Soil and soil-related matter
Soil is a known pathway for the introduction and spread of pests. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) establishes and maintains policies and standards relating to the importation and domestic movement of soil and soil-related matter, to prevent the introduction and spread of regulated pests into Canada.
Most requested
Domestic movement restrictions
Services and information
Phytosanitary Requirements for Soil and Soil-Related Matter
Information related to plant protection requirements for soil and soil-related matter (when not in association with plants), and for items contaminated with soil and soil-related matter. (D-95-26)
Plant protection import requirements
Information related to the import of plants and plant parts for planting including for personal or commercial use.
Canadian Growing Media Program
Approval process and import requirements for plants rooted in approved media. (D-96-20)
Procedure for inspecting regulated articles for soil
Information related to inspection of regulated articles for freedom from soil, plants, plant parts and related matter.
Plant health biosecurity standards and guides
Information related to crop biosecurity standards.
Hazardous waste
Hazardous waste and recyclable materials that contain soil must be authorized by both the CFIA and Environment and Climate Change Canada prior to importation to Canada.
- Application for permit to import plants and other things under the Plant Protection Act (CFIA/ACIA 5256)
- Hazardous waste and recyclable materials: apply for permit (ECCC)
