Global implementation of the United Nation’s international standard ISPM 15, regulating all wood packaging, is imminent, prompting Wiltshire-based producer Crocodile Packaging to urge companies to act to avoid last minute problems.
The legislation is being implemented to prevent spread of pests through wood packaging materials such as pallets, cases, crates, cable drum and packaging dunnage.
Export transit cases incorporating timber outer casings or struts which have not been adequately treated, stamped and accompanied by appropriate certification will be refused entry, incinerated or processed in other approved ways.
The company said China and Australia have already imposed strict controls on all wood imports, including packaging. Canada and the US intend to follow suit, possibly in June, with the EU due to follow soon after.
Crocodile warns that as ISPM 15 is an international standard, it is expected that most other countries may implement severe import restrictions by the end of 2003.
Managing director Quentin Philip said: “We are already supplying a number of forward-thinking companies with legislation-compliant packaging solutions.
“Some of these exporters have already been affected by China and Australia’s early moves, but many of them are merely pre-empting the inevitable and universal adoption of ISPM 15.”
Mr Philip said to avoid having exported goods rejected upon arrival, businesses should act now.
