U.S. Import Restrictions on Solid Wood Packing Materials
(November 21, 2003)

The Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) division of the United States Department of Agriculture has published a Draft Rule for new requirements concerning the importation of wood packaging material.

The targetted implementation date is April or May of 2004. In anticipation of finalization of the Rule, all importers are asked to meet the conditions of the International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15), along with the Draft Rule which requires that all wood packaging material be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export.

The USDA will start issuing notices to the NPPO for material not appropriately treated and marked, starting in January of 2004.   No additional action will be taken on noncompliant material until the rule is finalized.   APHIS will follow its current policy for wood packaging material until the new Rule goes into effect.

Solid Wood Packing Material (SWPM) includes wood packing materials used or for use with cargo to prevent damage, including, but not limited to, dunnage, crating, pallets, packing blocks, drums, cases, and skids.

For more information, visit http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/

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