International Phytosanitary Standard for Wood Packaging ISPM15 Regulations
In order to protect worldwide stocks of trees and forests, the International Plant Protection Committee (IPPC) has taken regulatory action to control the global movement of wooden packaging in the form of ISPM15.
Will it Affect Me?
If you export wooden packaging that contains sawn timber, such as new or second-hand pallets, boxes, crates, cable drums etc. outside the or into the EU you will be affected by these new regulations.
Packaging that is made solely from manufactured board like plywood, OSB, chipboard etc. is exempt.
The new regulations will apply to all arrivals at destination ports, airports etc. This means that all shipments will need to be treated approximately eight weeks before despatch, depending on transit times.
How can I Comply?
The approved measures that have been adopted are as follows:
Heat treatment of wood packaging, which requires heating of the timber to a minimum core temperature of 56C for a minimum of 30 minutes (HT).
or
Fumigation, using Methyl Bromide (MB) to the relevant specification.
In order to join to scheme, manufacturers need to demonstrate that they meet the requirements to a third party assessor. Registered manufacturers are authorised to use to ISPM15 mark, which includes the country of origin and a unique manufacturer's registration number
I need more information, where can I find it?
Note this information is provided as a guide only. Individual country implementation dates may change without notice and it is the responsibility of the exporter to comply with importing country requirements at the time of export.
United States
As of 5 July 2006, imports must comply with requirements of ISPM No. 15 or be subject to removal from the importing country. Additional information is available at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/import.html
European Union
Directive 2004/102/EC, which entered into force on 1 March 2005, requires the following measures to be taken for wood packaging material and dunnage entering the EU from all countries:
The wood must be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in line with ISPM15 procedures.
The wood must be officially marked with the ISPM15 stamp.
From 1 January 2009, all wood packaging material imported into the EU must be debarked. Dunnage must meet the same criteria as wood packaging material. However, it is exempted until the end of 2007 if it is made of wood free from bark, pests and signs of live pests. Additional information is available at: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/plant/index_en.htm.
United Kingdom
The Forestry Commission are the UK's representative on the IPPC.
http://www.forestry.gov.uk/planthealth
Rowlinson Packaging were the first wooden case maker in the UK to buy and install a heat chamber, specifically designed for heat treatment.
This allows them to treat either timber or finished cases and pallets from their site at Wardle in Cheshire, in the most cost effective manner.
The treatment (HT and MB) lasts for life, so there is no need to re-treat for returnable packaging.
Related Tags: asian longhorn beetle, pine wood nematode, spread of pests, packaging, transit packing, timber
Ann Coveney is a freelance writer and part time school teacher. She can be hired to write articles on a wide range of topics. The web site she uses the most for low cost travel and hotel booking is AskVicki.co.uk Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Unbelievable U.s. Gov. Action
By Michael Webster Opinion: I rarely write opinion pieces as a syndicated investigative reporter - Global Arms Dealer and Financier of Terrorists Monzer Al Kassar Convicted
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Nov 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM PST MICHAEL J. GAR - Americans Attacked and Nearly Killed in Mexico
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER NOV 23, 2008 at 4:30 PM PST Five people die - Two More Americans Slaughtered in Mexico
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER NOV 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM PST Mexican police - Corruption is Common on Both Sides of the Border Where Cash is King
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Nov 24, 2008 at 12:01 AM PST Corruption on - Online Application | Rainbow CardÂ(r) Platinum PlusÂ(r) | Gay & Lesbian Credit Card
Visibility is a powerful tool in the fight for civil rights. Consumer spending has a similarly p - Gay Credit Card | Apply Online
The rainbow flag can now be proudly displayed on the Rainbow CardÂ(r) Platinum PlusÂ(r) VisaÂ(r) is - Apply Online | Gay & Lesbian Credit Card
The rainbow flag is now being prominently displayed on the Bank of AmericaÂ(r) Rainbow CardÂ(r) Pla - How Rusting of Iron Can be Prevented and Corrosion Resistance Increased?
Corrosion is partial or complete wearing away, dissolving, or softening of any substance by chemica - Key Witnesses to Testify in the Carona Corruption Trail
 Key witnesses to testify in the Carona corruption trail  MICHAEL WEBSTER: INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Advent of Biodiesel Algae Power
With the increasing interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engine cars, further stu - Prince of the Environment Chills His Palace
Climate change has been a much talked about subject in royal circles since Prince Charles started to - Biodiesel and Its Impact on the Environment
Biodiesel has been getting its share of interest among people in the search for alternative fuels. T - Computer Recycling: What You Need To Know
Recycling is one of the best ways in which to have a positive impact upon the world in which we live - Monte Carlo Yacht Show 2007 To Be Carbon Neutral
The European superyacht industry has blossomed over the last ten years, with multi millionaires and - Global Warming And You
It seems everyday we're bombarded with even more information regarding global warming. Scientists g - Raise Money For Charity Without Spending A Cent
When most people think of supporting charities, they think of money. This can be a problem for peop - Monaco Set To Cut 2007 Carbon Emissions
Monaco has led the small countries of the world in the campaign to heighten awareness of environment - CFL Light Bulbs In Texas - Not The Brightest Idea?
Mercury is poisonous, yet it's a critical part of most compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), the k - Global Warming Could Turn Tax Haven Cold
Extended hotter summers and the environment have been much talked about subjects in royal circles si