RDIMS 10944487  1 
 http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-inva sive-species/directives/date/d-01-
12/eng/1323828428558/1323828547757 
 
D-01-12: Phytosanitary requirements for the import and domestic movement of firewood and logs 
destined for the production of firewood. 
 
Effective Date:  
(3rd Revision) 
 
Subject 
This directive outlines the phytosanitary import re quirements for firewood from all areas of the world  
into Canada. It also contains domestic phytosanitar y requirements for firewood movement.  
This directive has been revised to strengthen the p hytosanitary requirements for firewood originating in 
the continental United States (U.S.), and regulate logs destined for the production of firewood.   
Firewood and logs destined for the production of fi rewood of all species from all areas of the world 
including the continental United States (U.S.) may require prior approval from the Canadian food 
inspection agency (CFIA), an import permit, an appr oved treatment as outlined in Appendix 2 of this 
directive, a phytosanitary certificate issued by th e United States Department of Agriculture-Animal an d 
Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS), or a treatment certificate from a USDA-APHIS-approved 
facility prior to entry into Canada.  
This directive supersedes D-01-12 (2 nd  Revision) and the import requirements pertaining t o firewood in  
other pest specific plant protection directives inc luding D-97-07, D-98-02, D-98-09, D-98-02, D94-22, D-
97-10, D-99-03, D-00-08, D-01-01, D-00-08, D-07-02,  D-07-05, D-11-05.  
Logs imported for purposes other than the productio n of firewood are regulated under the above 
mentioned pest specific policy directives. 
The phytosanitary import requirements for non-proce ssed wood and other wooden products, bamboo 
and bamboo products, originating from all areas oth er than the continental United States are outlined in 
Directive D-02-12. 
 
 
  RDIMS 10944487  2 
 Table of Contents 
Review  
Amendment Record  
Distribution  
Introduction  
Scope  
References  
Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms  
1.0 General Requirements  
1.1 Legislative Authority  
1.2 Fees  
1.3 Regulated pests  
1.4 Regulated Commodities  
1.5 Exempt Commodities  
1.6 Regulated Areas  
2.0 Specific Requirements  
2.1 Prohibitions  
2.2 Import Requirements  
2.3 Domestic Requirements  
3.0 Inspection Requirements  
4.0 Non-Compliance  
5.0 Appendices  
Appendix 1: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Approve d Disposal Methods 
Appendix 2: Approved treatments  
Appendix 3: Summary of phytosanitary requirements f or import of firewood and logs destined for the 
production of firewood into Canada   RDIMS 10944487  3 
  
Review 
This directive will be reviewed as needed.  
 
Amendment Record 
Amendments to this directive shall be dated and dis tributed as outlined in the distribution below. 
 
Distribution 
Directive mail list (Regions, PHRA, USDA)  
Provincial Government, Industry (determined by Auth or)  
National Industry Organizations (determined by Auth or)  
Internet  
 
Introduction 
Canada has a vast resource of deciduous and conifer ous forest tree species that are susceptible to 
foreign invasive pests. Firewood can include a wide  variety of tree species originating from many 
different geographic and climatic areas of the worl d. Therefore, the number of potential and unknown 
invasive pests associated with firewood is high. 
Typically, firewood may originate from the thinning  of wood lots, salvaged from forestry slash piles, the 
culling of undesirable or damaged species, removal of dead or dying trees, or the management of 
firewood production areas. When firewood is harvest ed or collected from forested areas or cities it ma y 
be infested with various pests (for example: bark b eetles, deep wood boring insects or root stain 
diseases). Consequently, the transportation of fire wood creates a pathway for the spread of pests. 
 
Scope 
This directive is intended for use by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) inspection staff, Can ada 
Border Services Agency (CBSA) staff, Canadian custo ms brokers, Canadian importers and exporters of 
wood products, recreation organizations, campers an d National Plant Protection Organizations (NPPOs). 
  RDIMS 10944487  4 
 References 
ISPM No. 5, Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms. FAO, R ome. (updated annually) 
ISPM No. 4, Requirements for the Establishment of P est Free Areas. 1996. FAO, Rome. 
ISPM No. 10, Requirements for the Establishment of Pest Free Places of Production and Pest Free 
Production Sites. 1999. FAO, Rome. 
 
