Import rules · Americas

Wood packaging import rules: Canada

Canada: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Required
Enforced since
2006
Treatments
HT, MB, DH, SF (IPPC-marked); non-marked WPM may enter only with a valid phytosanitary certificate or other CFIA-approved assurance
Plant protection authority
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) sets policy (directive D-98-08); border enforcement by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Common pallet sizes
48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm)
1200 × 1000 mm
1200 × 800 mm (EUR) for European trade
Pooled CHEP and PECO pallets
Main ports
Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montréal, Halifax

Overview

Canada applies ISPM 15 to wood packaging under CFIA directive D-98-08, with the Canada Border Services Agency carrying out enforcement at the border. The CBSA guidance describes ISPM 15 as taking effect in 2006, with CBSA taking over inspection duties from 2005. Wood packaging must be debarked, treated and bear the IPPC mark, or otherwise be covered by a valid phytosanitary certificate. The only broad exemption is for non-manufactured wood packaging originating from and moving between Canada and the United States, a bilateral arrangement that keeps cross-border trade simple. If non-compliant wood is found, the shipment is ordered out of the country, and when compliant and non-compliant wood are mixed in one consignment the entire load is refused. The importer bears removal and any treatment costs. CBSA works mainly at marine container terminals, where Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montréal and Halifax are the main gateways. On the pallet side, Canada follows the North American 48 × 40 inch footprint, so most domestic distribution runs on GMA-style pallets. Pooled pallets from CHEP and PECO are well established in grocery and retail, while 1200 × 1000 mm and 1200 × 800 mm appear in overseas trade. Since Canadian exporters ship wood packaging into the United States and elsewhere, many Canadian pallet producers are accredited under the national ISPM 15 heat treatment and marking programme.

Key points

  • WPM originating in and moving from the continental US is exempt
  • Entire shipment is treated as non-compliant if compliant and non-compliant WPM are mixed
  • CBSA enforces at ports while CFIA retains policy oversight (D-98-08)
  • Importer pays for removal or treatment

Frequently asked questions

Does Canada require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes, for wood packaging arriving from outside the US. It must carry the IPPC mark, or be covered by a valid phytosanitary certificate.

Are wooden pallets from the United States exempt?

Yes, non-manufactured wood packaging that originates in the US and moves directly to Canada is exempt under a bilateral arrangement.

What happens to non-compliant pallets?

The shipment is ordered removed from Canada, at the importer's cost. A mixed load of compliant and non-compliant wood is refused as a whole.

Sources

  1. CBSA – Wood Packaging Material Import Requirements
  2. CFIA – Requirements for wood packaging material in outbound shipments from Canada

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.