16 October 2012
Purpose
To remind industry that export destinations may require wood packaging materials treated in accordance with ISPM 15 and ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials must be stored appropriately, away from any potential sources of infestation.
Background
ISPM 15 is the ̍International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15: Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade’. The ISPM 15 standard describes Phytosanitary measures that reduce the risk of introduction and spread of quarantine pests associated with the movement of wood packaging material in international trade. Service providers and manufacturers accredited to treat and manufacture ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials in Australia are listed under Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS).
Key Points
- ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging must be used if required by an importing country.
- The Phytosanitary measures described in the ISPM 15 standard are not intended to provide ongoing protection from pests and other organisms of quarantine concern to various importing countries. Therefore, it is important to segregate treated and untreated materials and store the treated wood packaging materials away from any potential sources of infestation.
Exporters’ responsibility
- Exporters must use ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging materials when required by the importing country.
- If required, the exporter must ensure that the dunnage used to secure or support a consignment is treated and correctly display the entire ISPM 15 certification mark.
- Exporters must ensure that any ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging material is securely stored away from untreated products and any potential sources of infestation.
- Exporters should refer to the Manual of Importing Country Requirements database to determine import conditions and/or obtain import conditions from the National Plant Protection Organisation of the importing country prior to locating goods for export.