D-03-08: Phytosanitary requirements to prevent the introduction into and spread within Canada of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis (Fairmaire)

Effective date: January 12, 2024
(5th Revision)

Subject

This directive contains the phytosanitary requirements to prevent the entry into, and spread within, Canada of the emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire. It regulates commodity pathways for import from the continental United States (U.S.) and domestic movement within Canada, and governs the movement of logs, trees, wood, wood and bark chips, nursery stock, wood packaging materials, and other articles in the genus Fraxinus (commonly known as ash) and firewood of all species.

This directive has been revised to include all of the continental U.S. as regulated for EAB. This step was taken in response to the U.S. deregulation of EAB that came into effect on January 14, 2021. Finally, some administrative changes and rewording were done throughout the document.

On this page

Review

This directive has been updated on January 12, 2024. This update was required to consider the end of fee remission for inspection activities related to domestic movement.

Endorsement

Approved by:

Chief Plant Health Officer

Amendment record

Amendments to this directive will be dated and distributed as outlined in the distribution below.

Distribution list

  1. Directive mail list (areas, regions, Plant Health Risk Assessment (PHRA), United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), other federal government departments)
  2. Provincial government, industry (via regions)
  3. National industry organizations (Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association, Hardwood Lumber Bureau, Canadian Lumber Standard Accreditation Board, other Lumber industry representatives) and the public
  4. Internet
  5. North American transport industry representatives

Introduction

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an introduced wood boring beetle native to Eastern Asia. It was found for the first time in North America in the summer of 2002 in Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. All North American and many exotic species of ash (Fraxinus spp.) are susceptible to EAB attack and infestation.

In its larval stage, EAB feeds on the inner bark creating serpentine galleries or tunnels. This disrupts the flow of water and nutrients inside the tree's vascular system, eventually killing the tree. At outbreak levels, ash trees are frequently killed within two to three years of initial attack, sometimes even after one year in instances of high EAB populations.

Ash trees are a major component of forests and urban landscapes in both Canada and the U.S. They are commonly found ranging from the Atlantic Provinces through to western Canada, where they are one of a few tree-genera suitable for urban planting. Ash trees aid in maintaining the health of the environment by providing habitat to numerous animals, including birds. They are also integral to air quality and the ecological health of soil and watersheds. The loss of ash trees would reduce or eliminate sources of food and shelter for wildlife, decrease biodiversity, and diminish the health of Canadian forests, and impact urban landscapes. Other amenity values of trees in urban environments, including sequestering gaseous air pollutants and particulate matter, energy conservation, storm-water attenuation, noise buffering, enhanced aesthetics and physiological well-being, can also be negatively impacted. In addition, blue ash and pumpkin ash are two species already considered rare or vulnerable in their native range of Southwest Ontario; these may be extirpated due to EAB.

Ash trees are of considerable economic importance to Canada. For example, ash represents an important component of hardwood and manufactured products. Exports of ash lumber alone were valued at about $22 million in 2013, which represents about 22% of the value of all hardwood lumber exports (Industry Canada, 2013). Furthermore, ash products are used for a variety of purposes, including flooring, furniture, tools, sports equipment (e.g. hockey sticks and baseball bats), and First Nations handicrafts, such as baskets. Ash trees are also a major component of nursery stock sales in Canada (Farm gate value), valued at more than $570 million annually (Statistics Canada, 2012). EAB has had a major impact on the demand for, and production of, ash nursery stock in both Canada and the U.S. The movement of infested ash nursery stock, logs and firewood from infested areas facilitates long-distance EAB-dispersal and constitutes an ecological risk to Canada's forests.

Scope

D-03-08 outlines requirements for domestic movement of regulated articles, and the importation of regulated articles from the continental U.S. All other movement of regulated articles are governed under associated CFIA Directives. These include, but are not restricted to, policies listed in the reference section. D-03-08 also outlines the purpose and requirements of the EABAFCP. Quality Systems Manuals (QSM) 07 and QSM 08 are supporting documents to D-03-08. These QSMs provide supplementary and detailed information about the EABAFCP for facilities and auditors, respectively.

