Updated 1/3/04
IPPC International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures
On March 31st, 2002 the IPPC, consisting of 118 participating industrial nations, approved International Standards for treatment of both Hardwood and Softwood solid wood packaging materials such as pallets and crates. Heat Treatment and Fumigation (methyl bromide) are acceptable forms of treatment. Unlike the European Union Emergency requirements, the IPPC standard does not allow chemical pressure impregnation as a method of treatment. Each participating country is responsible for implementing the standards within its country and will establish their own timeline for enforcement of the regulations. Overall implementation was delayed in June 2002 due to a trademark issue with the "No Bug" logo, however in May 2003 a new graphic design was filed with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations clearing the way for implementation. Click for a summary of Frequently Asked Questions published by the USDA.
The United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, the European Union, China and Korea plan to fully implement the IPPC standard in 2004. In December 2003, the U.S. government adjusted it's implementation date to April or May of 2004, but it will begin issuing notices to the governing agencies of foreigh countries about noncompliant shipments starting in January 2004. China declared its intention to adopt the IPPC standard in March 2004, and the European Untion plans to adopt the standard no later than June 2004. New Zealand has already implemented the IPPC standard.
BEWARE - Some wooden pallet and packaging suppliers are trying to get around the standard by fraudulently marking materials which have not been properly treated. Your company and shipments could be in serious jeopardy. See the Pallet Profile Weekly Industry Alert Mark Fraud
Following are some further details by country;
Australia
According to the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA), Australia recently increased the number of loads being inspected and placed under embargo. These embargos are based on their new regulations that went into effect June 15, 2003. The new regulations allow (2) types of permanent treatment for wood packaging - Chemical Penetration for treating timber, and Glue Treatment required for plywood and composite materials. Non-permanent treatment including Fumigation and Heat Sterilization require that treated timber be packed in a container or shipped within 21 days of that treatment. A treatment certificate is required to permit release from the dock, and Australia will not accept the paperless international marking/branding system. Complete requirements can be obtained by clicking Cargo Containers - Quarantine Aspects and Procedures Booklet
New Zealand
Since April 2003, New Zealand has implemented parallel regulations - their existing regulations which have been in place for many years, and the IPPC regulations. Pallets and solid wood packaging which has been treated and properly marked according to IPPC standards are accepted. In the absence of appropriate IPPC markings, the shipment will be required to meet New Zealands prior standards. Complete information can be found at New Zealand Regulations
Europe
Effective October 1, 2001, all solid coniferous wood packing material shipped from Canada, China, Japan or the U.S. to any of the following 15 European conutries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom, must be Heat-treated to a core temperature of 56 degrees C for at least 30 minutes AND marked to indicate the location of treatment; OR pressure treated (impregnated), and marked to indicate location of treatment.
A verification and marking system is administered in the U.S. by the American Lumber Standard Committee. The mark includes the country of origin, producer number, the treatment type, and the name or logo of the accredited agency.European Union Emergency Measures.
The EU plans to fully implement the IPPC standard by July 1, 2004.
China
On November 1, 1999, the Peoples Republic of China announced new regulations for Solid wood packing material (SWPM) imported from the United States and Japan. According to the new regulations, all SWPM packaging components including bracing and dunnage made from coniferous trees will need to be heat-treated and certified to prevent further introduction of the pine wood nematode to China. This process has required certifying paperwork to accompany each shipment, but China's recent adoption of the IPPC Standard will greatly simplify compliance. Although China intends to implement IPPC standards in March 2004, it appears wood packaging material coming from countries or regions where pinewood nematode occurs must be heat treated - fumigation will likely not be permitted. Click here for more information from the USDA-APHIS on the requirements for Solid Wood Packaging to China.
Brazil
In response to a perceived threat that the Asian long-horned beetle would be introduced into Brazil from solid wood packaging materials used in shipments from the U.S., new import requirements were introduced by the Brazilian government January 3, 2000. Effective April 14, 2000, the United States was removed from the list of countries required to comply with these regulations, as the U.S. assured Brazil that the beetle's distribution in the U.S. has been limited to Chicago and New York City. Brazil will reinstate the requirement for phytosanitary certificates if the beetle distribution in the U.S. spreads, or the beetle is detected in a future U.S. shipment. More information on Solid Wood Packing Materials to Brazil is available at the USDA-APHIS website.
Contact Neopal at export@neopal.com or (281) 219-9600 for the latest details on any of these situations, and how we can help your company comply with the regulations.
IPAL Pooling Program
The Center for Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech University reports on the development of IPAL - an international pallet pooling program similar to the European EPAL system.
With the continued globalization of business, it is thought that packaging for international transportation will be forced toward standardization. Initally this will be on three pallet sizes for most products and material. Europe, North America, and South America will use a 1200x1000mm footprint. Europe will continue to also use the 800x1200mm EuroPallet, and Asia will use predominately the 1100x1100mm size.
Today the European Pallet Association (EPAL) monitors the EuroPallet throughout Europe, and EPAL is expanding operations into the U.S. (USEPAL) this year with the manufacture of this certified pallet in America. Europe is also drafting a standard 1000x1200mm design.
The Asian Pallet Pool (APP), which undoubtedly include Mainland China in the near future, has systems working between Taiwan, Japan and Korea, and includes some corporations in the Western U.S.
The need for international pallet pools will likely create the expansion of a modified European EPAL system to a true International IPAL system.
ISO Proposes Standard Pallet Sizes
The International Standards Organization (ISO) is encouraging the adoption of six pallet sizes by length and width for international standardization. The United States is represented by Dr. Mark White, Director of Virginia Tech's Pallet and Container Laboratory. According to the NWPCA, the group is proposing the following six standard sizes; 1219mm x 1016 mm (aproximately 48"x40"), 1200mm x 1000mm, 800mm x 1200mm, 1100mm x 1100mm, 1067mm x 1067 mm (approximately 42"x42"), and 1140mm x 1140mm.
A survey done by the NWPCA and U.S. Forest Service revealed that 30.5% of pallets produced in the U.S. are 48" x 40", and 5.7% are 42" x 42".
Information on ISO 6780 - Flat Pallets for Material Handling - Principle Dimensions and Tolerances can be found at the International Standards Organization website.
SPEQTM Certification
Effective March 1st, 2000, Neopal achieved certification and was awarded a license by the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association (NWPCA) to produce SPEQTM pallets. This recognition has been achieved by only a select few manufacturers worldwide. For clients who specify SPEQTM labeled pallets, this program assures them of receiving product consistently of the highest quality. To learn more about how this program can benefit your company, visit the NWPCA SPEQTM program page.
CP License
In August 2000, Neopal was awarded a license to manufacture all 9 European CP Pallet designs. Manufacturers are required to be licensed by the APME to produce CP pallets for import into the European community, and Neopal is currently one of just over 30 approved manufacturers in the United States.
