Importers: Beware of Wood Packing Material
March 15, 2007 by SwizStick
Filed under Supply Chain Management
All importers should be well aware of this issue by now, but the USDA/APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) strongly regulates the importation of wood packing material (WPM) and has done so for years.
However, on Friday, March 9, 2007, US Customs issued their guidelines for damages and penalties for non-compliant importers. If you ever plan to import merchandise packed in wooden crates, or on wooden pallets, etc. be sure you the wood packing material you is compliant with USDA/APHIS regulations. The official weblink on the subject from US Customs is here. Quote:
USDA has adopted the international standard for wood packaging material (WPM) that was approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) on March 15, 2002.
The IPPC standard calls for most WPM to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide in accordance with the Guidelines and marked with an approved international mark certifying that treatment. The final rule, which becomes effective on September 16, 2005, will affect all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing goods into the United States.
Click on the first document link to download the Guidelines for Liquidated Damages and Penalties on Wood Packing Material (WPM). This outlines the actions US Customs will take against non-compliant shipments/importers. Quote:
Section 319.40-3(b)(3) provides for immediate export of WPM that does not contain the required mark. Marked WPM containing pests in the above mentioned families is considered WPM that has not been treated and marked in accordance with §319.40-3, and shall be immediately exported pursuant to §319.40-3(b)(3). The importer of record, carrier, or bonded custodian is responsible for any costs or charges associated with export.
Emphasis ours. Know your freight, know your packaging, know the regulations.
Comments
Subscribe to our free monthly newsletter to have the latest 3PLwire articles delivered directly to your inbox. Just enter your email below:Tell us what you're thinking...