Corrugated Pallets Inc. — Implementation Plan for Enforcement of SWP Rules

Implementation Plan for Enforcement of SWP Rules

This document originally appeared at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/import.html
Date Modified: 2005-11-01

Import

APHIS has published the Final Rule for new requirements concerning the importation of wood packaging material. The implementation date for regulatory enforcement shall be September 16, 2005. The delay between publication and implementation shall allow an appropriate amount of time for countries to establish programs to become compliant with ISPM 15 and the Final Rule.

APHIS has set standards for Wood Packaging Material imported into the USA through 7 CFR 319.40 - Importation of Wood Packaging Material, as published on September 16, 2004. This rule states that all regulated wood packaging material shall be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export.

Anticipating Questions and concerns from our stakeholders for the initial phase in period of ISPM 15 Enforcement, PPQ has a temporary toll free number available for questions pertaining to the importation of wood packing material into the USA. The Toll Free Number is 866-738-8197 and will be active from September 01, 2005 through October 16, 2005, with options to extend this period reflective of the necessity and number of callers seeking answers to questions for Wood Packing Materials.

USA, in cooperation with Mexico and Canada will begin enforcement of the ISMP15 standard for regulated wood packing material entering North America on September 16, 2005. The NAPPO strategy for enhanced enforcement shall be conducted in three phases, the diagram is the DHS Matrix for the enforcement of ISPM 15 between September 16, 2005 and July 05, 2006.

Phase 1:
September 16, 2005 through January 31, 2006 shall implement an Informed Compliance via account managers and notices posted in connection with cargo that contains noncompliant WPM.

Phase 2:
February 01, 2006 through July 04, 2006 shall begin rejection of violative crates and pallets through re-exportation from North America. Informed compliance via account managers and notices posted in cargo with other types of non compliant WPM shall remain enforce.

Phase 3:
July 05, 2006 . Full Enforcement on all articles of regulated Wood Packing Materials entering USA and North America. Non compliant Regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter USA.

Importers and Suppliers of US imports are strongly encouraged to have all regulated Wood Packing Material (WPM) meet the ISPM 15 standard to avoid delays or rejection of WPM in cargo shipments at US ports of entry due to noncompliance of the ISPM 15 Standard.

Anticipating questions and concerns from our United States Stakeholders during the initial enhanced enforcement period of ISPM 15, APHIS-PPQ has a toll free number available for questions pertaining to the importation of wood packing material. In the USA and in some Canadian locations the U.S.Toll Free Number is available at 866-738-8197. International callers who may not have access to the toll free number may call (USA Country code) 301-734-5346. This service will be active from September 01, 2005 through October 16, 2005, with options to extend this period reflective of the necessity and number of callers seeking answers to questions for Wood Packing Materials.

Questions concerning Port of Entry Enforcement may be referred to DHS CBP (202) 354-1000 or 1-877-CBP-5511 Monday-Friday, between 8:30 and 5:00 Eastern Time.

Mexico's official announcement for enforcement of NOM 144 (ISPM 15)

U.S. Customs Border Protection Press Release for Enforcement of ISPM 15

U.S. Customs Border Protection Information for Wood Packing Materials Enforcement of ISPM 15

DHS CBP announcement for enforcement of ISPM 15 in the USA

Wood Packaging Material Final Rule, Docket No. 02-032-03

Proposed Rule Public Hearing Transcripts

USDA Proposed Rule for Imported Wood Packaging Material. Comments close July 21, 2003.

Regulatory Impact Analysis for USDA's Proposed Rule for Imported Wood Packaging Material.