Dear customer,

We have previously advised you that all Wood Packaging Materials (WPM) arriving into New Zealand, Australia and the USA require treatment before arrival, enforced earlier this year. WPM includes pallets, dunnage, crating, packing blocks, drums, cases, load boards, pallet collars and skids.

Please note that this requirement is now also applicable to many other countries, across all continents worldwide.

For further information as to which countries require mandatory WPM treatment, click here

Why?

The intent of this measure is to prevent the introduction of quarantine pests into countries through cross-border movement of WPM. The regulation requires that all import consignments using WPM must undergo approved treatment prior to arrival in the destination country.

Non-compliant consignments will be directed at the importer?s expense for either:

* mandatory onshore treatment,
* re-export back to origin, or
* destruction.

Avoid unnecessary delays and costs

It is suggested that WPM be replaced with alternative packaging material where possible. Alternatively, to avoid unnecessary delays and costs incurred by you or your customers, please ensure that all consignments containing WPM are treated accordingly.

A list of registered suppliers of wood packaging materials in New Zealand is available click here

Based on the result of a pest risk analysis for wood packaging material, Japan amended its Import Plant Quarantine Regulation (MAF Notification No.206, 1950). This amendment was published on 6 October 2006 and will be put into force on 1 April 2007.

With a view to harmonizing regulation to the international standard, definition of wood packaging material and measures for wood packaging material in Japanese regulation are equivalent to that provided in ISPM No.15. Wood packaging material treated and certified according to ISPM No.15 will not be subject to import quarantine procedures. Wood packaging material without the mark (Annex II, ISPM No.15) will be inspected at the ports of entry by plant quarantine officer for compliance with the rule. Detection of a quarantine pest constitutes a non-compliance, which is, according to Japanese domestic law, subject to disinfestation, incineration or re-shipping by consignees choice.

For more information on the new regulations visit
Outline of regulation
International Phytosanitary Portal