New arrangements in force in the field of transport
Please take note of the following information concerning new arrangements in force in the field of transport:
- China: Regulations applying to wooden packaging materials as of 1st January 2006
As scheduled, China introduced standard ISPM No. 15 on 1st January 2006. This was officially confirmed in a letter from the Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Food and Agriculture. Henceforth, China will apply the same conditions to the importation of wooden packaging materials as various other countries, including the United States, Mexico and Brazil. This means that items shipped to China in wooden packaging will no longer need to be accompanied by a certificate relating to the protection of plant species or other phytosanitary documents (such as heat treatment certificates). However, a guarantee that the wooden packaging complies with standard ISPM No. 15 will be required.
- Phase II of US regulations concerning wooden packaging material
Phase II of regulations concerning the importation of wooden packaging material into the US will enter into force on 1st February 2006. As of this date, any shipments whose packaging does not comply with IPPC standards (ISPM No. 15) will be returned to the sender.
More information can be found on the following website: