Update on Various Countries' Implementation and Enforcement of ISPM 15 Treatment & Marking Requirements for Wood Packaging Material

(The U.S. and other countries have committed to enforce the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 entitled, "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade." ISPM 15 calls for regulated WPM to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked in a certain way certifying treatment.)

ISPM 15 Enforcement for U.S.

In September 2004, APHIS issued a final rule to require all regulated WPM imported into the U.S. under general permit to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in accordance with ISPM 15. APHIS has stated that this final rule will be effective September 16, 2005. Prior to this date, APHIS has stated that it will conduct an information campaign to ensure that all affected parties are aware of the new regulatory requirements. . APHIS had also noted that in its enforcement of ISPM 15, it will not require WPM to be bark-free so long as it has been treated properly. (See ITT's Online Archives or 09/23/04 news, 04092320, for Part III of BP's summary of this final rule, with links to earlier installments.)

ISPM 15 Enforcement for the EU and Certain Other Countries

According to APHIS, the following countries have given notification of their implementation/enforcement plans with regard to WPM (see APHIS' industry alert for complete details):

European Union (EU). According to APHIS, the EU has published a wood packaging directive and the date of implementation is March 1, 2005. Under the EU's measure, WPM is required to be debarked.

Australia. Australia has given notice that effective September 1, 2004 it began accepting WPM and dunnage heat treated or fumigated and officially marked in compliance with ISPM 15. WPM arriving in Australia that is not marked as per ISPM 15 will either require an acceptable treatment certificate or the consignment will be subject to inspection and possible treatment upon arrival.

Chile. Chile has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its intention to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15. According to APHIS, Chile's proposed measure is to be implemented June 1, 2005. Chile will require WPM to be debarked

China. APHIS notes that China has notified the WTO of its intent to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15. See APHIS' industry alert for additional resources on China's requirements.

Colombia. Colombia has notified the WTO of its intent to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15 and the enforcement date is currently set at September 15, 2005.

Costa Rica. Costa Rica has also notified the WTO of its intent to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15. While Costa Rica has indicated a date of January 1, 2005 as the date of adoption of this measure, APHIS states that it has been advised that the regulations will not be enforced until September 16, 2005.

Korea. Korea has notified APHIS that its rule for WPM will not enter into force until June 1, 2005 (shipping date).

Nigeria. Nigeria has indicated its acceptance of official treatment and marking in line with ISPM 15. According to APHIS, Nigeria is enforcing compliance as of September 30, 2004.

Philippines. APHIS states that effective June 1, 2005, all WPM entering the Philippines are required to be treated and marked under ISPM 15.

South Africa. South Africa has notified the WTO of its intent to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15; however, South Africa has indicated that methyl bromide fumigation is not acceptable for treatments of coniferous wood packaging materials for export. The proposed implementation date is January 1, 2005.

Turkey. Turkey has notified the WTO of its intent to adopt measures in line with ISPM 15. APHIS notes that Turkey's enforcement date is currently January 1, 2006. Turkey will require that wood packaging be debarked.

APHIS Industry Alert available at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/industry

APHIS WPM Web Page can be accessed at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/wpm/wpm.html

BP Note

According to a February 7, 2005 Journal of Commerce (JoC) article, India has recently given notice that it will begin enforcement of ISPM 15.