International Phytosanitary ISPM15

INTERNATIONAL PHYTOSANITARY STANDARD FOR WOOD PACKAGING (ISPM15)

Update: 30th June 2010

Global guide to ISPM15
implementation and import regulations for wood packaging materials

	Argentina
	Argentina implemented ISPM15 on 1 January 2006. To view notification (in Spanish) (updated 21November 2005).
	Australia
	Australia adopts ISPM15 bark tolerance for imports of wood packaging material wef 1 July 2010. Following the adoption of the revised version of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15: Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM 15) in April 2009, Biosecurity Services Group (BSG) undertook to review Australias requirement for bark freedom on solid wood packaging material. >From 1 July 2010 Australia will accept solid wood packaging material that is treated and marked as ISPM 15 compliant and meets the bark tolerance requirements defined in the revised ISPM 15 standard. This requires that solid wood packaging material be debarked, but allows a tolerance for small pieces of bark that have not been completely removed during milling. This tolerance for bark will also apply to solid wood packaging treated with other AQIS approved treatments. The bark free declaration is still required but the ISPM 15 tolerance limits apply. Any wood packaging and dunnage exceeding the ISPM 15 bark tolerance limit will be subject to treatment, export or destruction at the importers expense. Australia - UK exporters are advised that the Australian Quarantine requirements prohibit the entry of wood products infected with non indigenous bluestain. It should be noted that treatment in accordance with ISPM 15 specifications is not lethal to bluestain fungi, and in fact heat treatment in the absence of moisture reduction is likely to increase susceptibility to infection. Our advice, therefore, is to use only wood packaging material which, in addition to having been either heat treated or fumigated to ISPM 15 specifications, has additionally been kiln-dried to below 20% moisture content. This may be indicated by the mark 'KD' or 'kiln-dried' on the wood packaging unit (including dunnage), but it must not be included within the border of the ISPM 15 mark. As any timber, including kiln dried material, has a tendency absorb condensation during long voyages in a freight container, kiln drying does not guarantee that bluestain infection will not develop. Australia - has published Notice 30 Introduction of mandatory treatment requirements for all solid wood packaging and dunnage, effective 1 January 2006. From that date Australia has begun to phase in mandatory treatment requirements for all solid wood packaging and dunnage.Australia implemented ISPM15 in September 2004, but not in respect of WPM used in air cargo. From 1 January 2006, Australia will require all WPM and dunnage to be ISPM15 compliant and marked (to view WTO notification). In addition, all WPM and dunnage must be bark-free and, if fumigated, the exposure time must be 24hours, not 16 hours as in ISPM15 (under review). The UKWPMMP already requires that fumigation is carried out over 24 hours. (Updated 21 September 2005). During the phase in period, until 1 May 2006, there will be no changes to the quarantine clearance arrangements for containerised sea-freight packaging timber. The FCL/FCX and LCL Broker Accreditation Schemes will continue as normal. During this phase, however, AQIS will monitor compliance with the new treatment requirements for wood packaging associated with imported break-bulk and air cargo. Break bulk and air cargo consignments will be subject to surveillance by AQIS and stickers alerting importers to the new treatment requirements will be placed on cargo that does not bear ISPM15 treatment stamps. (Updated 22 February 2006). (AQIS) formally implemented ISPM15 alongside their existing regulations with effect from 1 September 2004. This action gives exporters a choice of treatment options to choose and is mainly for the benefit of countries that do not have ISPM15 compliant wood marking programmes in place yet. Details of the new rules are set out in AQIS Notice to Industry No 19 . (Last updated:17 August 2004). To view examples of AQIS supplier/packer declarations, (full container loads) (less than full container loads). (Last update 23 August 2004). The declarations can be completed by the Exporter as AQIS have confirmed that their reference to 'Suppliers' also eant 'Exporters'. Suppliers (i.e. the exporters) do not need to put UKWPMMP/ISPM 15 unique registration numbers on the packing declarations. the only number that is required is a numerical to link between the declaration and the container/shipment. The intention is for the supplier to fill out the declaration as they are the ones that AQIS will be targeting for increased surveillance/profiling if surveillance shows a problem. We have been advised that AQIS has no quarantine concerns with packing made solely of reconstituted wood products. Reconstituted wood products are those