Wooden packaging rules kick in

SEPTEMBER 16 saw the implementation of new regulations by the United States demanding that wood packaging be treated and marked according to the ISPM 15 standard. According to a notification from Maersk Sealand, there will be a period of “informed compliance” from this date until January 1, 2006 where non-compliant material will not be stopped or re-exported. The importer will however be notified of the violation. From February 1 to July 5, 2006 the regulations will be enforced on pallets and crates while the informed compliance will continue on all other cargo. During this stage non-compliant pallets and crates will be re-exported. From July 5, 2006 the regulations will be enforced on all wooden packaging.