Definitions, Abbreviations and Acronyms 
Definitions for terms used in this document can be found in the Plant Health Glossary of Terms . 
The Continental Unites States includes all US state s except for Hawaï. 
For the purposes of this directive firewood is defi ned as: 
Untreated, raw solid wood material usually with bar k attached, cut in billets, in logs, in twigs, in f aggots 
or in similar forms or lengths and includes mill-en ds, stumps, slabs, dockings, off-cuts, edging and 
dunnage that may be handled manually, is suitable f or burning and is used for heat production. 
Logs of all tree species destined for the productio n of firewood are considered a form of firewood and  
are regulated under this policy directive. 
1.0 General Requirements 
1.1 Legislative Authority 
The Plant Protection Act, S.C. 1990, c.22 
The Plant Protection Regulations. SOR 95/212 
Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice, Canada  Gazette: Part I (as amended from time to time) 
 
1.2 Fees 
The CFIA is charging fees in accordance with the Ca nadian Food Inspection Agency Fees Notice. For 
information regarding fees associated with imported  product, please contact the Import Service Centre 
(ISC). Anyone requiring other information regarding  fees may contact any local CFIA office or visit ou r 
Fees Notice Website. 
 
  RDIMS 10944487  5 
 1.3 Regulated Pests 
The List of pests regulated by Canada can be found at: 
 http://inspection.gc.ca/prev-prev/plants/plant-pest s-invasive-species/pests/regulated-
pests/eng/1363317115207/1363317187811  
The CFIA may take action on material that is infest ed with pests of potential quarantine concern even if 
those pests are not yet included on this list. 
1.4 Regulated Commodities 
Firewood of all species originating from any area o f the world.  
Logs of all tree species destined for the productio n of firewood. 
Note: The import requirements for wood chips, wood mulch, smoker chips and mesquite chips are 
contained in policy directive D-02-12. 
1.5 Exempt Commodities 
Exempt commodities include processed fuel logs, and  fuel wood pellets.  See definitions in Plant Health 
Glossary of Terms 
1.6 Regulated Areas 
All areas of the world outside of Canada; and 
All areas of Canada regulated for pests identified on the list of "Pests regulated by Canada" includin g but 
not limited to Dutch elm disease, European larch ca nker, balsam woolly adelgid, hemlock woolly adelgid , 
gypsy moth, and emerald ash borer. 
2.0 Specific Requirements 
2.1 Prohibitions 
The import of firewood from all areas of the world except the continental United States (U.S.) is 
prohibited, unless the exporting country can clearl y demonstrate that the conditions specified in Sect ion 
2.2.1, below, have been met. 
 
2.2 Import Requirements 
2.2.1 Import requirements for all species of firewo od and logs for the production of firewood from all  
areas of the world except the continental U.S.  RDIMS 10944487  6 
 • Prior approval from the CFIA is required prior to i mportation of this product from outside the 
continental U.S.  
• Technical verification by CFIA approved kiln evalua tors will be required. 
• A review of the National Plant Protection Organizat ion's (NPPO) system oversight by the CFIA or 
a CFIA approved agency in the country of origin wil l be required. 
• A Permit to import will be required. 
Note: The Canadian importer will be responsible for  all costs associated with the verification process  and 
will need to meet all the conditions prescribed und er an Import Permit, including heat treatment of th e 
wood to a core temperature of 60 degrees Celsius (° C) for a minimum of 60 minutes and debarking to 
specification of ISPM 15. 
 
2.2.2 Import requirements for all species of firewo od originating in the continental U.S. 
• A Permit to Import is required. 
 
