IPPC Program at CRATEX
ISPM 15 Solid Wood Packaging

Countries with implementation changes in 2004:

Australia:

Australian Quarantine Inspection Service (AQIS) announced amended import requirements for solid wood packaging; effective September 1st, 2004.

Wood packaging must meet the following criteria to be considered ISPM 15 compliant:

• fumigated with methyl bromide OR heat treated at 56°C for at least 30 minutes and marked with the ISPM 15 stamp
• BARK-FREE
• include a packing declaration (Note that a declaration for ISPM 15 compliant solid wood packaging must be submitted per consignment. An annual declaration is not acceptable.)

The following are not required for wood packaging to be considered ISPM 15 compliant in Australia:

• Treatment certificate (provided the packing declaration indicates compliance)
• Satisfaction of the 21-day requirement (no more time limit between treatment and packing)

If wood packaging is NOT marked ISPM 15 compliant:

• The 21-day rule for non-permanent treatment methods (heat, sterilization, fumigation) does apply AND
• A treatment certificate AND packing declaration are required.

Canada:

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has set April 1st, 2005 as its target date for strict enforcement of ISPM 15. Non-compliant wood packaging will be rejected and the cost involved is the responsibility of the shipper. All countries must comply and only the U.S. has been granted an exemption.

China:

The General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIS) has not decided when it will implement their new regulation for imported solid wood packaging. In discussions with APHIS, they indicated there would be an advance notice for implementation and a phase-in period. For now, heat treatment with certification through APHIS is the only recognized method for softwood. Hardwood is exempt but still requires certification.

India:

The Ministry of Agriculture has changed its implementation date of ISPM 15 from June 1st, 2004 to November 1st, 2004. They have also made it clear that a phytosanitary certificate is not required as long as the wood packaging is ISPM 15 treated and marked.

European Union:

The European Commission has announced that all EU nations will implement ISPM 15 starting March 1st, 2005. However, while the ISPM 15 does not require the debarking of wood packaging, the EU said that it must be “stripped of its bark”. They have amended that condition somewhat and they will now make a distinction between conditions where wood must be bark-free and where it must be debarked and will recognize FAO Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms definitions for those processes. It is unknown when exactly specifics of those requirements will be determined.