Regulation of Wood Packaging Materials

ISPM-15 FOR EXPORTS

Cargo Handling Specialists will provide the necessary service to ensure that the cargo for export i.e. crated goods, palletized goods, dunnage and containerized cargo is fumigated and certified to meet ISPM 15 standards.

ISPM 15 is the ‘INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES PUBLICATION No: 15 Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade.

To regulate the global spread of timber pests by regulating the movement of timber packing and dunnage in international trade.

The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAQ) addresses plant quarantine through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The IPPC is an international treaty administered by the FAO and implemented through the co-operation of member governments. South Africa is member to the treaty.

ISPM 15 applies to coniferous (softwood) and non coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material.

Wood packaging that are EXEMPT from this standard: plywood, particle board, orientated strand board, medium density fibre board, or products created using glue, heat and pressure are a combination of these.

If you are involved in the export of commodities of any kind into countries that have implemented ISPM 15 and use wooden packaging material in the transportation of these commodities then you will have to comply with the standard.

If wooden packaging material is exported into countries that have implemented ISPM 15 and it is not marked appropriately or it shows signs of infestation then the importing country may take action such as: ordering the wood packaging for treatment, disposal or the consignment maybe refused entry. The shipper is liable for all of these costs.

The National Department of Agriculture, the South African National Plant Protection Organization (SA NPPO).

Will regulate, inspect, audit and review this standard operational procedure. Any questions can be directed to the Department of Agriculture.

It is ultimately the shipper’s responsibility to ensure that his or her cargo is packed in accordance to ISPM 15.

Cargo Handling Specialists will advise you or your clients on any questions regarding these regulations. 

Cargo Handling Specialists will provide the necessary service to ensure that the cargo for export i.e. crated goods, palletized goods, dunnage and containerized cargo is fumigated and certified to meet ISPM 15 standards.

The mark should include:

  • IPPC Symbol
  • ISC two letter country code (XX)  followed by a unique number (000)
  • Assigned to the producer of the wood packaging material, who is responsible for ensuring appropriate wood is used and properly marked.
  • IPPC abbreviation (YY) according to the approved measure used e.g. MB, HT, and DB.

Approved pallets and crates may now be used to ship products to their destinations.

Ultimately, the majority of pallets, crates, boxes and dunnage that convey product around the world will have to be treated. The extent to which an exporter will be impacted in the short term will depend on where product is being sent. One thing is certain – these regulations will not disappear.

A guide to various countries readiness in
adopting ISPM 15 is attached.

THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS A BRIEF SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW REGULATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE IPPC AND WILL BE UPDATED REGULARY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.

Cargo Handling Specialists has the responsibility as a professional cargo handling company to advise and pack the cargo on behalf of their clients to comply with the new ISPM 15 regulations.

COUNTRYMARKING
Under ISPM 15
OTHERS
ARGENTINIADeclaration on customs documents stating: wood packaging is bark and pest free.
INDIAYES1st November 2004
CANADAYES1st April 2005
CHINAMB or HT & certificate
CHILE1st June 2005
EUROPEAN UNIONYES1st March 2005
USA YESFull implementation by 1st September 2005
MEXICOAiming to adopt at the same time as U.S.A.
NEW ZEALAND Follow existing importation standards.
PHILLIPINESYES1st June 2004
SOUTH KOREA YES1st June 2005
SOUTH AFRICA YES1st January 2005
AUSTRALIAYES1st September 2004