References

  • CFIA Directive D-08-04: Plant Protection Import Requirements for Plants and Plant Parts for Planting: Preventing the Entry and Spread of Regulated Plant Pests Associated with the Plants for Planting Pathway.
  • CFIA Directive D-03-02: Canadian Heat Treated Wood Products Certification Program (CHTWPCP).
  • CFIA Directive D-02-12: Import Requirements of Non-manufactured Wood and Other Non-propagative Wood Products, Except Solid Wood Packaging Material, From All Areas Other Than the Continental United States.
  • CFIA Directive D-01-12: Phytosanitary Requirements for the Importation and Domestic Movement of Firewood.
  • CFIA Directive D-01-06: Canadian Phytosanitary Policy for the Notification of Non-compliance and Emergency Action.
  • CFIA Directive D-01-05: The Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) for Export.
  • CFIA Directive D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Materials Produced in All Areas Other Than the Continental United States.
  • Industry Canada 2013, accessed February 2014.
  • ISPM number 20, Guidelines for a Phytosanitary Import Regulatory System, FAO, Rome. 2004
  • ISPM number 13, Guidelines for the Notification of Non-compliance and Emergency Action. FAO, Rome, 2001
  • ISPM number 5, Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms, FAO, Rome. (updated annually)
  • ISPM number 4, Requirements for the Establishment of Pest Free Areas, FAO, Rome, 1995
  • ISPM number 10, Requirements for the Establishment of Pest Free Places of Production and Pest free Production Sites, FAO, Rome, 1999
  • Statistics Canada, 2012, accessed February 2014.

This directive supersedes D-03-08 (4th Revision) and Directive D-01-12 (firewood) with respect to restrictions on firewood movement from areas regulated for EAB.

Definitions, abbreviations and acronyms

Definitions of terms used in the present document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms or in the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) (ISPM 05) Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms.

1.0 Phytosanitary requirements

1.1 Legislative authority

  • The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c. 22
  • The Plant Protection Regulations, SOR/95-212
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act, S.C. 1997, c. 6
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada Gazette: Part I (as amended from time to time)
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act (1995, c. 40)
  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations (SOR/2000-187)

1.2 Fees

The CFIA charges fees in accordance with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For information regarding fees associated with imported products, please contact the National Import Service Centre (NISC). For all other information please contact a local CFIA office or visit the CFIA Fees Notice web page.

1.3 Regulated pests

All life stages of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, known as emerald ash borer (EAB).

1.4 Regulated articles

Regulated articles include all of the articles listed below.

Trees and any part thereof including fresh leaves, branches (with or without leaves), sawn wood, bark, logs, lumber, pulpwood and any other wood product that could harbour or sustain the life cycle of EAB, and nursery stock (rooted and unrooted) of the genus Fraxinus (commonly known as Ash).

Fraxinus spp. bark and chips.

All wood packaging materials with an ash component including pallets, pallet stock, wood packaging, and dunnage.

Firewood of all genera.

Facilities registered with the CFIA under the Canadian Heat Treated Wood Products Certification Program (CHTWPCP) or the Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) may produce compliant articles, provided that they are produced in accordance with their respective programs and display the prescribed marks, tags, or certificates.

1.5 Exempt articles

Fraxinus spp. tissue culture. Regulations for the import of tissue culture are outlined in D-08-04.

Fraxinus spp. seeds and dried leaves.

Compost that does not contain raw wood input greater than 2.5 cm in 2 dimensions.

All processed wood materials that are completely free of bark, of sapwood and free of pests and/or signs of live pests and that have been subject to conditions or treatments that have altered the article in a manner to significantly reduce the potential of the wood items to provide a habitat for EAB. Treatments or conditions include heat, manufacturing, or another process approved by CFIA which makes the product unsuitable for the survival or establishment of pests.

Some examples of exempt articles are: sawdust, tool handles, sporting goods, plywood, veneer, wood pellets, fibreboard, particle board, oriented strand board, wafer board, moulding, baseball bats, finished flooring, handicrafts, baskets, snowshoes, hunting and fishing decoys, and canoe paddles that are made from ash trees and are free of bark, free of sapwood and free of signs of pests.

Note: Exempted articles are subject to inspection and verification.

