U.S. Wood Packaging Materials (WPM) Phase III –
Full Enforcement Begins July 5, 2006

June 12, 2006

Effective Wednesday July 5, 2006, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin full enforcement of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15 on all articles of regulated Wood Packing Materials (WPM) entering the United States. Noncompliant regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter the U.S. All importers and suppliers of U.S. imports are strongly encouraged to have all regulated WPM meet the ISPM 15 standard to avoid delays or rejection of WPM used in shipments made through U.S. ports of entry due to noncompliance.

Exemption for WPM of Canadian or U.S. origin remains in effect
WPM made entirely of Canadian or U.S. origin wood, and used in trade between the U.S. and Canada, is exempt from the treatment and marking requirements. The exception only pertains to WPM coming directly to the U.S. from Canada, or directly to Canada from the U.S.

For more information on WPM requirements, regulations and enforcement, including Canadian or U.S. origin exemption guidelines, view the CBP “Implementation Plan” and “Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)” documents available in our related/initial Trade News Bulletin from September 16, 2005.

Livingston recommends
Shippers and importers must become familiar with these revised regulations.

For specific questions about the importation of WPM into the U.S., contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at 1-866-738-8197. International callers who may not have access to the toll free number may call (U.S. country code) 301-734-5346.

Contact Livingston’s U.S. Regulatory Affairs for additional information at 1-800-437-4324 or usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.