Updated APHIS Information on ISPM 15 Treatment & Marking for Wood Packaging Material for Japan, EU
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has updated certain posted information on Japan's implementation and the European Union's enforcement of ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements for wood packaging material (WPM).
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(International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15 entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade" calls for affected WPM to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked in a certain way certifying treatment.)
Japan Adopts ISPM 15 Requirements
APHIS' Web site currently lists 31 countries and the EU as requiring ISPM 15 treatment and marking for WPM. Since BP's prior update, Japan has been added to this list. APHIS states that Japan published requirements adopting ISPM 15 for WPM, which went into effect April 1, 2007.
APHIS Amends Information on ISPM 15 Requirements of EU for Dunnage
The information on APHIS' WPM Web site has also been amended with respect to the requirements imposed by the EU. APHIS states that hardwood and softwood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo (dunnage) is required to be either heat treated or fumigated and officially marked under ISPM 15 or, if not treated and marked, be bark free and free from signs of live pests.
After December 31, 2007 all dunnage exported to the EU will be required to be treated and officially marked under ISPM 15. WPM including dunnage less than 6 mm and processed wood produced from glue, heat, and pressure or a combination thereof (i.e., Oriented Strand Board, plywood, etc.) will be exempt from treatment and marking.
(The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative sources have previously stated that EU implementation of an additional requirement that all imports of WPM be debarked and marked 'DB' has been postponed until January 1, 2009. See ITT's Online Archives or 02/02/06 news, 06020205, for BP summary of the postponement of the EU debarking requirement.)
APHIS Will Not Issue Phytosanitary Certificates for Exported WPM
APHIS has previously noted that certain countries have indicated that a phytosanitary certificate will be accepted and/or required for WPM treated and marked under ISPM 15. However, it is against APHIS policy to issue a phytosanitary certificate for wood packaging used in exported commodities.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 10/26/06 news, 06102610, for BP's most recent update on various countries' implementation of ISPM 15 treatment and marking for WPM.)
APHIS' List of Countries Requiring ISPM 15 available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/wpm/country/index.shtml
APHIS FAQ on WPM available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/wpm/wpm_faqs.shtml
APHIS WPM Web page available athttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/plants/plant_exports/wpm/index.shtml