Press Release

New Regulation on Importation of Wood Packaging Material into United States

June 8, 2005

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has published the Final Rule outlining new requirements concerning the importation of wood packaging material into the United States. The implementation date for regulatory enforcement is September 16, 2005. The delay between publication and implementation is intended to allow an appropriate amount of time for countries to establish programs to become compliant with ISPM 15 and the Final Rule.

The full text of the final rule can be found at the APHIS web site: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/import.htm

APHIS has set standards for wood packaging material (WPM) imported into the United States through 7 CFR 319.40 -- Importation of Wood Packaging Material, as published on September 16, 2004. This rule states that all regulated wood packaging material shall be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export.

Until September 16, 2005, the designated enforcement date for the new regulation, APHIS will continue to follow its current requirements for imported wood packaging material.

WPM made entirely of manufactured wood material (e.g. particle board, plywood, oriented strand board) and wine and whiskey barrels, or WPM made entirely of thin pieces of wood, (6mm thickness or less) is exempted from the treatment and marking requirements.

Lacking an approved international mark certifying heat treatment, a certificate of fumigation with methyl bromide must accompany all inbound HHE shipments destined to the United States. Shipments that arrive in the USA not in compliance may be denied entry and ordered returned to the origin country.

If you need more information, please visit our web site or call the APHIS/Dakar Office at Tel +221 820 5753 Fax +221 820 8212 Email: Cheryl.M.French@aphis.usda.gov or Raphael.Coly@aphis.usda.gov