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1. When will it become effective?The standard is now in place (approved March 15, 2002) but it does not become effective until the receiving countries enact the appropriate regulations. Back to Top2. Do providers have a license or a stamp?HT "providers" must be registered with the ALSC enforcement agencies. APHIS is still determining how to provide oversight over the fumigation program. Back to Top3. Will there be new requirements for proving that the material was fumigated?There will be a program to monitor activities of fumigators providing services under the program. Back to Top4. Which countries are likely to ask for bark-free or debarked material?We are guessing here, but the European Union countries are the ones who supported the "debarking" requirements in the IPPC meeting. It is unclear if they would adopt the debarking provision for all countries rather than on a "technical justification" basis for particular countries. Back to Top5. Does this rule apply to all species of wood?It is not a rule; it is a standard. But yes, it does apply to all species of wood. Back to Top6. What about using peeler cores?Peeler cores are specifically exempted from other treatments but wood packing material manufactured from peeler cores would need to be marked under the program. Back to Top7. At the time of affectivity, what about wood materials that are already enroute? (Will there be a "grace period"?)The standard does not address this but our expectation is that there would be a phased in implementation period for each country. Back to Top8. Is there a plan for a revision of the standard after implementation issues are fully surfaced?No plan of revision as such, but standards are reviewed every three years. Back to Top9. Exactly how do users get a copy of the specifications for Heat Treatment?There is no specification (other than the standard) at present but the ALSC enforcement rules can be downloaded from the APHIS web site, the ALSC web site or the Conner website. Back to Top10. If I comply fully with the IPPC standard as it reads now, will the countries that currently have regulations in place accept those shipments?Not until they adopt regulations that are consistent with the IPPC standard. For instance, countries with "higher standards (e.g., Australia) would keep their current requirements until the IPPC standard is adopted in Australia. But since the IPPC standard is more stringent than the EU standard (that is, it covers all wood types, not just coniferous) appropriately treated and marked wood would be acceptable for the EU. Back to Top11. Can I apply the markings as shown even if there is no grading agency oversight process established within my country right now?No, since the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), of the exporting country (in this case APHIS), is responsible for oversight of the program, the use of marks must be coordinated with the NPPO. Companies that use the marks improperly will be investigated and possibly fined. Back to Top12. When will the wooden pallet industry truly be ready to heat treat softwoods and hardwoods per this standard?The softwood industry is already complying substantially with the measures since the EU program has now been in effect for 6 months. The hardwood industry will be "truly" ready and the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA) is a member of the ALSC heat treatment program. Back to Top13. What is the estimated cost increase for heat treated materials compared with untreated?This is not a quarantine issue. Please consult the National Wood pallet and Container Association (NWPCA). Back to Top14. Can we still use untreated materials on shipments between NAFTA countries (Canada, US, Mexico)?Canada, the US and Mexico still need to harmonize their entry requirements and this issue is still far from settled. But even if untreated materials are allowed for within - NAPPO movements, it is the market for wood packing that will control the issue. APHIS expects that shipments between the US, Canada and Mexico will have to meet the conditions of the international standard since many of the products are shipped on to third countries. Back to Top15. When will countries that currently require government insured paper certifications for heat treatment/fumigation switch to the paperless marking protocol? (priority on China)APHIS is discussing harmonization of wood packing requirements with China in an upcoming bilateral meeting (scheduled for May, 2002). Back to Top16. What will be the requirements for shipments to/from countries that are NOT part of the IPPC?They will have to meet the requirements of the importing country. Back to Top17. What is being done to review and approve other treatment methods such as irradiation?APHIS is not involved in the development of new technology for wood treatment. However, the IPPC technical panel will meet periodically to review new treatments. Back to Top18. After the IPPC standard becomes effective, will I still be able to ship materials that were treated and marked per EU regulations or other country regs? (example: pallets marked "China Treated" that were fumigated before).The presumption is that the packing materials will have to be marked in accordance with the international standard. Back to Top19. Even though the IPPC standard defines a paperless protocol for compliance, are there any suggested statements that we should put on shipping documentation to assist inspectors? Example: "All packaging within this shipment complies with IPPC standards "(along with bug symbol)".APHIS makes no such recommendation at this time. Any such statements will be at the request of importing countries. Back to Top20. How stable is this standard? What is the timetable for potential changes to it?The standard will change from time to time. There is a 3-year cycle for review of existing standards and the necessary adjustments will be made where needed. Back to Top21. Will lumber shipments being shipped as a commodity in itself be affected?The IPPC standard only applies to the export of non-manufactured wood packaging material used in the transport of commodities. Back to Top22. Are there any requirements for dunnage?Dunnage should be marked and treated under one of the approved measures of heat treatment or fumigation. If not treated under one of these measures, at a minimum, wood will be required to be made from bark free wood and free of pests and signs of live pests. Dunnage includes blocking and bracing used to secure or support the commodity. Back to Top23. Who should I contact for additional information?Back to Top
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