Fact Sheet

Strengthened Processes for Goods Contaminated With Soil

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has strengthened its commercial importation process regarding goods contaminated with soil.

Goods contaminated with soil remain inadmissible into Canada.

Effective February 1, 2011, goods arriving at the Canadian border contaminated with soil will be refused entry. Under highly controlled circumstances, however, and where operational capacity exists, these goods may be allowed to be cleaned within a CBSA‑controlled environment at the first point of arrival (FPOA) by a Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)‑approved mobile wash facility, or be allowed to proceed by a bonded carrier to a CBSA‑bonded facility within the existing urban environment of the FPOA for cleaning by a CFIA-approved wash facility, provided such action will not result in the introduction of soil into the environment.

If the above-mentioned conditions cannot be met, the goods will be refused entry into Canada.

The importer is responsible for all costs associated with treatment — including the inspection, handling, transportation, cleaning, storage and/or disposal of the goods.

This strengthened approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial processes and procedures, as well as the CFIA's policy regarding goods contaminated with soil. It will help the CBSA maintain appropriate control over contaminated goods, thereby further ensuring the safety and security of Canada and Canadians.

A Customs Notice (CN) was issued on January 28, 2011, reminding stakeholders (as per two previous CNs issued in 2010), that February 1, 2011, marked the end of the twelve‑month transition period leading up to the implementation of the strengthened process.

The CFIA is responsible for establishing the policy regarding the importation of goods contaminated with soil. The CBSA is responsible for administering and enforcing that policy to the extent that it applies at the border.