The Canadian Untreated Sawn Wood Certification Program replaces the Canadian Accredited Timber Scheme (CATS), a voluntary pre-shipment inspection program that facilitated the entry of untreated Canadian sawn wood into Australia. Both Canada and Australia recognized the potential for the CATS program to be developed into an official export certification program to mitigate pest risk and ensure continued market access.
Registration in the Canadian Untreated Sawn Wood Certification Program is mandatory and ensures that exports are compliant with Australia’s phytosanitary import requirements.
The scientific research that supports this initiative was led by the CFIA, in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service, and supported by the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB) and Canada Wood. This achievement further demonstrates the value of the Government of Canada’s science to growing the Canadian economy, supporting jobs and protecting the global environment from the spread of plant pests and diseases.
The program will be delivered by accredited agencies under the oversight of CLSAB, a recognized CFIA verification body. The accredited agencies will be responsible for evaluating and auditing Canadian mills registered under the program to maintain ongoing compliance.
