The regulations surrounding bringing wood packaging into North America is called Enforcement of ISPM #15
On February 1st 2006 phase two of the Wood Packaging Import Regulations came into effect, which stated International shipments arriving in North America found to have infested wood packaging materials, will be refused entry, whether or not signs of pests have been detected. Full enforcement will begin on July 5, 2006, when all non-compliant wood packaging will be refused and ordered re-exported from North America.
If you are importing using wood packaging you need proof of treatment (copy of IPPC Stamp Coding). If your shipment contains no solid wood packaging you need a document called Exporters Declaration.
When shipping to the USA today it is absolutely necessary that the wood is stamped with the ISPM 15 marking. Certificates are not longer accepted and only the ISPM 15 marking on the wood itself is permitted.
There are a few aspects that are exempt from the new requirements. Wood Packaging Material that is made entirely of manufactured wood material such as particleboard, plywood, oriented strandboard. As well as wine and whiskey barrels. Also wood packaging material that has a thickness of 6mm or less are exempt from treatment and marking requirements. Wood packaging material that is of a Canadian origin is also exempt from treatment and marking requirements.