that no longer contain solid wood as a result of the manufacturing process and include particleboard, chipboard, masonite, oriented strand board, medium and high density fibreboard. AQIS have published the following Public Quarantine Alerts which wood packaging manufacturers and exporters using packaging materials made from processed wood products should familiarise themselves with - PQA0389 - Importation of peeler cores as packaging or dunnage PQA0390 - Amended import conditions for panel products PQA0404 - Changed import requirements for packing made solely from reconstituted wood products (includes particleboard, chipboard, masonite, oriented strand board (OSB), medium and high density fibreboard). All of these PQA's can be viewed on AQIS's site. Documentation requirements for clearance of imported cargo Please find the Industry Notice 61/2009 from the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) relating to documentation requirements for the clearance of imported cargo. Note that Australia no longer requires a “Newly Manufactured Plywood Declaration” for plywood/veneer packaging material. This is with immediate effect. (Updated 13 November 2009). In case of queries, contact: Timber and Timber Products National Co-ordination Centre Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) email: timber.imports@aqis.gov.au Import conditions for bulk imports of plywood are provided in the AQIS Import Conditions database ICON. Full details of the above guidance can be viewed in AQIS's Cargo Containers - Quarantine aspects and procedures manual which is updated on a regular basis. Examples of treatment certificates and packaging declarations required by AQIS can be found on their website at - http://www.daffa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/138542/eg_acceptable.pdf
	Bolivia
	Bolivia implemented ISPM15 on 24 July 2005. To view the WTO notification (in Spanish)
	Brazil
	Brazil has confirmed that it will accept wood packaging material with the IPPC mark as the phytosanitary certification.  To see correspondence from the Embassy of Brazil.
	Bulgaria
	Bulgaria will require wood packaging material and dunnage import, which includes all EU member States, to comply with ISPM15 from 1 June 2006 but as of 1 January 2007 when Bulgaria becomes a member of the European Community, WPM from other member States need not comply, as it will then be regarded as intra-Community movement.
	Canada
	Canada - Starting September 16th 2005 Canada, the United States and Mexico will increase the enforcement of the ISPM 15 Standard on all Wood Packaging material entering their borders. In the past, non-compliant shipments were allowed in Canada, and notification letters from CFIA were sent to the NPPO officials (through Post) to advise them of the violations. This initial voluntary period will expire on Sept 15th, and Canada will begin stepping up its enforcement in three phases. Phase 1 September 16: Canada will refuse entry on shipments found to have infested wood packaging (during this preliminary period, only signs of infestation would prevent entry of shipments) with the exception of ship's dunnage.  Ship's dunnage will be treated or disposed if non-compliant  (i.e. with signs of living pests, or no ISPM15 mark, or no Phytosanitary Certificate). Phase 2  February 1, 2006: Canada will refuse entry for any wood packaging found to be non-compliant (i.e. with signs of living pests, or no ISPM15 mark, or no Phytosanitary Certificate) with the exception of ship's dunnage.  Ship's dunnage will be treated or disposed if non-compliant. Phase 3 July 1, 2006: Canada will refuse entry on all wood packaging materials including ship's dunnage found to be non-compliant. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Directive D-98-08 (5th Revision) will be updated soon. To view the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Q & A Canada announces new timber import requirements
	Chile
	Chile implemented ISPM 15 on 1 June 2005. To view their notification.Note: further details of the Chilean requirements will be posted later.
	China
	China - officially implemented ISPM15 on 1st of January 2006 Notice 11 (see Clarification Note) and Notice 32. China continues to encourage exporters to use the 'Declaration of use of non wood packaging material'. See details here in the Phyto News. The Forestry Commission has decided to cease issuing phytosanitary Certificates for ISPM15 Wood material, from immediate effect. Please read information above.
	Colombia
	Colombia - has implemented ISPM15 via Resolution No. 01074. (Updated 24 September 2008)
	Costa Rica
	Costa Rica - implemented ISPM15 on 19 March 2006. To view notification (in Spanish).
	Cuba
	Cuba - has announced its intention to implement ISPM15 on 1st October 2008. To view notification.
	Dominican Republic
	Dominican Republic - implemented ISPM15 on 1 July 2006. To view notification (in Spanish).
	Ecuador
	Ecuador - has implemented of ISPM15 with effect from 1 July 2006.  See details of Resolution (in Spanish).
