U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) have prepared a Wood Packaging Material (WPM) checklist for trade chain partners due to increased non-compliance with regulations which has led to increased enforcement.
There are two treatment options – heat treatment or fumigation with methyl bromide:
- Heat treatment – WPM must be heat treated to achieve a minimum wood core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Fumigation – WPM must be fumigated with methyl bromide in an enclosed area for at least 16 hours at the regulated dosage and then must be fumigated with methyl bromide in an enclosed area for at least 16 hours at the regulated dosage and then must be aerated to reduce the concentration of fumigant below hazardous exposure levels.
After either of these treatments, the WPM must be marked in a visible location on each article, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article, with a legible and permanent mark, approved by the IPPC, to certify that wood packaging material has been subjected to an approved treatment. Marks will vary by country and treatment establishment. The ISPM-15, Annex 2 describes the mark and its application. It also gives examples of acceptable variants to the mark.
WPM that is not marked is considered to be untreated and non-compliant. The regulation allows for the immediate export of non-compliant WPM. Fumigation is not allowed as a remedy. Other countries may have other options, but the United States regulation only allows export of non-compliant WPM. The importer of the merchandise is responsible for exporting non-compliant WPM.
Resources:
- Wood Packaging Material Checklist – 2024
- Guidelines for Liquidated Damages and Penalties on Wood Packaging Materials
- Frequently Asked Questions on Wood Packaging Materials
- Wood Packaging Material Trade Outreach
- 7 CFR 319.40
- List of Approved U.S. Heat Treatment Facilities, American Standard Lumber Committee
For more information, contact Marion Bradnam, General Manager – Customs Services.
