Canada sets policy for Chinese wood packaging

Canada sets policy for Chinese wood packaging The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said, starting Sept. 1, it will no longer accept phytosanitary certificates from China for wood packaging material entering Canada due to 'high rates of non-compliance' from China.
   A valid International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark will be the 'only accepted treatment certification method,' the agency said in a notice.
   Starting June 1, the agency said importers will be granted a three-month grace period whereby wood packaging material accompanied by a Chinese phytosanitary certificate in place of an IPPC mark will be allowed to enter Canada, subject to a verification of the certificate's authenticity by CFIA and China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.
   CIFA said its new policy for Chinese wood packaging will be 'fully enforced,' starting Sept. 1. The Canada Border Services Agency will refuse the entry of any wood packaging material certified with a Chinese phytosanitary certificate in place of a valid IPPC mark. Examples of valid IPPC marks are shown here. ' Chris Gillis