European timber pallet producers have successfully lobbied the European Commission to delay extensions to phytosanitary standards.
A proposed extension to ISPM 15, the standard governing heat treatment of wood packaging to prevent spread of forest pests, was due to come into effect on June 16. The date has now been pushed back to January 1, 2010.
The extension stipulates that all wood pallets and packaging that leave Portugal, including products from other member states, comply with ISPM 15 due to the unchecked spread of pinewood nematode in the country.
The European Federation of Wooden Pallet and Packaging Manufacturers lobbied for a postponement in order to minimise disruption to trade and allow pallet suppliers to begin building up a critical mass of ISPM 15 certified products in Portugal.
