Please be advised that the United Kingdom (UK) published their Plant Health Regulation: The Plant Health (Phytosanitary Conditions) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which will come into force January 1st, 2021.
CFIA is reviewing the requirements for updates to forestry and horticulture related exports to the UK. Please note that Northern Ireland will continue to follow the European Union (EU) regulations.
Based on the preliminary review of the UK legislation, elm (Ulmus spp.) wood is prohibited to the UK. Canadian origin Oak wood (Quercus spp.) is no longer exempt and now requires an inspection and phytosanitary certificate.
Further, until the UK publishes their derogations for softwood products, all softwood consignments will now require a Phytosanitary Certificate in lieu of Heat Treatment or the Cedar Debarking and Grub Hole Certificates.
The Phytosanitary Certificate for softwood exports can be issued based on details from industry issued certificates, which will need to be provided with an Application for Inspection and Phytosanitary certification (Form 3369).
This requirement for phytosanitary certificates to accompany all softwood consignments will be in effect as of January 1st, 2021. Consignments arriving in the UK with only an industry issued certificate will be accepted until January 15th, 2021.
Phytosanitary Certificates which comply with EU phytosanitary requirements and are dated up to December 31, 2020 will continue to be accepted by the UK until January 15, 2021.
CFIA continues to try to negotiate a longer transition period for acceptance of industry issued certificates.
Additional information will be shared as we complete our review of the UK regulations. Please contact your local CFIA office well in advance of exporting wood and wood products, and plants and plant products to the UK to ensure inspection activities and/or testing can be can be completed prior to export.