To determine the phytosanitary requirements of an article not listed in Section 1.4 and 1.5, please contact a CFIA office.

1.6 Regulated areas

Consult Appendix 1 for a list of regulated areas for EAB in Canada and the continental United States.

1.7 High and low risk periods

The high risk period for EAB emergence and flight is from April 1 to September 30. The low risk period is from October 1 to March 31.

2.0 Domestic movement requirements

Written authorization for movement in the form of a Movement Certificate (CFIA/ACIA 0108) from the CFIA is required to move regulated articles out of regulated areas unless the articles bear the marks or are accompanied by the documentation as prescribed under the CHTWPCP and CWPCP. Provided that the risk of EAB spread is mitigated, Movement Certificates may be obtained via CFIA inspection or under the EABAFCP, as described in section 5.

Conditions for the domestic movement of regulated articles to mitigate risk are outlined in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3.

Note: The domestic movement of regulated articles from non-regulated areas is not restricted under this directive. However, other directives may apply. Please contact the CFIA for more information.

3.0 Import requirements

Specific details of import requirements are outlined in Appendix 4.

3.1 Document verification

All shipments of regulated articles imported into Canada must be referred to the National Import Service Centre (NISC). CFIA import specialists will verify that documentation accompanying shipments of regulated articles meets the import requirements.

4.0 Product inspection

Consignments containing regulated articles are subject to inspection and sampling prior to entering Canada or at any place within Canada by CFIA staff. Consignments will be examined for EAB and signs of other living pests. During inspection, the presence of bark, soil, or other signs of pest will also be inspected to ensure that requirements have been met.

CFIA inspectors may require the dismantling of wood products, destuffing of containers and unloading shipments of products from their conveyance. CFIA may also collect samples for the purpose of species identification. All costs related to this activity are to be borne by the person in care or control.

If required, inspectors may detain any shipments, or portions thereof, that are deemed Non-compliant. See Section 6.0 for more information on non-compliant articles.

5.0 Emerald Ash Borer Approved Facility Compliance Program (EABAFCP) overview

The EABAFCP has been developed to mitigate the spread of EAB in Canada while facilitating the movement of regulated articles. It is a voluntary, audit-based program focused on domestic movement and importation of regulated articles from the continental United States. Any company, individual or organization that moves, receives, or processes regulated articles on a regular basis can benefit from the flexibility afforded by participation in the EABAFCP.

Section 2.0 describes the need for Movement Certificates issued by the CFIA. Participants in good standing on the EABAFCP have Movement Certificates issued for a period of time, based on audits, rather than individual inspections of product. Consult with your local CFIA office to determine the suitability of the EABAFCP to the specific operations of your facility.

Municipalities that foresee possible movement of regulated articles out of a regulated area must enroll in the EABAFCP or provide an equivalent Standard Operating Procedure acceptable to the CFIA.

5.1 EABAFCP facility registration

Details of the EABAFCP application process and program requirements are outlined in QSM-07. A list of EABAFCP approved facilities can be found on the CFIA Website.

Wood packaging producers in regulated areas that produce wood packaging materials with an ash component must register under the EABAFCP or the Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) as detailed in Directive D-01-05.

5.2 EABAFCP audits

The EABAFCP is an audit based program. The specific audit protocols and frequencies are outlined in QSM-08. A flow chart outlining audits and facility status is presented in Appendix 4 of QSM-07.

5.3 Operational restrictions under the EABAFCP

Facilities located in non-regulated areas may enrol in the EABAFCP at any time of the year, however, once approved, can only operate under the provisions of this program during the low risk period, as described in section 1.7. Approved facilities located in regulated areas may operate under the EABAFCP year round.

5.4 Preservation of origin

5.4.1 Requirements to allow the movement of regulated ash material out of a regulated area based on non-regulated origin for the EAB

For a facility to be allowed to move ash material outside of a regulated area based on a non-regulated origin, it must be certified under EABAFCP. Traceability and product identity at all time will be a key component of the facility's procedures. The facility will have to create a process that begins with documenting the origin of all ash materials entering the facility and being able to track the ash material through processing.

