CBP Requires Wood Packaging Material to be Treated at Origin

Information derived from U.S. Customs Cargo Systems Messaging Service on September 25, 2017

The Regulation:

Non-exempt wood packaging material (WPM) imported into the United States must be treated at approved facilities at places of origin.

Effective Date:

 

The Wood Packaging Material MUST:

  • display a visible, legible, and permanent mark certifying treatment, preferably on at least 2 sides of the article.
  • The mark must be approved under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in its International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15) Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade

Enforcement:

If the WPM is found to be lacking any of the above, the responsible party (importer, carrier, or bonded custodian) must adhere to the Emergency Notification stipulations and be responsible for any costs associated.

The responsible party will be issued a WPM penalty under Titel 19 United States Code (USC)  § 1595a(b) or under 19 USC § 1592.

Why the Regulation?

In short, to keep our U.S. environment safe from harm.

“The purpose of the WPM requirement is to prevent the introduction of exotic timber pests. Introduced exotic pests lack the natural environmental controls that may be found in their respective native lands to keep them in check. When exotic timber pests go unchecked they can cause widespread tree mortality with detrimental ecological impacts. Additionally, there may be economic impact for the lumber, fruit, and nut industries, as well as the loss of horticultural trees. Eradication efforts can prove to be very expensive and ineffective once an exotic pest is introduced, as is the case with the Emerald Ash Borer which was introduced with infested WPM. Therefore, preventing introduction is critical with these exotic pests.”

About ISPM 15

International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) is an International Phytosanitary Measure developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that directly addresses the need to treat wood materials of a thickness greater than 6mm, used to ship products between countries. [wikipedia]

Scarbrough is ISPM Certified

There are many challenges faced when exporting, and as a United States exporter, many countries require and strongly enforce ISPM 15 rulings for all wood packaging and dunnage. For example, Brazil is very strict and known for its wood packaging regulations. Make sure you know how to crate and pack your goods to comply with other countries’ regulations.  In these cases, Scarbrough will take the burden from you. Scarbrough is an approved facility and can treat your WPM and stamp with a ISPM 15 Certified stamp.  Scarbrough also has the capabilities to build your customized crates right here in house.  For more information, please  visit our Warehouse Services page or contact us.