	Egypt
	Egypt - implemented ISPM15 on 1 October 2005. To view WTO notification.
	EU
	(Click here - Emergency measures to prevent the spread of Pine Wood Nematode from Portugal) (Click here to see the EU member States) EU - From 1 March 2005 new landing requirements apply for wood, wood products and wooden packaging material arriving in the European Community from all countries, except Switzerland. The landing requirement does not apply to wood, wood products and wooden packaging material which is simply moving from one EU member State to another. Additionally there is no phytosanitary certificate requirement for wooden packaging material arriving in the EC , which is ISPM15 compliant as the certification is provided via the ISPM15 wood mark. The new rules, which are set out in Council Directive 2004/102/EC, will be incorporated into our national legislation as quickly as possible, once the final implementing details are agreed in Brussels. For most wood products, the existing requirements will continue to apply. New treatment options, such as heat treatment for all conifer wood, regardless of country of origin, have been agreed AND THESE WILL BE ACCEPTED in Great Britain from 1 March. More detailed information regarding the new treatment options as provided in the ‘Wood Package’ summary note (issued December 2003) can be viewed by clicking here Wood packaging material (WPM) will also be affected following EU implementation of ISPM 15 on 1 March. From that date, all WPM, such as boxes, crates, pallets, which are made using any unmanufactured wood products, MUST meet the new requirements and be either heat treated or fumigated with Methyl bromide under an officially approved programme and carry the internationally agreed mark. WPM comprised entirely of manufactured wood products such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board or similar is EXEMPT, and need not be treated or marked. Note: the requirement in Directive 2004/102/EC that all WPM must be made from debarked wood has been suspended for one year ie until 1st March 2006 and WILL NOT therefore be enforced. Directive 2005/15/EC dated 28th February 2004 provides details of this amendment. Emergency measures: In the meantime the emergency measures covering WPM from Canada, China, Japan and the USA will remain in place, pending review. This means coniferous WPM from these countries must be heat treated, chemically pressure impregnated or Methyl bromide fumigated and marked (and from China, only, be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate). In addition, non-coniferous WPM from China must be EITHER bark-free and free of insect bore holes > 3 mm across OR kiln-dried. For all WPM manufactured after 28 February 2005, the mark must also include the IPPC1 logo – 1 IPPC – International Plant Protection Convention, FAO Rome For WPM manufactured before that date, and until 31 December 2007, the mark need only contain the country code, the producer code and the treatment code. After 1 January 2008, all WPM will need to have the full ISPM 15 mark, including the IPPC logo Dunnage  From 1 March 2005, and until 31 December 2007, all dunnage must either be bark-free, free of pests and signs of live pests OR be heat treated or fumigated with Methyl bromide and carry the ISPM 15 mark incorporating the country code, the producer code and the treatment code. For treated and marked dunnage there is no requirement for the wood to be debarked until 1 March 2006. After 1 January 2008, all dunnage will need to have the full ISPM 15 mark, including the IPPC logo This information is correct at the time of publication and will be updated as required. (Updated 3rd March 2005).
