Wood Packing Materials

IMPORT
The Final Rule for new requirements concerning the importation of wood packaging material (WPM) was published September 16, 2004. The implementation date for regulatory enforcement began September 16, 2005. The delay between publication and full implementation (July 5, 2006) allowed an appropriate amount of time for countries to establish programs to become compliant with International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15), and the Final Rule. Importers and suppliers of U.S. imports are strongly encouraged to have all WPM meet the ISPM 15 standard to avoid delays or rejection of WPM in cargo shipments at U.S. ports of entry due to noncompliance of the ISPM 15 Standard. APHIS has set standards for wood packaging material imported into the United States of America through 7 CFR 319.40 - logs, lumber, and other unmanufactured wood articles. This rule states that all regulated wood packaging material shall be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export. Additionally, per APHIS PPQ policy, findings of insects in the families of Cerambycidae, Buprestidae, Siricidae, Cossidae, Curculionidae, Platypodidae, Sesiidae and Scolytidae represent timber pests that, when found live in otherwise properly marked WPM, signify that the WPM was not properly treated and safeguarded in accordance with 7CFR319.40-3(b)(1). Currently, ISPM 15 marked WPM containing pests in the above mentioned families are reexported pursuant to 7CFR319.40-3(b)(3). The importer of record is responsible for any costs or charges associated with the reexport. See PPQ Policy 2006 (pdf) (text).

Anticipating questions and concerns from stakeholders for the phase in periods for ISPM 15 Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and APHIS PPQ have posted information on their respective websites. Questions concerning Port-of-Entry Enforcement may be referred to DHS CBP (202) 354-1000 or 1-877-CBP-5511 Monday-Friday, between 8:30 and 5:00 Eastern Time. The enforcement outline below, known as the CBP Matrix for 3 Phase WPM enforcement.

Phase 3:
Beginning July 05, 2006, and forward. Full Enforcement on all articles of regulated WPM entering United States of America and North America. Shipments containing noncompliant regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter United States of America.

Phase 2:
February 01, 2006, through July 04, 2006. Rejection of violative noncompliant wood crates and wood pallets through re-exportation from North America . Informed compliance via account managers and notices posted in cargo with other types of non compliant WPM (dunnage, blocking and bracing).

Questions and Answers for Phase II

Phase 1:
September 16, 2005, through January 31, 2006. Period of Informed Compliance via CBP account managers. Notices were posted in connection with cargo that contained noncompliant WPM.

Additional WPM Import Information

•Mexico's official announcement for enforcement of NOM 144 (ISPM 15)

•U.S. Customs Border Protection Press Release for Enforcement of ISPM 15 

•U.S. Customs Border Protection Information for Wood Packing Materials Enforcement of ISPM 15

•DHS CBP announcement for enforcement of ISPM 15 in the USA

•Wood Packaging Material Final Rule, Docket No. 02-032-03

•Proposed Rule Public Hearing Transcripts

•USDA Proposed Rule for Imported Wood Packaging Material. Comments close July 21, 2003.

•Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Wood Packing Material (August 2003)

•Regulatory Impact Analysis for USDA's Proposed Rule for Imported Wood Packaging Material.

Last Modified: October 29, 2007