Detailed procedures (e.g., receiving, handling, storing labelling (or identification), segregation, shipping, etc.) of ash materials must be clearly specified in the facility's manual. The facility must identify how the possibility of errors has been eliminated (e.g., ash logs from unknown or regulated origin). The specific period when non-regulated origin ash material will be incoming and the non-regulated origin ash material will be outgoing must also be provided. In some cases, it may be necessary to make prior arrangements with the Regional CFIA Office prior to any shipping. The facility is obligated to ensure that CFIA is available to complete inspections requirements.

5.4.2 Ash logs

Moving ash logs out of a regulated area based on a non-regulated origin is only possible when both the incoming ash logs and the outgoing ash logs are occurring during the same low risk season (from 1st of October to March 31st). The MC cannot be valid outside the low risk period and the following declaration must be added:

"Ash logs originated from (insert specific County, Region, State (Canadian)) on (insert date of entry into Canadian regulated area) where EAB, according to official authorities, has not been regulated. Ash logs have transited in a regulated area during the same low risk period (October 1st to 31st of March). The current Movement Certificate is not valid if the facility has not followed its Quality Manual."

5.4.3 Ash lumber

Moving ash lumber out of a regulated area based on a non-regulated origin is allowed year round. The following declaration must be added to the MC:

"Ash lumber originated from (insert specific County, Region, State (Canadian)) on (insert date of entry into Canadian regulated area) where EAB, according to official authorities, has not been detected. The current Movement Certificate is not valid if the facility has not followed its Quality Manual."

The facility may also be allowed to bring in ash logs to process into lumber that would be moved out of the regulated based on the origin. However, ash logs must be sawn during the same low risk season in which they entered the regulated area. Otherwise logs lose their non-regulated origin and any lumber generated from them will not be allowed to move out of the regulated area based on the origin.

6.0 Non-compliance

6.1 Non-compliant articles

Shipments not meeting the import requirements of this directive will be refused entry, removed from Canada or destroyed at the importer's expense. Shipments found not to meet the domestic movement requirements of the policy directive will be detained by CFIA inspection staff and either ordered destroyed, processed, treated or returned to a regulated area. The person in Care and Control is responsible for any and all costs relating to treatment, disposal, removal or re-routing, including costs incurred by CFIA to monitor the action taken. Notification of non-compliance to the exporting country may be required as per D-01-06, Canadian phytosanitary policy for the notification of non-compliance and emergency action.

Under the Agriculture and Agri-Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act and Regulations, the CFIA may issue an AMP (Administrative Monetary Penalties) as an enforcement measure to encourage compliance with the Plant Protection Act and Regulations.

CFIA approved methods of disposal/processing for non-compliant product are outlined in Appendix 5.

6.2 Non-compliance for facilities

When an inspector determines that a facility is no longer meeting the terms of this directive or is no longer meeting the requirements of the EABAFCP, the CFIA may remove the facility from the compliance program, and, where applicable, revoke its Permit to Import or the Movement Certificate (issued to the shipping facility). The CFIA shall notify the facility of this action in writing.

A facility that has had its registration cancelled may re-apply for a Permit to Import or re-instatement on the EABAFCP once it has undertaken all necessary corrective actions to the satisfaction of the CFIA to prevent a recurrence of the non-compliance(s). The CFIA will conduct a re-evaluation of the facility to determine if the corrective actions implemented are adequate and shall advise the facility of its decision in writing.

7.0 Requirements for transportation of regulated articles

Non-compliant regulated articles that are either imported into Canada, moving out of a regulated area or transiting a non-regulated area, must move directly to the destination, as specified in the conditions in the Movement Certificate or on the Permit to Import. Movement of nursery stock from regulated areas is prohibited.

Ash nursery stock from a non-regulated area transiting a regulated area to a final destination in a non-regulated area in the high risk season must be transported without undue delay in an entirely enclosed vehicle that is equipped to preclude in-transit infestation of the shipment.

8.0 Domestic movement of firewood and fuelwood products

Firewood is a high risk article for the spread of EAB. Domestic movement of ash firewood out of a regulated area is prohibited. Domestic movement of non-ash firewood out of a regulated area is only permitted by facilities approved under the EABAFCP and subject to movement restrictions under other CFIA policies such as the LDD moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) policy. This movement is permitted based on an ash exclusion process. Refer to section 7.0 in QSM-07 or contact your local CFIA office for further details.