	EU (Portugal)
	PORTUGAL LATEST INFORMATION (26th June 2009): EU Standing Committee on Plant Health advise of a temporary derogation (1st January 2010) from the emergency measures (outlined below) against pine wood nemotode.  Click here: Emergency measures to prevent the spread of Pine Wood Nematode from Portugal Controls apply to the export from Portugal of conifer wood products, including logs, sawn wood, chips, bark and wood packaging material such as boxes, crates pallets and the like which originated there. These are set out in Commission Decision 2006/133/EC and its various amendments (link http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2006:052:0034:0038:EN:PDF ). Wood Packaging Material (WPM) manufactured in Portugal from conifer wood has had to meet the requirements of ISPM 15, the international phytosanitary standard covering WPM which demands that it be treated (or fumigated with Methyl bromide) and stamped with the ISPM 15 mark which shows the country of production, a unique producer code and the code for the treatment used i.e. "HT" or "MB". Despite these measures, many Member States have reported detecting PWN in WPM arriving from Portugal, sometimes on unmarked WPM so it has not been possible to tell where it was made, and in order to avoid the possibility that untreated Portuguese WPM 'slips thorough the net' the rules have been further amended. From 16 June 2009 all WPM made from conifer wood exported from Portugal will need to meet ISPM 15 requirements. This includes WPM made from conifer wood imported into Portugal from the other Member States and then re-used for subsequent exports. Although there is no legal obligation to use ISPM15 compliant WPM for goods shipped into Portugal from any other Member State, we strongly advise exporters in the UK to consider using treated and ISPM 15 marked WPM, regardless of wood type, wherever possible so as to ensure that there are no delays in delivering goods. This will be particularly important where the consignor expects to have the WPM returned, either empty or used to carry other goods. Many importers in Portugal are expected to demand the use of ISPM 15 WPM by their suppliers, so as to avoid the need to otherwise dispose of and replace WPM for subsequent use. The Portuguese authorities have confirmed that they do not have sufficient heat treatment capacity to deal with untreated imported WPM, and destruction appears to be the only alternative. Our advice covers all WPM regardless of wood type because of the difficulty in determining wood species, especially where more than one species is used in the manufacture of WPM. In cases of doubt, we can expect at least a delay in shipping while checks are carried out. This may well lead to increased costs. Under the new procedures, all Member States will now be required to carry out routine checks on wood and wood packaging material imported into their country from Portugal. These checks can be carried out at any place where the material may be present and not necessarily confined to the point of entry (port or airport). The Forestry Commission plans to continue with spot checks on some goods as they arrive, where practicable, and will also be visiting importers to check on WPM used to ship goods from Portugal. We already carry out spot checks on wood shipped from Portugal. We do not, however, plan to place unnecessary burdens on business and will not, for example, be imposing inspection fees as we do for imports from non-EU countries. In the event that non-compliant wood or WPM is found, the occupier of the premises or the person in charge of the material will, however, be responsible for any remedial action deemed necessary. Those placing orders with Portuguese suppliers are strongly advised to make it a contractual requirement that only ISPM 15 compliant WPM is used and binding suppliers to meet any costs arising out of a failure to do so. The European Commission has also indicated that it plans to propose extending the use of ISPM15 to regulate WPM used in all intra-Community trade. This is subject to negotiations with the wood packaging industry which currently does not have sufficient treatment capacity across the EU to meet such a demand. See also: Press Release issued 24 April 2009 by the EU Directorate General Communication (Click here)
	Guatemala
	Guatemala - implemented ISPM15 on 25 January 2005. To view WTO notification.  Note Details of the Guatemalan requirements will be provided as soon as they are published.
	Guyana
	Guyana - The relevant authority has advised that it has implemented ISPM15. Unfortunately we are unable to publish any official document as the notification was made by email to the Forestry Commission.
	Honduras
	Honduras - implemented ISPM15 on 25 February. To view WTO notification.
	Hong Kong
	Hong Kong - plant health authorities at http://www.afcd.gov.hk/quarantine/animals_e.htm Phytosanitary Certificate not required
	India
	India - implemented ISPM15 on 1st November 2004 and has published details of its landing requirements. Material with a plant origin used for packaging must either be heat treated or fumigated. Click here to see details as published by Ministry of Agriculture in India. Click here to see subsequent amendment (Updated 31 May 2004). Click here for Ministry of Agriculture, Plant Quarantine Organisation of India. India has published details of its implementation of ISPM15 and landing requirements for wood packaging material w.e.f. 1st November 2004 (see attached Web page)
	Indonesia
	Indonesia - implemented ISPM No 15 in September 2009. To view details of the original notification dated 29 May 2006 and addendum of April 2009 confirming the date of implementation and other details (including contact details for queries). To view updated notification dated 5 March 2010.
	Israel
	The new Israeli Import Regulation incorporate the equirement for ISPM 15. The regulation will come into force on 25.6.09 but the implementation of the requirement of ISPM was postponed to 1/10/09. Another response from Israel, this time from the Deputy Director of PPIS (http://www.ppiseng.moag.gov.il/PPISENG/Files/Contacts/f/miriamf.htm)
	Japan
	Japan - has announced that it will implement ISPM15 on 1 April 2007. To view the WTO notification.  To view details in MAFF Notification No. 1352.  Further information can be viewed on Japan's website.
	Jordan
	Jordan - has announced that it implemented ISPM15 on 17 November 2005. To view the WTO notification.(Updated 19 January 2006).
