Around 275 companies are now registered with the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme and ready for the introduction of ISPM (Invasive Species and Pest Management) 15.
Speaking at the TIMCON general meeting last week, retiring president Graham Nicklin said for the past two years the association had worked with the Forestry Commission to write the programme.
He added: “Our main objectives were to adopt a programme that was both meaningful and workable, while being recognised by the rest of the international community and not burdening the industry with excessive charges.”
Mr Nicklin said that initially industry felt the programme was of little significance. Views changed dramatically in the middle of last year when China announced emergency regulations affecting all wood packaging manufactured in the EU.
With ISPM 15 imminent, Mr Nicklin said the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme would prove invaluable.
He told members that TIMCON had allocated funds for an ongoing PR programme for wood packaging and pallets and that the association’s website continued to be developed.
TIMCON will host this year’s FEFPEB Congress in Edinburgh in September which includes a meeting of the World Pallet Council and an update on ISPM 15.
Mr Nicklin said TIMCON has a responsive team to deal with enquiries, communication with government agencies and other issues.
Gil Covey was elected TIMCON president for the next two years.
