Phased Implementation
There has been a change in the implementation of the new Wood Packaging Regulations that are effective this Friday, September 16. Although the effective date for compliance with the new regulations is September 16, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has decided to use an implementation plan to phase in enforced compliance. Thus, although wood packaging will be required to be marked and in compliance with the regulations, for the Phase 1 time period from September 16, 2005 through January 31, 2006 , the noncompliant wood packaging will not be subject to immediate re-exportation.
The following is from The USDA Website:
Plant Protection and Quarantine
Wood Packaging Materials
Import
Plant Protection and Quarantine has announced a three phase implementation of compliance with the new Wood Packaging Materials Regulation:
Phase 1:
September 16, 2005 through January 31, 2006 shall implement an Informed Compliance via account managers and notices posted in connection with cargo that contains noncompliant WPM.
Phase 2:
February 01, 2006 through July 04, 2006 shall begin rejection of violative crates and pallets through re-exportation from North America . Informed compliance via account managers and notices posted in cargo with other types of noncompliant WPM shall remain enforce.
Phase 3:
July 05, 2006 . Full Enforcement on all articles of regulated Wood Packing Materials entering USA and North America . Noncompliant Regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter USA .
Although the "full enforcement" period has been pushed back, we strongly recommend that all wood packaging materials are in compliance with the regulations as soon as possible. Although Customs and APHIS are providing this "informed compliance" period, we feel that repetitive violations by an importer may result in enforcement action.
PPQ has a temporary toll free number available for questions pertaining to the importation of wood packing material into the USA . The Toll Free Number is 866-738-8197 and will be active from September 01, 2005 through October 16, 2005 , with options to extend this period reflective of the necessity and number of callers seeking answers to questions for Wood Packing Materials.
U.S. Customs Border Protection Information for Wood Packing Materials Enforcement of ISPM 15