| Wood Packaging
- Exporting from the United States to the European
Union |
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(September 21, 2001)... Further
to recent notices pertaining to the above, we are pleased
to provide the following updated information.
As of October 1, 2001 the European Union
(EU) is implementing new requirements for certain solid
wood packaging material (SWPM), to prevent the introduction
of the pine wood nematode.
Wood packaging material made of non-manufactured
coniferous wood, except that of Thuja spp.
(Cedar), exported to all EU countries from the United States
must comply with one of the following treatments.
- Heat-treated or kiln-dried
to a minimum core temperature of 56C for at least 30 minutes
in a certified facility
- Pressure-treated (impregnated)
with an approved chemical in a certified facility
- Fumigated with an
approved chemical by a certified facility
All coniferous
non-manufactured wood packaging (NMWP) must also display
a mark enabling identification of the treatment facility
and the location of the facility.
The official joint program overseen by
the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and
the U.S. NMWP industry does not include fumigation or chemical
pressure impregnation. In the case of heat-treated coniferous
NMWP, the use of the mark will be limited to NMWP manufacturers
participating in the Animal and Plant Health Inspection
Service-American Lumber Standards Committee program.
The European Union has indicated that
any non-manufactured coniferous wood packaging that does
not comply with the requirements will be refused entry,
destroyed, or treated prior to entry.
For further information please contact
the United States Department of Agriculture/Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service/Export Services at 301-734-8537
or via their website: www.usda.gov.
If you should have any questions please do not hesitate
to contact me.
David Lychek
Manager - Ocean Services
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