• A Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the United St ates Department of Agriculture-Animal and 
Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) must a ccompany the shipment. Treatment details 
must be on the phytosanitary certificate. 
OR 
• Treatment certificate by a facility that is recogni zed by USDA-APHIS.  The treatment process 
must be verified by the USDA, in accordance with th e USDA-ALSC Heat Treatment Program for 
Export. 
 And 
• Firewood must be heat treated to reach a minimum co re temperature of 60°C throughout the 
profile (including its core) for a minimum of 60 mi nutes. 
2.2.3 Import requirements for Logs of all tree spec ies destined for the production firewood from the 
continental US: 
• A Permit to Import is required. 
• A Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the (USDA-A PHIS) must accompany the shipment. 
Treatment details must be on the phytosanitary cert ificate.   Logs must be heat treated to reach a 
minimum core temperature of 60°C throughout the pro file (including its core) for a minimum of 60 
minutes. 
OR  RDIMS 10944487  7 
 • A Phytosanitary Certificate issued by the (USDA-APH IS) must accompany the shipment. It must 
state that the logs originate in an area free from pests regulated in Canada. The origin must be 
clearly stated on the phytosanitary certificate. 
http://inspection.gc.ca/prev-prev/plants/plant-pest s-invasive-species/pests/regulated-
pests/eng/1363317115207/1363317187811  
OR 
• Treatment certificate by a facility that is recogni zed by USDA-APHIS.  The treatment process 
must be verified by the USDA, in accordance with th e USDA-ALSC Heat Treatment Program for 
Export.  Firewood must be heat treated to reach a m inimum core temperature of 60°C 
throughout the profile (including its core) for a m inimum of 60 minutes. 
2.3 Domestic Requirements 
2.3.1 The movement of firewood from non-regulated a reas of Canada to other areas of Canada . 
• A Movement Certificate and CFIA inspection are not required. Firewood may be moved without 
restriction. 
2.3.2 The movement of firewood from regulated areas  of Canada to regulated areas of identical pest 
distribution of Canada . 
• A Movement Certificate and CFIA inspection are not required  
• If wood is moved through a non-regulated area, it m ust be moved without undue delay and 
must be securely covered to avoid contamination by any pests during transit. 
2.3.3 The movement of firewood from regulated areas  of Canada to non-regulated areas of Canada.  
• Prior approval by the CFIA is required. 
• Firewood of all species may move under a movement c ertificate if it meets the following 
requirements: 
 
- Firewood must be heat treated to reach minimum core  temperature of 60°C throughout the profile 
(including its core) for a minimum of 60 minutes. O r 
 
- Moving under an approved compliance program, such a s the Emerald Ash Borer Compliance 
program under D-03-08 (see also QSM 07). 
 
http://inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-invasive -species/directives/forestry/d-03-08/qsm-
07/eng/1347553733814/1355879699357  
Contact a local CFIA office or consult the CFIA For estry Website for additional information. 
http://inspection.gc.ca/about-the-cfia/offices/eng/ 1313255382836/1313256130232   RDIMS 10944487  8 
 3.0 Inspection Requirements 
All shipments of firewood transported within Canada  or imported into Canada are subject to inspection 
and/or sampling for regulated pests. Pursuant to th e operational work plan, CFIA inspectors will inspe ct 
and ensure that: 
a valid Permit to import issued under the authority  of the CFIA accompanies the imported shipment 
a valid Phytosanitary Certificate or a treatment ce rtificate issued under the authority of the NPPO of  the 
exporting country accompanies the consignment and c ertifies that the consignment meets the import 
conditions of this directive; and 
a valid Movement Certificate is issued under the au thority of the CFIA to accompany the consignment to  
meet the Canadian phytosanitary requirements for mo vement from regulated areas within Canada. 
 
4.0 Non-Compliance 
Imported shipments not meeting the import requireme nts of this directive will be refused entry, 
returned to origin or disposed of at the importer's  expense. 
 
Domestic shipments not meeting the movement require ments for regulated areas of Canada and this 
directive will be destroyed, disposed of, or return ed to origin at the consignee's expense. 
 
