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China Implements on Jan 1st ISPM 15 for Imported Wood Packaging Materials (Add'l Fumigation for Coniferous WPM from U.S, etc.)

According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), effective January 1, 2006 (shipping date), China has implemented new wood packaging material (WPM) requirements for imports into China, which with one exception, are in line with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15, entitled, "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade," which require treatment and marking of the subject WPM.

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APHIS states that wood packaging is defined by China as wood or wood products used in supporting, packing, and carrying a commodity such as crates, wooden crates, pallet, wooden frames, wooden casks, shaftes, wedges, sole timber, sleepers, pallets, dunnage, etc. The following materials are not subject to treatment and marking: those produced by deep processing procedures of synthesizing or heating and pressing wood packing materials such as plywood, fiberboard and flakeboard, excelsior sawdust, wood shaving, slender and curved pieces as well as less than 6mm pieces of wood.

With respect to the treatment options of fumigation or heat, required by China, APHIS states the following:

Fumigation Treatment Option for China

Coniferous. According to APHIS sources, China's fumigation rules for WPM made of coniferous wood (e.g. pine) from the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, Portugal, South Korea, Taiwan, or Hong Kong are in line with ISPM 15, except for the time period of fumigation, as China states that these countries/areas have Bursaphelenchus xylophyllus (pinewood nematode).

Sources explain that although ISPM 15 requires 16 hours of fumigation, China is requiring 24 hours of fumigation for coniferous WPM from the above countries.

(Although documentation such as a fumigation schedule might prove to China authorities that coniferous WPM from the above countries has been subject to 24 hours (rather than 16 hours) of fumigation, APHIS sources state that it is not known if China authorities will find this or other proof acceptable. APHIS sources suggest that exporters to China consider using hardwood (non-coniferous) WPM that is fumigated, coniferous or non-coniferous WPM that is heat treated, or some other materials for packaging that is not subject to ISPM 15.

In addition, one trade source adds that exporters to China may want to consider whether using fumigated coniferous WPM from countries other than those listed above, could also prove problematic with respect to China.)

Hardwood (non-coniferous). Non-coniferous WPM may be fumigated in accordance with ISPM 15.

Heat Treatment Option for China

Coniferous and hardwood. APHIS states that coniferous and hardwood WPM may meet China's ISPM 15 requirements by being heat treated to achieve a minimum wood core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius (133 F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. Kiln drying often meets this requirement. However, exporters need to verify that the kiln drying process used meets the China 's standard of 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

(Note: In the event that part of the used WPM is being re-used by repairing, re- assembling, or replacing it using untreated wood, APHIS states that the WPM should be re- treated and the treatment mark should be stamped again in the exporting country.)

(See ITT's Online Archives or 01/10/0 news, 06011005 for BP summary on 2nd phase of ISPM 15's implementation by U.S., Canada, and Mexico.)

APHIS notice on China (updated as of 01/05/06) available at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/export/china.html

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

ISPM 15 available at http://www.ippc.int/servlet/BinaryDownloaderServlet/16259_ISPM_15_English.pdf?filename=1055161712885_ISPM15_e.pdf&refID=16259

BP Note

Prior to China's implementation of ISPM 15 (with the exception for coniferous WPM from certain countries as described above) it had in place a policy dating from January 1, 2000 for coniferous WPM form the U.S. or Japan. See http://aphis.usda.gov/oa/chinaswpm/chinarule.html translation of 1999 notice. See ITT's Online Archives or 11/10/99 news, 99110911, and 11/19/99 news, 99111804 for BP summaries of these earlier China polices.