Changes

As advised in IIAN 239-2023: Recognition of Canadian Heat-Treated Wood Products Certification Program to manage BMSB, changes have occurred to the import conditions and assessment procedure goods produced through the Canadian Food and Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Canadian Heat Treated Wood Products Certification Program (HT Program).

The changes have occurred to enable recognition of BMSB management and strengthen assurance that exporting facilities are registered on the HT program.

The department recognises that brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) contamination is managed on consignments of sawn wood/timber that are produced through the HT Program between 1 December and 30 April each year.

This recognition means that the BMSB seasonal measures do not apply to sawn wood/timber produced through the HT Program and exported between these dates.

BMSB management

• Sawn wood/timber produced through the HT program is subject to BMSB measures if produced and exported between 1 September – 30 November.
• Sawn wood/timber certified as being produced through the HT Program between 1 December (and consequently exported after 1 December) and 30 April of the BMSB season is not subject to BMSB measures.
• BMSB contamination is managed through handling and processing that occurs during production of heat-treated sawn wood/timber through the HT Program after 1 December. From 1 December each year in the northern hemisphere, BMSB does not further contaminate goods.

New importing requirements for HT program goods:
Importers utilising this pathway need to provide the required documentation for assessment and use a specific AEI code when lodging their consignment in the Integrated Cargo System (ICS). Import conditions, including documentation requirements and the AEI code, have been published in the BICON cases: Timber and timber products; and Logs, log cabins and oversize timber.

Previously, goods produced under the HT program met commodity import conditions if certified by a ‘Heat Treatment Certificate for Countries Other than European Union’.

This has changed to a new requirement for a ‘Heat Treatment Certificate for Exports to Australia’.

Importers should ensure that their suppliers are aware of the requirements for the importation of HT Program goods and can obtain the correct certification. Details of the HT Program and certification requirements can be found in the CFIA Directive D-13-01.

The certificate needs to include:

• the botanical name of the sawn wood/timber (year-round requirement)
• evidence that the wood has been heat treated to at least 56°C at its core for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes (year-round requirement)
• the following statement: ‘The sawn wood in this shipment was surfaced on all four sides, trimmed and inspected and is free from brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys)’ if the goods are produced and exported between 1 December and 30 April.

The department recognises that goods may have been exported with the previous or current certification requirements and be in transit. Procedures have been put in place to manage assessment of these goods for a limited time.

Who does this notice affect:
Importers of Canadian timber products, brokers and Pathway Operations Cargo - Assessments and Inspections.

Further information:
Please contact the department via one of the following methods:

• Email (please use the subject line 'Plant Tier 2 - Canadian Sawn Wood').
• Phone (from within Australia): 1800 900 090.
• Phone (from outside Australia): + 61 3 8318 6700.