In cases where a CFIA inspector has determined that  it is both practical and does not constitute a 
biological risk to introducing a pest, the inspecto r may order the non-compliant imported or domestic 
consignment to be treated in a manner approved by t he CFIA. Any costs incurred are the responsibility 
of the importer. 
CFIA-approved methods of disposal are defined in ap pendix 1. 
 
 
 
 
 
  RDIMS 10944487  9 
 5.0 Appendices 
Appendix 1: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Approve d Disposal Methods 
The CFIA may permit the movement of non-compliant w ood and wood products to be disposed of or 
treated in the following ways: 
•incineration; 
•deep burial to a minimum depth of 1.8 metres in an  approved landfill; 
•mechanical chipping to a size of 2.5 cm or less in  any two dimensions to produce wood by products 
such as wood dust, wood mulch or wood fuel. Raw woo d by products must either undergo a sanitation 
process (e.g. steam, heat, compost) to render them free of potential regulated pests or be contained 
and used for secondary processing; 
•secondary processing to produce wood by products s uch as paper, finish mulch, recycled fibre board 
and oriented strand board; 
• Other methods may be approved by the CFIA on a ca se by case basis.  
 
Non-compliant wood and wood products must be dispos ed of under the direct oversight of the CFIA 
within two (2) business days of detection of non-co mpliance. However, under exceptional circumstances 
the CFIA may permit short-term storage, while waiti ng for disposal. In order to permit short term 
storage, the non-compliant material must be contain ed in a manner that would preclude the escape of 
pests. The method of short-term storage must be app roved in writing by a CFIA inspector. Additionally,  
the CFIA inspector can order additional treatments or containment of the non-compliant products if 
required. 
 
The movement of non-compliant material must be auth orized by the CFIA. During transportation for 
disposal, non-compliant material must be carried in  a sealed container or be enclosed by a tarpaulin t o 
provide assurance that soil contaminants and pests cannot be lost or freed while on route to the 
disposal area.  
   RDIMS 10944487  10  
 Appendix 2: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Approve d Treatments 
Heat treatment standard 
Firewood with bark must reach a minimum core temper ature of 60°C throughout the profile 
(including its core) for a minimum of 60 minutes. 
A list of recognized heat treatment evaluators is m aintained on the CFIA Forestry website at: 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/forestry/exports /ht-
program/evaluators/eng/1363272837791/1363272916541  
All costs for the development of specific schedules  are the responsibility of the treatment 
facility. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   RDIMS 10944487  11  
 Appendix 3: Summary of phytosanitary requirements f or import of firewood and logs 
destined for the production of firewood into Canada :  
Origin: All 
areas of the 
world other 
than the 
continental 
USA  Regulated article  Import 
permit Phytosanitar y 
certificate (PC) Comment/reference  
 Firewood of all 
tree species and 
logs destined for 
the production of 
firewood yes  yes  Prior approval from the CFIA is required 
before importation of this product from 
outside the continental United States.  
 
Section: 2.2.1 
Origin: 
Continental 
USA  Firewood of all 
tree species yes  yes  Firewood must be heat treated to a 
minimum core temperature of 60°C 
throughout the profile (including its 
core) for a minimum of 60 minutes.  
Treatment details must be on the PC. 
 
Note: a treatment certificate from an 
approved facility under the USDA_APHIS 
is also acceptable in lieu of a PC.  
  
Section: 2.2.2. 
 Logs of all tree 
species destined 
for the 
production of 
firewood  yes  yes  Logs must be heat treated to reach a 
minimum core temperature of 60°C 
throughout the profile (including its 
core) for a minimum of 60 minutes. 
Treatment details must be on the PC. 
 
 
Note: a treatment certificate by a 
facility that is recognized by USDA-
APHIS is acceptable in lieu of a PC. 
 
OR 
 
A Phytosanitary Certificate issued by 
USDA-APHIS is required and must state 
that the logs originate in an area free 
from pests regulated in Canada. The 
origin must be clearly stated on the 
phytosanitary certificate. 
 
Section 2.2.3 
 
See pest specific policy directives at: 
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/plants/plant-pests-inva sive-
species/directives/forestry/eng/1312234775640/13122 34987259