	Lebanon
	Lebanon - The Head of Agriculture Import,Export Department Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture has advised that the Lebanese Ministerial Decree No. 19/1 dated 9/1/06 requires all wood packaging material entering the Lebanon to be ISPM15 compliant wef 9th March 2006.
	Malaysia
	Malaysia - will implement ISPM15 on 1 January 2010. To view details. (Updated 20 October 2009)
	Mexico
	Mexico - implemented ISPM15 on 16 September 2005. The new requirements (in Spanish) come into force on 16 September 2005 in line with the USA and Canada.
	New Zealand
	New Zealand - implemented ISPM15 on 16 April 2006.  It has however recently consulted on changes to the Import Health Standard Wood Packaging Materials from All Countries.  We have been advised that the new standard will come into effect on 1 May 2006. Following consultation, New Zealand has amended its import requirements for wood packaging material from 1 May 2006. These are set out in their revised Import Health Standard. All WPM produced under the UK's Wood Packaging Material is bark-free and that treated by fumigation is treated to the 24 hour treatment specification recently adopted by the Commission for Phytosanitary Measures and thus meets New Zealand's requirements. (last updated 17 May 2006)
	Nicaragua
	Nicaragua - notice of intent to implement ISPM15 (in Spanish) - actual date to be determined.
	Nigeria
	Nigeria - (Update 8th October 2004)- we have received an up date to Mrs Oraka’s, Nigeria Plant Quarantine Service, letter dated 16 August, which now states that Nigeria does NOT require a phytosanitary certificate if the mark on the body of the packaging materials indicates that it has been treated as stated in ISPM15; to view update. We apologise for the quality of this letter. We have also received email correspondence dated from the Nigeria Plant Quarantine Service stating - 'All wood packaging and dunnage must be marked with IPPC logo and be accompanied with certificate of treatment. In the absence of IPPC logo and certificate of treatment it must then be accompanied with phytosanitary certificate issued by Plant Protection Organisation of exporting country’. We have requested details of the information to be included in the treatment certificate ie will a fumigation certificate or Certificate of Conformity suffice and as soon as we receive a response from the Nigeria Plant Quarantine Service we will publish it on our website. Please therefore continue to monitor this website. Even though Nigeria have not submitted a WTO Notification advising of their intent to implement ISPM15 we would recommend that exporters comply with the requirements of the attached announced to ensure that their goods are not delayed or intercepted by the Nigerian Authorities. We have advised the EC of the details of this announcement and requested that Nigeria submit a WTO Notification immediately and we will report on the outcome of this action. Please continue to monitor this website for updates.
	Norway
	Norway - will implement ISPM15 on 1 January 2009.
	Oman
	Oman - has announced its intention to implement ISPM15 in December 2006.  To view WTO notification.
	Paraguay
	Paraguay - has announced that it implemented ISPM15 on 28 June 2005.  To view WTO notification (in Spanish). (Last updated 24 November 2005).
	Peru
	Peru - has announced that it will implement ISPM15 with effect from 1 September 2005. To view WTO notification ( in English). To view the text of the regulation (in Spanish). (Last update 14 April 2005).
	Philippines
	Phillipines - announced in June that they had implemented ISPM15 but a further announcement (20 July 2004) notifies that they will now partially implement ISPM15 on 1 January 2005 (treated but without the need for marking) with full implementation on 1 June 2005.  After that date they will require all wood packaging material entering their territory should be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM15.  Further details and information may be obtained through (epad.polreser@eudoramail.com) Last update: (17 August 2004).
	Republic of Korea (South Korea)
	Republic of Korea - implemented ISPM15 on 1 June 2005. Republic of Korea has notified throught the WTO that it will only accept WPM from certain countries if it has been fumigated for 24 hours.  This has no direct impact on exports from the UK using packaging manufactured here. Apart from not having Pine Wood Nematode present, fumigations under the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme must be over a 24 hour period. (last updated 11 May 2005).
	Russia
	Russia - at a recent meeting (November 2009) the Russian authorities have advised us that the new rules that went into effect on July 15, 2009 have been withdrawn and that we are attempting to get the situation clarified. Our advice to exporters of all goods to Russia is that to avoid any complications they ensure that all wood packaging material used is treated and marked in accordance with ISPM No. 15. (Updated 30 November 2009).
