Wood Packing Requirements
ISPM 15
12 June 2006
Wood packaging is recognized as a pathway for the introduction and the spread of pests. To reduce the spread of infestation International treatment guidelines have been adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) in coordination with the wood packaging industry have developed two official export and marking programs in order to meet the requirements of countries with import requirements based on the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures – Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Materials in International Trade (ISPM 15).
Heat Treatment Program (HT) – This is a process where the wood is heated to achieve a wood core temperature of 56 degrees C for a minimum of 30 minutes. It is then labeled with the ISPM 15 standard mark. You may purchase lumber that has already been treated prior to building your wood packaging material or you may build your packaging and have it treated and then stamped. There are many commercial suppliers of wood packaging materials already built and stamped that you can purchase as well.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation Program (MB) – This is a process where the wood is treated with Methyl Bromide and stamped with the ISPM 15 standard mark.
More information on the above can be obtained from the www.aphis.usda.gov website.
The following is a list of countries requiring ISPM 15 compliance:
Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, China, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, European Union, Guatemala, India, Jordon, Kenya, Korea, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Phillippines, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Vietnam, Venezuela
When shipping to a new customer in an unfamiliar country you should always recheck this requirement as the list of countries is updated as needed.
Posted in Export Packaging, International Shipping
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