Date issued 22 December 2004
Implementation of ISPM 15 for Wood Packaging Material in Exports – The Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS)
The purpose of this notice is to advise industry of the development of the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS). The Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) is a certification scheme that has been developed by AQIS to ensure that Australian treatment providers (heat treatment and fumigation) and wood packaging manufacturers produce wood packaging material that meets the requirements of the ISPM 15.
Under this scheme treatment providers and wood packaging manufacturers that meet the ISPM 15 requirements will be authorised by AQIS to apply an internationally recognised mark to wood packaging material produced for use in the export trade.
Participation in the scheme is not mandatory. However, exporters of raw wooden packaging will need to meet the requirements of ISPM 15 to meet an importing country’s conditions of entry.
Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme for Export
How the AWPCS works
The Joint Accreditation System Australia New Zealand (JAS-ANZ) will accredit third party certification bodies, who will be responsible for assessing applications for certification under the scheme, conducting initial site audits and conducting on-going verification audits. Once a company has passed inspection, the certification body will advise AQIS who will assign the company a unique certification number. The company will then be approved to apply the internationally recognised mark to wood packaging material that has been treated by an approved method.
How to apply for certification under the AWPCS
To apply for certification under the AWPCS you need to contact one of the following certification bodies currently being accredited by JAS-ANZ.
AUS-QUAL Peter Husband (07) 3247 7200 or Toll free 1800 630 890
AgriQuality Horton Schofield +64 7 572 0814 or Toll free 1800 247 478
NCSI Greg Jewson (02) 9736 8266
Sci Qual Bruce Smith (07) 5428 6299
SAI Global Alex Ezrakhovich (02) 8206 6970
SGS Mike Wallace (03) 9790 8714
Continuation of Interim Arrangements
To facilitate the entry of export consignments containing wood packaging material into countries that have implemented ISPM 15, AQIS has been providing Phytosanitary Certificates on a per consignment basis. The provision of Phytosanitary certificates is an interim measure only and this option will continue to be available, for destination countries that accept it, until treatment providers and wood packaging manufacturers are certified.
A list of implementation dates for importing countries follows.
Useful Links
- Country implementation dates for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15: Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade (ISPM 15)
- Industry Advise Notice no. 2004/16 - Implementation of ISPM 15 for Wood Packaging Material in Exports
- ISPM 15 for Exports questions and answers
- ISPM # 15: Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade
Mike Robbins
A/g National Manager, Plant Programs
Contact Officer: Leanne Payne or Anthony Wicks
Telephone: 02 6272 5037 or 02 6272 6424
Facsimile: 02 6272 3745 or 02 6272 374