The CFIA encourages localised purchase and use of firewood to minimize the risk of EAB spread. Importation of firewood of all species from states regulated for EAB is prohibited.

Other restrictions may apply, please refer to the CFIA for more information.

9.0 Treatment for regulated articles

The phytosanitary risk of EAB introduction and spread is mitigated by treating regulated articles. Treatment options for regulated articles are summarized in Appendix 6.

10.0 Appendices

Appendix 1: Areas with movement restrictions for emerald ash borer

The current list of Areas regulated for the emerald ash borer.

Appendix 2: Domestic movement of regulated articles from regulated to non-regulated areas

Regulated article Movement Certificate required Time of year permitted for movement Conditions of movement
Ash nursery stock Prohibited
Ash bark and chips, ash branches, fresh ash leaves and fuelwood products Yes High risk season
(April 1- September 30)
"Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ash leaves/ fuelwood) have been processed and are less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions."
Ash bark and chips, ash branches, fresh ash leaves and fuelwood products Yes Low risk season
(October 1- March 31)
"Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ash leaves/ fuelwood) have been processed and are less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions."
Or
"Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ash leaves/ fuelwood) are being shipped without delay to an approved EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements."
Ash logs Yes High risk season
(April 1- September 30)
Prohibited
Ash logs Yes Low risk season
(October 1- March 31)
"Ash logs are being shipped without delay to an approved EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements."
Ash lumber Yes High risk season
(April 1 - September 30)
"Ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Ash lumber Yes Low risk season
(October 1- March 31)
"Ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"Ash lumber is being shipped without delay to an approved EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements."
Ash lumber Not required for HT ash lumber produced by CHTWPCP or CWPCP facilities All year Not applicable. Ash lumber produced under the CHTWPCP or CWPCP must be heat treated and identified as per the CHTWPCP or CWPCP requirements.
Firewood of all genera Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please refer to QSM-07 and contact the local CFIA office for further details Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please refer to QSM-07 and contact the local CFIA office for further details Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please refer to QSM-07 and contact the local CFIA office for further details
Wood packaging materials with an ash component Yes All year "Wood packaging materials produced with ash lumber processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Wood packaging materials with ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Wood packaging materials with an ash component Not required for ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials produced by CHTWPCP or CWPCP facilities All year Not applicable. ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials must be treated and stamped as per the CHTWPCP or CWPCP requirements.

Appendix 3: Domestic movement of regulated articles from regulated areas to regulated areas transiting a non-regulated area

