CFIA has revised Directive D-98-08, effective July 6, 2023, to include specific import requirements for dunnage entering Canada via marine vessels. A new shipborne dunnage management program, detailed in Directive RMD-20-02, has been developed to address this significant risk and is described in this revision.
Shipborne dunnage is a type of wood packaging material (WPM) used in marine vessels to stabilize or brace cargo during ocean transport. As other types of WPM, dunnage is generally made from low quality wood, likely to be infested with forest pests. Entry of non-compliant dunnage and the presence of live pests in wood packaging material and shipborne dunnage increases risk to Canada’s forest and plant resource base.
Beginning July 6, 2023, port terminals in Canada accepting the discharge of shipborne dunnage must obtain an import permit. In addition, applicants must complete an application for the shipborne dunnage program in which both a preventative control plan and the facility must be approved by CFIA. Only at this time will a Permit to Import be issued by CFIA.
The shipborne dunnage program also includes movement and disposal requirements.
The movement of shipborne dunnage is not permitted without the issuance of a movement certificate by CFIA (or another document as determined by the CFIA).
Discharged dunnage must be disposed of or processed by a facility that is capable of disposal or processing shipborne dunnage in a manner that prevents the introduction and spread of pests into Canada. Any material co-mingled with shipborne dunnage must be disposed of or processed in the same manner as the shipborne dunnage.
D-98-08 also reflects amendments to the approved heat treatments and marking requirements made under the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15. The approved treatments and marking requirements are detailed in Appendix 1 of the directive.