	Seychelles
	Seychelles - Implements ISPM15 on 1st March 2006 - see details.
	South Africa
	South Africa - has confirmed that it will implement ISPM15 on 1 January 2005. (Updated 22 December 2004). Non ISPM15 compliant material will be accepted until 1 March 2005 provided that such material is bark free and does not present a plant health risk.
	Sri Lanka
	Sri Lanka - has announced that it will implement ISPM15 on 8 March 2010. To view WTO notification. To view the text of the draft regulations. (Updated 20 October 2009).
	Switzerland
	Switzerland - An ‘agreement of equivalence’ has been reached between the EU and the Swiss. Wood packaging emanating from this market can be regarded in the same way as that from any EU member state.
	Syria
	Syria - The relevant authority has advised that it has implemented ISPM15. Unfortunately we are unable to publish any official document as the notification was made by email to the Forestry Commission.
	Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu
	Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu - notification has confirmed that it will implement ISPM15 on 1st November 2005.
	Turkey
	Turkey - has announced via the publication of Official Gazette: 30.12.2004-25686 that is has deferred its implementation of ISPM 15 until 1 January 2006 To view the amendment on Turkey's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs website by selecting the 'Regulations on Marking Wood Packaging Material for Phytosanitary Measures' option and by scrolling down to the foot of the page. (Updated 31 October 2006)
	Ukraine
	Ukraine - has implemented ISPM15 as an import requirement, with the addition of debarking and confirm that all WPM produced under the UKWPMMP meets their requirements; to see notification.
	USA and North America
	USA - (Update 16 September 2005 ie the beginning of the USA's informed ISPM15 compliance period) The USA's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on 15th September 2005 that it had conducted a special operation during the month of July 2005 to determine the baseline level of wood packaging material (WPM) compliance with ISPM15. Based on examination results, CBP will perform phased-in compliance enforcement of the USDA WPM regulation. Details of the phased-in compliance can be viewed in the CBP's Operating Procedures for Trade Community Regarding Implementation of the Wood Packaging Materials (WPM) Regulation More information will be made available from the USDA during the months of September and October or via the CBPs website APHIS in cooperation with CBP will begin enforcing phase two of the wood packaging material (WPM ) regulation beginning Feb. 1. During the phase, APHIS and CBP will require that all commodity imports entering or transiting the United States with WPM consisting of pallets and crates be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide. The shipments must also be marked with an approved international logo, certifying that the WPM has been appropriately treated. WPM that does not meet these requirements will not be allowed to enter into the United States and will be re-exported. Shipments containing WPM that violate the rule may be allowed entry only if the CBP port director determines that it is possible to separate the approved material from the noncompliant portion of the shipment. Arrangements to have the noncompliant WPM exported from the United States would be required before the approved cargo can be released to the consignee. All costs associated with this process are the responsibility of the importer. This phase of enforcement will continue through July 4. Full enforcement of the WPM regulation will begin July 5. At that time, all WPM must meet the import requirements and be free of timber pests before entering or transiting through the United States.
	WTO Notifications
	To view all current WTO notifications made under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement. Near the bottom of the page you will find a search link by country which leads you to an index of notifications with further links.

There has been increasing concern in recent years about the spread of pests, such as the Asian long-horn beetle and the Pine Wood Nematode, since wood packaging material made of unprocessed raw wood provides a pathway for the introduction and spread of such pests. A few years ago there was a major incident, when the Asian long-horn beetle was discovered in the U.S.

Having made its way there in the wood packaging imported from China, with the result that avenues of trees in Chicago and New York had to be immediately felled so as to control the spread of this pest.
The pest has not yet been eradicated and felling continues. It has also been intercepted in imports in many other countries, including the UK.

In order to protect their trees and forests, a number of countries and trading blocs have taken regulatory action to control the import of wood packaging. At the present time, at least fourteen countries and the EU have taken such action, and the regulations differ in each case, with the results that exporters are finding it extremely difficult to understand the regulations that apply when exporting to such countries. A case in point, is Australia, which requires tanalising or specific heat treatment of wood packaging, and there are many other specific regulations, such as those applicable to Argentina and Brazil. In an endeavour to bring some order to this situation and to control the spread of pests through wood packaging, the Secretariat of the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention), appointed a panel of experts to identify approved measures that significantly reduce the risk of the spread of pests, and to prepare an appropriate standard. The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measure “Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in the international trade” (ISPM15) was adopted by the FAO’s Interm Commission on Phytosanitary Measures in March 2002. It is now for each country and trading bloc to decide upon implementation of these measures, and the indications are that most major trading nations will have regulations based on ISPM15 in place within the next couple of years.