Regulated article Movement Certificate required Time of year permitted for movement Conditions of movement
Ash nursery stock Prohibited Prohibited Prohibited
Ash bark and chips, ash branches, fresh ash leaves, fuelwood Yes High risk season
(April 1 - September 30)
"(Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ ash leaves/ fuelwood) have been processed to less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions."
Or
"(Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ash leaves/ fuelwood) are being shipped without delay in a completely enclosed vehicle directly to a destination in a regulated area."
Ash bark and chips, ash branches, fresh ash leaves, fuelwood Yes Low risk season
(October 1 - March 31)
"(Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ ash leaves/ fuelwood) have been processed to less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions."
Or
"(Ash bark and chips/ ash branches/ ash leaves/ fuelwood) are being shipped without delay directly to a destination in a regulated area."
Ash logs Yes High Risk Season
(April 1 - September 30)
"Ash logs are being shipped without delay in a completely enclosed vehicle directly to an EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements. The receiving facility does not have to be on the EABAFCP if that facility does not move the material out of the regulated area (in that case the MC must be obtained prior to movement)."
Ash logs Yes Low risk season
(October 1 - March 31)
"Ash logs are being shipped without delay directly to an EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements. The receiving facility does not have to be on the EABAFCP if that facility does not move the material out of the regulated area (in that case the MC must be obtained prior to movement)."
Ash lumber Yes High risk season
(April 1- September 30)
"Ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"Ash lumber is being shipped without delay in a completely enclosed vehicle directly to an EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements. The receiving facility does not have to be on the EABAFCP if that facility does not move the material out of the regulated area (in that case the MC must be obtained prior to movement)."
Ash lumber Yes Low risk season
(October 1- March 31)
"Ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"Ash lumber is being shipped without delay directly to an EABAFCP facility to be processed in accordance with EABAFCP requirements. The receiving facility does not have to be on the EABAFCP if that facility does not move the material out of the regulated area (in that case the MC must be obtained prior to movement)."
Ash lumber Not required for compliant HT ash lumber produced by CHTWPCP or CWPCP facilities. All year Not applicable. Ash lumber produced under the CHTWPCP or CWPCP must be heat treated and identified as per the CHTWPCP or CWPCP requirements.
Firewood of all genera Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please contact the QSM-07 and refer to local CFIA office for further details. Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please refer to QSM-07 and contact the local CFIA office for further details. Ash firewood movement is prohibited. Non-ash firewood movement is only permitted under the EABAFCP. Please refer to QSM-07 and contact the local CFIA office for further details.
Wood packaging materials with an ash component Yes All year "Wood packaging materials produced with ash lumber processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"Wood packaging materials with ash lumber has been heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes"
Wood packaging materials with an ash component Not required for ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials produced by CHTWPCP or CWPCP facilities All year Not applicable. The ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials must be treated and stamped as per the CHTWPCP or CWPCP requirements.
Ash articles other than those listed above Other ash articles will be assessed on a case by case basis, based on phytosanitary risk. Contact the CFIA for further details. Other ash articles will be assessed on a case by case basis, based on phytosanitary risk. Contact the CFIA for further details. Other ash articles will be assessed on a case by case basis, based on phytosanitary risk. Contact the CFIA for further details.

Appendix 4: Requirements for imported regulated articles

Table 1. Regulated States in United States to non-regulated areas in Canada
Regulated article Import Permit Phytosanitary Certificate Additional aeclaration required on Phytosanitary Certificate Time of year of permitted importation Comments
Ash nursery stock and
fresh branches
Import Prohibited
Ash bark and chips No Yes "The ash bark and chips in this consignment are less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions." All year
Ash wood/bark chips Yes
(Section 43 Permit)
No Low risk season only
(October 1- March 31)
Must be delivered to an EABAFCP facility.
Ash fresh leaves No Yes "The ash leaves were harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys." All year
Dried ash branches < 1.5 cm in diameter No Yes "The ash branches are no more than 1.5 cm in diameter and were harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys." All year
Ash lumber No Yes "The ash lumber was harvested/produced in a county where Agrilus planipennis, is not known to occur based on official surveys."
Or
"The ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood, is free of Agrilus planipennis (EAB) and is free of signs of EAB (exit holes or serpentine galleries)."
Or
"The ash lumber has been heat treated to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
All year The heat treatment process must be verified by the USDA, in accordance with the USDA-ALSC or the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) heat treatment program for export.
Ash lumber Yes
(Section 43 Permit)
No Low risk season only
(October 1- March 31)
Must be delivered to an EABAFCP facility.
Ash logs and branches > 1.5 cm in diameter Yes
(Section 43 Permit)
No Low risk season only
(October 1- March 31)
Must be delivered to an EABAFCP facility.
Firewood of all genera Import Prohibited
Stand alone wood packaging materials with an ash component No Yes "The wood packaging materials are free of Agrilus planipennis and have been produced with ash lumber processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"The wood packaging materials were treated to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"The wood packaging materials were produced with ash lumber that was harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys."
All year
Stand alone wood packaging materials with an ash component No No All year WPM must be treated and stamped with ISPM 15 marking. The treatment process must be verified by the USDA as per ISPM 15 requirements.
Ash articles other than those listed above Other ash articles will be assessed on a case by case basis, based on phytosanitary risk. Contact the CFIA for further details.
Table 2. Regulated States in United States to regulated areas in Canada
Regulated article Permit Phytosanitary Certificate Additionale declaration required on Phytosanitary Certificate Time of year of permitted importation Comments
Ash nursery stock Import prohibited
Ash bark and chips No Yes "The ash bark and chips in this consignment are less than 2.5 cm in any two dimensions." All year
Ash wood/bark chips Yes
(Section 43 Permit)
No Movement permitted all year if movement is directly from one regulated area in U.S. to a regulated area in Canada without passing through a non-regulated area. If regulated articles pass through non-regulated areas, movement only permitted during low risk season (October 1March 31) or year round if in a completely enclosed vehicle Destination must be an approved EABAFCP facility
Ash fresh leaves No Yes "The ash leaves were harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys." All year
Dried ash branches 1.5 cm in diameter No Yes "Ash branches are no more than 1.5 cm in diameter and were harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys." All year
Ash lumber No Yes "The ash lumber has been processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood, is free of Agrilus planipennis (EAB) and is free of signs of EAB (exit holes or serpentine galleries)."
Or
"The ash lumber was treated to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"The ash lumber was produced/ harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys."
All year The heat treatment process must be verified by the USDA, in accordance with the USDA-ALSC or the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) heat treatment program for export.
Ash lumber Yes
(Section 43 Permit)
No Movement permitted all year if movement is directly from one regulated area in U.S. to a regulated area in Canada without passing through a non-regulated area.
If regulated articles pass through non-regulated areas, movement only permitted during low risk season (Oct. 1March 31) or year round if in a completely enclosed vehicle. 
Destination must be an approved EABAFCP facility.
Ash logs and branches > 1.5 cm in diameter Yes (Section 43 Permit) No Movement permitted all year if movement is directly from one regulated area in U.S. to a regulated area in Canada without passing through a non-regulated area.
If regulated articles pass through non-regulated areas, movement only permitted during low risk season (Oct. 1March 31) or year around if in a completely enclosed vehicle.
Destination must be an approved EABAFCP facility.
Firewood of all genera Import Prohibited
Stand alone wood packaging material with an ash component No Yes "The wood packaging materials are free of Agrilus planipennis and have been produced with ash lumber processed to remove all of the bark and at least 1.0 cm of sapwood."
Or
"The wood packaging materials were treated to attain a minimum core temperature of 56°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 30 minutes."
Or
"The wood packaging materials were produced with ash lumber that was harvested in a county where Agrilus planipennis is not known to occur based on official surveys."
All year Material could be stamped with ISPM 15 marking as an alternative to a Phytosanitary certificate. The treatment process must be verified by the USDA as per ISPM 15 requirements.
Firewood of all genera Import Prohibited
Ash articles other than those listed above Other ash articles will be assessed on a case by case basis, based on phytosanitary risk. Contact the CFIA for further details.

