In Canada, wood imports are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Any wooden products going in and out of Canada will be inspected and reviewed by the Canadian Border Patrol. So if you’re interested in importing wood into Canada, you’ll need to know some of the basics to make sure your efforts go off without a hitch.

Importing wood into Canada

Canadians are free to import many wood products for personal and commercial use. Primary wood products, pulp and paper products, as well as wood-fabricated materials are all acceptable. This includes commonly used materials like planks, plywood, and industrial lumber. You can also import furniture and items in wood packaging. These are under slightly different regulations than other wood materials, so we’ll get back to them later. 

If you’re importing wood into Canada, you’ll need to assess the state the products are in, so you can file the proper paperwork. You should know:

  • The country of origin and country of export (if different)
  • The dimensions and thickness
  • The presence or absence of bark
  • Treatment status (was the item treated to destroy pests?)
  • The tree species 

Wooden articles without any bark on them and that have been made from processed wood materials are approved for entry by the CFIA without any additional documents. Processed wood materials that have been subjected to heat, glue, pressure or any combination of processing methods are also approved for entry. However, they are still subject to inspection at the border and must be declared at the time of entry into Canada.

Wooden articles that are less than 1.5 cm thick and not containing bark are usually approved for import with no additional document requirements. However, they are still subject to inspection at the border and must be declared at the time of entry into Canada.

Wooden articles without bark that are made from unprocessed wood materials will require a Phytosanitary Certificate. This certificate is an official document issued by the plant protection organization of the country the wood materials originate from. Its purpose is to ensure the Government of Canada  that the wood has been inspected and is free of pests. 

Wooden articles that contain bark require a Phytosanitary Certificate, and you will need a Plant Protection Import Permit to bring them in. Generally, products with bark attached are not accepted from any country other than the United States. 

Wooden articles from an endangered species of tree require a CITES certificates and permit. In the unlikely event that you’ll be importing wood into Canada that comes from an endangered species, use the CITES website to find the contact information of representatives from the country of origin and from Canada.

Wooden articles from outside the U.S. that are unprocessed and/or have bark are regulated by the D-02-12: Phytosanitary import requirements for non-processed wood and other wooden products, bamboo and bamboo products, originating from all areas other than the continental United States (U.S.). There are many factors in determining the import requirements for unprocessed wood from outside the U.S. and Canada. Consult their document to find the specific requirements for the product you’re importing. 

Other Wood Products

Furniture:

The regulations for importing wood furniture into Canada are largely the same as those for wooden materials. Wooden furniture made with processed wood and no bark are approved for entry without additional documents. Articles with unprocessed wood will require a Phytosanitary Certificate. Wooden furniture made with bark will require a Phytosanitary Certificate and a Plant Protection Import Permit.  

Wood Packaging: 

Imports often come in wooden crates or on pallets, and these kinds of packaging are also regulated. All wooden packaging coming in from any country other than the U.S. are subject the D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada. 

There are some kinds of packaging that are exempt from these requirements. Wood packaging that is 6mm or less, gift boxes for wines and cigars, wood shavings, sawdust or wood wool used as filler, and wooden fixtures that are attached to freight vehicles are generally acceptable without additional paperwork. Despite this, you should always consult the D-98-08: Entry Requirements for Wood Packaging Material into Canada document to make sure that you won’t have trouble with wooden packaging at the border, and always declare the items you’re carrying.

Do you still need help with importing wood into Canada? Clearit is on your side. Our team of experienced customs brokers are experts at helping our clients navigate the whole import process, including paperwork and documentation. If you’re interested in renovating or decorating your home with imported wooden products, check out our previous blog on tips for your next home remodelling. Whatever your needs are, Clearit is here to help. Get in touch with a representative today!