Fact Sheet

Processes for Goods Contaminated With Soil

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) plays an active and important role in helping to keep harmful foreign species of animals, plants and microorganisms from entering Canadian ecosystems. With the growing volume of trade, travel and tourism, new invasive species are continually arriving at Canada's border by air, land and water. The deliberate or accidental introductions of these species can be devastating to the Canadian economy and environment. This is one of the reasons why the CBSA conducts inspections of foods, plants and animals at the border, for both travellers and commercial importers.

As soil is a major pathway for invasive species and plant and animal diseases, the CBSA inspects goods and equipment that are high risk for soil contamination at Canada’s border crossings.

Goods contaminated with soil are inadmissible into Canada. Consequently, vehicles, equipment and other goods arriving at the Canadian border that are 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. Alternatively, such goods may 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 approach is in line with the CBSA's existing commercial and traveller 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.

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.