ISPM 15

SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2008

Packing and Packaging

ISPM 15

An example of a stamp used on pallets to indicate ISPM 15 compliance
ISPM 15 is an International Phytosanitary Measure developed by theIPPC that directly addresses the need to treat wood materials of a thickness greater than 6mm, used to ship products between countries. It affects all wood packaging material (pallets, crates, dunnages, etc)requiring that they be treated with heat or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked, often branded [1], with a seal of compliance. Products exempt from the ISPM 15 are made from alternative material, like paper, plastic or manufactured wood products (eg. plywood). New treatments are being evaluated for inclusion in ISPM 15.

External links
Transport Information Service: Import regulations for packaging containers made from solid wood - IPPC standard
IPPC home page
Paperboard Packaging Council

References
^ Marking the ISPM 15

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would like to highlight some recent changes regarding heat treating requirements as well as try to answer some recent questions.

USA Is Enforcing ISPM 15

Those of you who are importing, please be aware that as of 9/16/2005, the US has begun enforcement of the requirements of ISPM 15. There will be a phase-in period. Details are available athttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/import.html.

Mexico Is Enforcing ISPM 15

There have also been many export changes. In particular, I would like to highlight Mexico. Starting 9/16/2005, Mexico is enforcing the requirements of ISPM 15 with no exceptions.

Canada Is Implementing ISPM 15

Canada has also implemented ISPM 15, but with a phase in period. However, the US and Canada have reached a unilateral agreement which exempts Wood Packaging Materials moving between the two countries. The US Customs and Border Protection agency will require that wood packaging moving from Canada into the US be accompanied by an importer document stating that they are derived totally from trees harvested in the US or Canada. More information regarding the US, Canada and Mexico may be found athttp://www.nappo.org/Standards/Woodpacking-bil1.htm.

China Implemented ISPM 15

China implemented ISPM 15, starting 1/1/2006. USDA APHIS announced that China has begun to accept ISPM 15 compliant and stamped wood packaging. Phytosanitary CertificationStarting 1/1/2006, the USDA will no longer provide phytosanitary certification as the ISPM 15 IPPC stamp will be the only requirement. IPPC Stamped or Certified Lumber

CDC Packaging has recently received several inquiries regarding the purchase of IPPC stamped or certified lumber. Please be aware that with the exception of dunnage (see explanation below), CDC Packaging cannot sell IPPC stamped lumber.

Where The IPPC Stamp Can Be Used

The IPPC stamp can only be used on completed wood packaging by a wood packaging manufacturer, such as CDC Packaging. In addition, manufacturing wood packaging using HT stamped wood alone does not meet the ISPM 15 requirement. The finished wood packaging must have an official IPPC stamp on opposing sides that's licensed to that wood packaging manufacturing facility.

Our IPC Stamp Policy

In the case of CDC Packaging, any wood packaging manufactured by us will be stamped with the official IPPC logo, NELMA logo and the number 506. However, you may receive wood packaging from CDC Packaging that does not have the number 506 on the stamp. In some cases CDC Packaging may purchase wood packaging from other IPPC certified facilities.

Definition of Dunnage

We have also received several inquiries regarding dunnage. Dunnage is defined as "wood packaging materials used to secure or support a commodity, but which does not remain associated with the commodity."

Dunnage Confusion

This definition has been the source of much confusion. To try to resolve the confusion, I spoke to Jeff Easterling, President of NELMA. The following is what we determined.

Dunnage Decision

CDC Packaging can provide its customers with IPPC Dunnage stamped lumber to be used outside of a commodity such as blocking and bracing in an ocean container. However, dunnage stamped lumber cannot be used to block and brace inside of a crate, on a pallet or skid. If you need additional lumber to be used inside of a crate or on a skid manufactured by CDC Packaging, we will provide you with this blocking as part of that crate or skid order. The lumber will not be IPPC stamped, but will be HT stamped. We apologize for any difficulties this may cause. It's our goal to make sure your product arrives to its final destination on time, safely and securely. Find Import And Export Heat Treating Requirements

You can research both import and export heat treating requirements on the USDA web site athttp://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/index.html. I hope you find this information both informative and helpful. Please contact us 978-463-9373 or http://www.cdcpack.com/request/ with any questions.

Bob Cook, President

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