An Irish pallet manufacturer is concerned that exporters are not prepared for the introduction of the ISPM 15 phytosanitary standard in the US in July.
The standard was due to come into force in September last year but, because of low compliance in international imports, it was delayed until July 6.
However, Mark Sheeran, managing director of pallet manufacturer CJ Sheeran, Mountrath, is concerned that exporters will not act in time to become compliant.
He said: “As one of the few companies accredited to furnish this timber standard, we are only too aware of the difficulties involved in obtaining and maintaining it.”
And he warned the time extension should not encourage exporters to put off updating their timber pallets.
“By the end of January, those companies sending non-compliant timber pallets and packaging materials will be informed directly by US customs and asked to comply.
“Little ground will be given, therefore, when the full deadline comes around in less than six months.
“We urge all exporters to act now to ensure their wood packaging material is heat-treated at 56oC for 30 minutes in order to ensure safe passage of all export products.”
