The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) seeks feedback on a revised directive regarding a shipborne dunnage program, as detailed in the risk management document RMD 20-02. Shipborne dunnage is a type of wood packaging material (WPM) used in marine vessels to stabilize or brace cargo during ocean transport. This opportunity for feedback allows Canadian businesses to have their say on this new policy.
The CFIA announced in April 2021 that it would implement a new shipborne dunnage program. The risk management document (RMD) outlined four options for managing the proposed shipborne dunnage program. The results of the consultation can be found in RMD 20-02. Option 4 received the majority of support during the initial consultation process, which led to its selection. The CFIA will improve upon the fourth option with feedback received during the initial consultation.
The fourth option combines robust pest mitigation measures with a flexible and easy-to-apply approach that also promotes and encourages the use of ISPM 15-compliant material. Implementing the fourth option will require the amendment of the relevant plant health directive (D-98-08) to incorporate the new shipborne dunnage program.
The CFIA will assess the effectiveness of the fourth option over the next several years. This agency is gradually moving in a direction that will permit ISPM 15-compliant dunnage to enter Canada without restrictions.
The Canadian government has revised D-98-08 Entry requirements for wood packaging material into Canada to include the new shipborne dunnage program, as well as to reflect recent amendments made to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.
The CFIA seeks feedback on the revised directive, welcoming comments from February 1st until April 1st, 2022. You can send feedback to forestry-foresterie@inspection.gc.ca.