APHIS No Longer Giving a Timeframe for Issuance of Final Rule on Imported SWPM
On May 20, 2003, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) issued a proposed rule to require imported solid wood packing material (SWPM) to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, as well as marked, prior to importation in accordance with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade."
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APHIS No Longer Giving a Timeframe for Publication of Final Rule
APHIS sources are no longer giving a timeframe for the SWPM final rule's publication in the Federal Register. These sources stated that APHIS' SWPM web page contains the most up-to-date information regarding SWPM treatment and marking requirements for both imports and exports and will be updated as developments occur.
In March 2004, APHIS had stated in industry alerts that it anticipated publishing the final rule no earlier than the middle of 2004. (See ITT's Online Archives or 03/30/04 news, 04033010, for BP summary of this industry alert.)
Final Rule Still Expected to Have a Phase-in Period of Not Less Than Six Months
APHIS sources have confirmed that APHIS is still planning to have a delayed implementation period of not less than six months for the SWPM final rule, in order to allow countries to establish programs that are compliant with ISPM 15 and the final rule. Sources also confirmed that during this phase-in period, APHIS does not expect to take enforcement action against those who are not in compliance.
(The import section of the APHIS' SWPM Web page contains information on the rulemaking for imported SWPM, while the export section of the Web page contains updates on the SWPM requirements for the following countries and economy: Australia, China (both imports and exports), European Union, India, South Korea, and South Africa.)
APHIS' SWPM Web Page available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/