CBP warns importers of upcoming wood packaging enforcement

CBP warns importers of upcoming wood packaging enforcement    U.S. Customs and Border Protection warned importers Friday to prepare for the upcoming implementation of rules for the treatment and marking of wood-packaging used with inbound shipments.
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture regulation, which takes effect Sept. 16, will apply to pallets, crates, boxes, and dunnage used to support or brace cargo. The treatment rule was developed as an international standard to prevent the spread of non-native wood-eating pests.
   In cases of non-compliance, CBP warned that wood packaging materials will be subject to immediate export along with the accompanying cargo.
   “I am asking the trade community to provide its full attention to this issue to ensure your company’s compliance with this rule,” said Michael C. Mullen, director of CBP’s Office of Trade Relations, in a statement. “Do not risk the exportation of your cargo because of noncompliant wood packaging materials.”
   The two approved treatments for wood packaging are:
   * Heat treatment to a minimum wood core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes.
   * Fumigation with methyl bromide.
   To certify treatment, the wood packaging material must be marked the United Nations Food and Agriculture’s International Plant Protection Convention logo. Paper certificates of treatment will no longer be required or accepted, CBP said.
   Additional information about the rule is available on CBP’s Web site: https://www.cbp.gov.