Wood Packing Material Regulations

Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Los Angeles, issued a Public Bulletin LA 21-009 dated March 3, 2021, to remind shippers and importers of the requirement to comply with the Wood Packing Material (WPM) Regulations.

WPM is defined by wood and/or wood products (excluding paper products) used to support, protect, brace, or carry commodities (including dunnage). The trade industry overall uses wooden pallets to pack cartons and freight for ease of moving and transferring cargo. These pallets must be compliant WPM, by being heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and marked with the official International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) logo stamp with the appropriate country code designating the location of the treatment. The stamp must be approved under the IPPC in its International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM).

Additional information about WPM and compliance can be located on the following link: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/import-information/wood-packaging-material

Markings not meeting requirements such as fraudulent markings, the omission of markings, and the presence of live pests are considered non-compliant and not properly treated to mitigate timber pests. This is considered a WPM violation. Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport CBP Agriculture Specialists continue to intercept non-compliant WPM. Other ports within the U.S. are also making similar findings.

Avoid penalties as CBP will issue the importing consignee the penalty per 19 USC &1595a (b) for shipments found to be in violation of 7 C.F.R 319.40-3.

Please contact your Western Overseas representative if you have any further questions.