A Technical Information Bulletin
of the
Northwest Horticultural Council

Wood Packing Material Regulations

The United States and many other countries around the world have signed an international agreement on proper treatment and certification of Solid Wood Packing Material (SWPM) accompanying international shipments.  The international standard, known as ISPM 15, has been codified by U.S. regulation and took effect on September 16, 2005 for products imported into the U.S.

The implementation dates for U.S. exports going to various foreign markets is very difficult to track, as each country is implementing on its own timetable.  Further, some countries are requiring SWPM to exceed the ISPM 15 requirements. Country-specific information is located at the bottom of this page.

Under the new international standard, all wood packing material must be heat treated or fumigated in accordance with the standard.  Once treated, the materials must display a specified mark developed by the International Standards Committee, which has been trademarked for this purpose.  This mark is proof that the materials have indeed been treated in accordance with the standard.  No further certification is required to assure compliance.

The standard applies to all unprocessed wood or wood products (excluding paper products) used in supporting, protecting, or carrying a commodity.  This includes pallets, dunnage, crating, packing blocks, drums, cases, load boards, pallet collars, and skids.  Please note that it applies to all wood packing material – not just softwood.

Countries Requiring ISPM 15 Compliant Solid Wood Packing Material (SWPM)  

Argentina	Australia*	Bolivia	Brazil
Canada*	Chile*	China*	Colombia
Costa Rica	Dominican Republic	Ecuador	Egypt
European Union*	Guatemala	Honduras	India
Indonesia*	Israel	Jamaica	Japan
Jordan	Lebanon	Malaysia	Mexico
New Zealand*	Norway	Oman	Panama
Paraguay	Peru	Philippines	Samoa
South Korea	Sri Lanka	Switzerland	Syria
Taiwan	Trinidad & Tobago	Uruguay	USA
Venezuela	Vietnam

*

Australia	Australia also requires all shipments to include a packing declaration and its fumigation requirement is more stringent than ISPM 15
Canada	Shipments between the U.S. and Canada containing SWPM of either U.S. or Canadian origin are currently exempt from meeting the ISPM 15 standard.  However, in February of 2011 Canada and the U.S. announced that the two countries are planning to remove that current exemption.  A phased-in approach to implementation of the ISPM 15 standard is anticipated and will be announced once it has been agreed to.
Chile	All SWPM must be debarked.
China	In addition to ISPM 15, softwood SWPM from the U.S. and other countries with pinewood nematode must also be heat treated or fumigated for a minimum of 24 hours.
European Union	Effective July 1, 2009, the EU requires debarking of SWPM.
Indonesia	Effective September 1, 2009 Indonesia requires that all SWPM must meet ISPM 15 standards, must be bark-free and soil-free AND for all SWPM in containers, must be accompanied by a packing declaration and a valid copy of manufacturer’s fumigation certificate.
New Zealand	SWPM must also be bark-free.

The Northwest Horticultural Council represents the deciduous tree fruit industry of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on national and international policy issues affecting growers and shippers. For further information, contact the NHC at 509-453-3193.

2/23/2010