Proposed revisions to CFIA policy directive D-01-12

Please click here to review the proposed revisions to the CFIA policy directive D-01-12, “Phytosanitary requirements for the Importation and Domestic Movement of Firewood”.

The import requirements for firewood have been revised as follow:

• All softwood firewood imported into Canada from the United States will now have to be 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 hardwood firewood imported into Canada from the United States will now have to be heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 60°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 60 minutes.
• All firewood imported into Canada from other countries than the United States will now have to be heat treated, to attain a minimum core temperature of 71.1°C throughout the profile of the wood (including the core) for a minimum of 75 minutes.

These revisions have been made to harmonize Canadian firewood import requirements with firewood import requirements recently adopted by the United States and to simplify the trans-border movement of firewood. These revisions also represent a first step in broader consultations to mitigate the risks associated with the firewood trade.

Domestic movement requirements have not been modified in this revision. However, the CFIA plans to consult with Canadian stakeholders on a comprehensive, cooperative management strategy for this important pathway in a near future.

Please send your comments on the proposed revisions to Klaus Koehler
(Klaus.koehler@inspection.gc.ca) by August 17, 2012