Appendix 5: CFIA approved disposal methods for non-compliant regulated articles

The following methods are approved by the CFIA for disposing non-compliant regulated articles under CFIA supervision.

  • Incineration that complies with municipal by-laws and environmental laws.
  • Deep burial with a minimum soil overburden of 2 metres, with immediate soil coverage. Provincial or municipal regulations may apply for the disposal of organic matter. Contact the local municipality and/or your provincial department of environment for further information.

Other methods must be approved by the CFIA. Contact the local CFIA office for further details.

Appendix 6: CFIA approved treatment methods

The following methods are approved by CFIA for treating regulated articles to generate compliant articles:

  • Processing to create bark free wood and removal of underlying sapwood to a depth of at least one (1.0) cm.
  • Grinding or chipping to create chips to a size of less than two and a half (2.5) cm in any two (2) dimensions.
  • Article exclusion of ash for firewood, wood chips under a compliance program.
  • Heat treatment for regulated articles, where specific treatment schedules have been recognized by CFIA.
  • Secondary processing to produce wood by-products such as paper, fibre board, or oriented strand board to render the articles free from EAB. The processing facility has to be approved by CFIA.
  • Other treatment methods, as approved by CFIA. Contact the local CFIA office for further details.

Appendix 7: Certificate of Origin

PDF (53 kb)

Import of ash products

To: The Canadian Food Inspection Agency

The accompanying shipment of products, as described below, is a product of Canada or the United States, produced/harvested in the county of space in the Province/ State of space

Name and address of Canadian importer: space

Declared destination (site address of receiving facility): space

Type of product (logs, bark chips, wood chips, etc.): space

Declared quantity: space

Name of transporter or carrier: space

Signature of person in possession/care or control of the product

space

Date: space