Issue 306, June 26, 2001
As of October 1, 2001, the European Union (EU) will enforce emergency measures for coniferous (soft wood) Non-Manufactured Wood Packing Materials (NMWP). This would include all wood crates, pallets, skids, drums, cases, etc. These materials are also referred to as Solid Wood Packing Materials (SWPM).

These measures are to prevent the introduction of the pinewood nematode, a microscopic eelworm that has caused extensive mortality in pines in Japan and China. These measures will be for all coniferous woods that are from shipments originating from the United States, Canada, China and Japan.

In order to allow the NMWP to be brought into the EU, it will have to be heat treated, kiln dried or chemically fumigated. The detail of how this will be verified has not yet been set, however there is strong evidence that the wood will have to bear a marking that is pre-approved and indicates that the wood has been processed in one of these approved manners.

The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC), at the request of the USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), has agreed to develop and oversee the United States' program. When the method of identification of properly treated wood has been determined, we will then be able to setup a process to handle these shipments to the EU. If indeed the method will be markings on the wood itself, then the Danzas AEI offices will check each NMWP within a shipment and, if any is found to have bad or missing marks, then it will be held until the shipper corrects the NMWP in the shipment.

This process is only for the EU and only involves coniferous wood. There is, however, more coming in the future, such as restrictions globally, not only on coniferous wood, but hardwood as well. The International Plant Health Convention is in the process of adopting an international standard for coniferous and hardwood NMWP, which is expected to become effective in April, 2003.

So, what's the bottom line for shippers? DON'T WAIT! It's time to speak to your suppliers of pallets, lumber, crating, etc. and find out where they are within these new restrictions and whether they will be ready by October 1, 2001 to supply you with the properly marked wood and NMWP products.

Our contributing writer, Ken Hughes, is the Corporate Export Compliance Manager for Danzas AEI Intercontinental in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Hughes can be reached at 847-233-7923 or via ordkah@aeilogis.com.

Please note that due to the complex nature of the subject matter, Danzas AEI cannot be responsible for actions taken by the reader in reliance on the information contained herein without prior consultation with Danzas AEI.