near Columbia Road.
• Thence follow east along the northern municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar until the Castlegar-Robson Bridge (Robson Access Road)
• Northeast on Robson Access Road, then continuing southeast on Robson Access Road until the municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar
• Following the municipal boundary until Highway 3: northeast along western edge of the municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar, near Highway 3A until the northeast limit of the municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar; south from the northeast limit of the municipal boundary of the City of Castlegar until the intersection with Highway 3
• Thence southeast on Highway 3 until the intersection of the municipal boundary of the Village of Salmo
• Thence following Salmo municipality boundary north, then east and south then west and south, following Lagoon Road and following the south Salmo municipality boundary until the intersection of Carney Mill Road and Salmo Ski Hill- Carney Mill Road
  From there continue west on Salmo Ski Hill Road- Carney Mill Road to Highway 3 and 6. Note that the entire municipality of Salmo is included in the regulated zone.
• Thence proceeding westwardly following Salmo municipality boundary back to Highway 3 and 6
• Thence proceeding south on Highway 3 and 6 until the intersection of Highway 6
• From there head south on Highway 6 until the Canada/U.S. border
• Thence follow west along the Canada/U.S. border until Highway 22