Attention Maine Wood Exporters: Upcoming Regulatory Changes

Attention Maine Wood Exporters: Upcoming Regulatory Changes

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Maine Forest Service

Attention Maine Wood Exporters – The Maine Forest Service is sending out this courtesy notice on behalf of USDA APHIS to alert Maine wood exporters of potential and upcoming regulatory changes for Canada and Japan.


Request for Comment on Canada’s Proposed Spotted Lanternfly Regulations for Logs Imported from the US

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is preparing for the detection and establishment of spotted lanternfly (SLF) in Canada and the potential for SLF to become a regulated pest. The CFIA is currently seeking comment on their draftspotted lanternfly risk management document: RMD – 22-03: Pest Risk Management Document: Risk management proposal for spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula (White)).

Proposed options for the import of logs with bark on from the US are presented below:

Option 1 (Status quo): No implementation of import requirements for logs with bark from areas infested with SLF.

Option 2: Prohibit the importation of all logs with bark from areas infested with SLF.

Option 3: Allow for the importation of logs with bark from areas infested with SLF with a phytosanitary certificate attesting to freedom from SLF based on based on visual inspection or treatment or participation by a Canadian importer in a CFIA approved SLF risk mitigation program during the period of low risk prior to SLF egg hatch (January to April).

Option 4 (Recommended): Allow for the importation of logs with bark from areas infested with SLF with a phytosanitary certificate attesting to freedom from SLF based on visual inspection or treatment or participation in a CFIA-approved SLF risk mitigation program throughout the entire year. 

View the complete draft risk management document here.

Comments are required by January 18, 2023.

Please send all comments to:

Fan Wang-Cahill, Ph. D

Trade Director & Phytosanitary Issues Management for Canada, Costa Rica, and Panama

USDA-APHIS-PPQ

4700 River Road, Unit 140

Riverdale, MD 20737

Phone: 301-851-3077

Email Comments to Fan: fan.wang-cahill@usda.gov


Changes Coming for Wood Export to Japan

Beginning August 2023, Japan’s national plant protection organization (MAFF) will require a phytosanitary certificate obtained from USDA APHIS for certain U.S. commodities, including wood products. Export of logs, lumber (including green, heat treated, and kiln dried), and other wood products will be impacted by this change.

Most hardwood and softwood species commonly exported from Maine will now require phytosanitary certificates. A complete list of wood species requiring a phytosanitary certificate is available here.

If you have concerns or require more information about this coming change, please contact David Hirsch of USDA APHIS:

David J. Hirsch

Export Certification Specialist for PA, NJ, NY, CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, ME

USDA-APHIS-PPQ

53 North Sixth Street, Rm 203

New Bedford, MA 02740

Office: 508-997-5955

Mobile: 508-965-1940

Email Comments/Questions to David: david.j.hirsch@usda.gov