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Canadian Accredited Timber Scheme CATS
AQIS, in conjunction with industry, has developed an entry management system for break-bulk timber from accredited Canadian timber mills. This system provides streamlined entry where a record of low risk entry is established. Containerised timber is not recognised under this scheme.
Exporting mills with quality assurance systems are registered by participating Canadian bodies, such as the Canadian Mill Services Association (CMSA) and the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board (CLSAB). These bodies assess, accredit and register mills and provide support and expertise to the mills to enhance their existing quality assurance systems. They also provide a coordinating role by receiving and distributing feedback from AQIS on inspection results.
Initially all timber consignments from an accredited mill are subjected to a 100 per cent inspection on arrival, in accordance with normal timber inspection procedures. When a mill has five shipments that are pest and contamination free, the inspection regime is decreased to the next level of inspection (50 per cent). Depending on the continued performance of the mill, its consignments may progress through the range of 20, 10 and 5 per cent random inspection rates. If a mill fails an inspection, they move back up one inspection level.
For further information about the Canadian Accredited Timber Scheme please contact the AQIS Timber and Timber Products National Coordination Centre on telephone +61 3 8318 6929 or email Lumber.
Related information
AQIS quarantine treatments and fumigants - Part A: General information on all quarantine treatments
AQIS timber entry requirements under an offshore accreditation scheme