Export Regulations:

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) have recently instated a regulation on wood packing materials that are being exported and imported to and form North America to reduce the spread of insects and diseases. With the ongoing problem of insects destroying national forests and the fear of disease spreading to the trees, nations are forced to create these requirements. Under this regulation all solid coniferous wood packing materials must be heat treated or fumigated upon shipping. Also, the pallets must be free of bark, insects, nematodes, and the pallets must not be porous.

Upon departure and arrival; all wood pallets, boxes, crates, and containers are systematically checked by customs agents for documentation of proof that the shipment meets all international requirements. Documentation is required to certify that the shipping materials used are acceptable under the new wood packing materials regulations. A signed document from both the pallet provider and the pallet user are mandatory for customs to accept the shipment.

With the rapid growth of the global economy, nations around the world are trying to protect their forest with out impeding the business interest of their country. The USDA’s Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations have established emergency requirements that govern imports to their participating countries.

EU Emergency Requirements:

On October 1, 2002 the European Union’s regulations on all solid coniferous wood packing materials (pallets, boxes, containers, etc.) came into effect. The requirements for these materials to be shipped to any EU nation from the US, Canada, China, or Japan must be treated by one of the following:

• Heat Treated to a core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes and marked to indicate location of treatment
• Pressure treated (impregnated) and marked to indicate location of treatment.

United Nation’s IPPC Regulations:

In May of 2002 the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the UN began regulations on all wood species (coniferous and non-coniferous). The IPPC’s standards on wood packaging are to be treated by one of the following:

• Fumigation
• Chemical pressure impregnation
• Controlled Atmosphere
• Chemical Dip

The People’s Republic of China Emergency Requirements:

On January 1st of 2000, the People’s Republic of China placed an emergency requirement for all coniferous wood packing materials coming into the country from the United States and Japan. Non-coniferous wood packing materials are allowed to enter the country, but must be marked accordingly to show proof that it is not made up of coniferous wood. All coniferous wood packing materials entering the People’s Republic of China must be marked with proof and documentation of treatment by one of the following before it is allowed to enter:

• Heat treated at a minimum of 56 degrees Celsius continuously for 30 minutes
• Fumigation treatment
• Pressure treated or chemically dipped

The USDA / APHIS Regulations:

Importing:

Sometime in April or May 2004 the APHIS will set it regulations on wood packing materials. The requirements for solid coniferous wood packing materials to be imported to the US are required to treated by one of the following

• Heat treated and marked to indicate location of treatment
• Fumigation and marked to indicate location of treatment

Exporting:

New export requirements for wood packaging materials are still on the drawing board in the US, but are expected to come in effect by the end of 2004. APHIS has entered into a memorandum of understanding with both the International Lumber Standards Committee (ALCS) and the National Wood Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) to oversee the official programs of heat treatment or fumigation and the marking of wood packing materials for export.

Problems:

The new regulations will impact the business costs and methods of production for many pallet providers across the globe. Manufacturers and recyclers will find it very difficult to meet the new requirements put on wood packing materials. These regulations will drive up the cost of wood pallets and other wood packing materials, and will increase the attractiveness of other alternative materials.

Solution:

In a matter of years, the entire global economy will be affected by the new regulations placed on wood packing materials. In order to meet the needs of pallet consumers, One Way Solutions manufactures durable yet inexpensive plastic pallets that serve as a great alternative to wood pallets. Since plastic pallets are exempt from the import/export laws that have been placed on wood pallets, plastic pallets have become the obvious choice for many corporations throughout the world.

Countries Affected by Regulations: