Issue 322, September 26, 2001
On October 1, 2001, the European Union (EU) will enforce emergency measures for coniferous softwood (e.g.: pine, spruce, fir) Non-Manufactured Wood Packing Materials (NMWP) originating in the United States, Canada, China or Japan. This is in an attempt to avoid the introduction of the pinewood nematode (bursaphelenchus xylophilus) into the EU.

As previously communicated in The Danzas AEI Resource on June 26, 2001 (Issue 306), all coniferous wood (soft-wood) that arrives in the EU must be heat-treated, fumigated, or pressure-treated. Also, the wood is to have special markings indicating that it has received treatment by one of these processes.

The best source of information regarding the EU wood restrictions and required markings is on the APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) home page at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwp.html.

The below details must be followed for all shipments to Europe:

1. Understand the offically approved marking USA: APHIS (see previous reference to website)
2. Only those packing materials which are marked according to the definitions of APHIS can be used.
3. If the packing material does not comply with the emergency measures and required markings, it will be rejected, delayed entry into the EU or destroyed. All actions will be carried out at the expense of the shipper.

If shippers are using hardwood (non-coniferous) packing materials, it is imperative that you note this within your documentation, as hardwood is not a part of the EU restrictions.

Please visit the APHIS website mentioned above for complete details on the subject. Also, note that M & G Packaging is a source for hardwood pallets and pre-skidded Ds, LDNs, C07s and C08s. Please call 1-800-240-5288 or 1-516-352-3100.

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