The approved measure that have been adopted are as follows:
• Heat treatment of wood packaging which requires heating of the timber to a minimum core temperature of 56 ?C for a minimum of 30 minutes (HT)
or
• Fumigation, using Methane Bromide (MB) to the relevant specification.
ISPM15 also recommends that wood should be debarked prior to treatment by an approved measure (DB).

In order to prepare the U.K. wood packaging industry, and to assist exporters, the Forestry Commission introduced the U.K. Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme, on 1st October 2001. The Programme is entirely voluntary at present but in time it will become statutory. evergreen pallets meet the required standards and have been authorised to use the ISPM15 mark which identifies the country by the ISO-2-letter code (GB), a unique manufacture’s registration number 0092 assigned by the Forestry Commission, the code for the approved measure DB-HT and the Forestry Commission ©. ISPM15 recommends that countries need not impose regulations on neighbouring countries with a similar plant health status, nor on internal movements. However, it is up to each country to determine its own regulations. But it is expected that within the EU domestic movements, within and between the Members States will not be subject to ISPM15 measures and that existing requirements for import into the U.K., for example which requires freedom from bark or kiln-drying, will continue. However, companies that operate in global markets may wish nevertheless to source heat treated or fumigated pallets, in order that they have the option to send pallets outside the EU, or to ensure that they can be re-imported.
Due to concerns about Pine Wood Nematode found in wood packaging material shipped from USA, Canada, China and Japan, the European Commission introduced regulations to control the import of wood packaging with effect from 1st October 2001. Wood packaging coming into the EU from these four countries has to be either heat treated, chemically impregnated, or fumigated, and clearly stamped, stating where and by whom the treatment was carried out. If wood packaging is used to export goods from within the EU to one of these four countries, they can only be re-imported if it can be proved that they originated from within the EU. The U.K. Forestry Commission stamp is, is therefore a very valuable safeguard in this circumstance. Of course, once the International Standard for Wood Packaging has been implemented by the EU, then the pallets coming into the EU (from any source) will have to be stamped that they have been produced from Debarked wood and had one of the two approved treatments. Ie. DB-HT or DB-MB.

Work is going on within FEFPEB (the European Association of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers) – to encourage the introduction of Programmes similar to the U.K. Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme throughout Europe. Only wooden pallets and packaging stamped “DB-HT” or “DB-MB” will meet the current Chinese regulations (with the accompaniment of a Phytosanitary Certificate from the FC) and ISPM15 (No Phytosanitary Certificate required just the approved wood mark). Alternative measures, such as Chemical Pressure Impregnation (CPI) or irridation may be approved if sufficient scientific evidence of their effectiveness can be proven. For the time being, only the two approved measures may be used. Although the necessary introduction of Phytosanitary regulations will inevitably lead to an increase in the cost of wooden pallets and packaging, this increase will still result in wood packaging being considerably cheaper than alternatives, such as plastic packaging. The latest development is that Canada has announced its intention to adopt ISPM15, with effect from 1st June 2003. New Zealand has announced (April 2003) new regulations including acceptance of wood packaging material complying with ISPM15. The USA and EU have indicated that they will soon follow, and it is highly likely that most other nations and trading blocs will implement ISPM15 in the near future. It is, therefore, imperative to all USERS and PURCHASERS of wooden packaging that they PLAN NOW, so as to ensure that their wood packaging used in future shipments is fully compliant with the regulations. There are major logistical and supply line issues to consider.

ISPM15 applies to all wooden packaging, including pallets (either new or repaired), packing cases dunnage. The early introduction of the UKWPMMP has ensured that U.K. wood packaging suppliers are organised to meet your requirements and guarantee the uninterrupted supply of packaging essential to the U.K.’s export trade. Although there are inevitable increased costs for the treatment of packaging, in order to protect the world’s forests and environment, it remains the case that wood packaging is considerably more economical and is flexible enough to meet exporters’ packaging requirements.