EXPORT WOOD PACKAGING ALERT


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EXPORT WOOD PACKAGING ALERT
IPPC to Vote on International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures
January 30, 2002

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a committee of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is scheduled to vote March 31, 2002 on the global baseline standard that will require phytosanitary treatment of both hardwood and softwood. Non-manufactured wood products affected include pallet material, dunnage, crating material, packing blades, drums, cases, load boards, pallet collars, and skids used for international commerce.

Hardwood and softwood will both be affected by these regulations.
Heat treating and fumigation (methyl bromide) are both acceptable forms of treatment.
Unlike the E.U. Emergency requirements, the IPPC standard does not allow chemical pressure impregnation as a method of treatment.
The standards recommend the use of debarked wood.
Each participating country is responsible for implementing the standards within its country and will establish their own timeline for enforcement of the regulations.
The IPPC consists of 117 participating industrial nations.