Export Pallet Regulations

As of late, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Animal Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) put in place a regulation on wood packing materials that are being imported and exported. The hope is that the new regulation will limit the spread of disease and insects from outside of U.S. borders. With there being a lingering problem of insects destroying forests and the fear of disease hitting trees, countries are forced to develop these requirements. Under this specific regulation, all solid coniferous wood packaging materials need to be heat treated or fumigated prior to shipping. The pallets also need to be completely free of bark, bugs, nematodes (worm) and the pallets must not in any way be porous.

Upon either departure or arrival; all wood pallets, boxes, shipping crates and shipping containers are methodically checked by customs agents for appropriate documentation of proof that the shipment meets all requirements for international shipping. Documentation is required to verify that the shipping materials used are satisfactory under the improved packing materials guidelines. A signed form from both the pallet provider and the company using the pallet is mandatory for customs to clear the shipment.

With the wildfire pace of a global economy, nations around the world are working diligently to protect their forests without obstructing the business interests of their country. The USDA’s APHIS and the IPPC of the United Nations have set emergency regulations that govern all participating countries.

EU Emergency Regulations and Requirements:

On 10/01/2002, the European Union’s regulations on all solid coniferous wood packaging materials (pallets, boxes, and containers) came into effect. The regulations for these materials to be shipped to any European Union from the United States, Canada, China or Japan must be treated through one of the following methods:

• Heat treated to a core temperature of 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius) for a minimum of 30 minutes and marked to indicate where the pallet or wood packing was treated.
• Pressure treated and marked to indicate the location of treatment.

United Nation’s IPPC Rules and Regulations:

In 05/2002, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations began regulations on every wood species (coniferous and non-coniferous). The IPPC’s standards on wood packing materials explain that said materials are to be treated by one of the following:

• Fumigation for insects.
• Chemical pressure impregnation of wood.
• Controlled storage atmosphere.
• Chemical dip of pallet.

The People's Republic of China Emergency Regulations and Requirements:

On 01/2000, the People’s Republic of China placed an emergency regulation for any coniferous wood packaging materials coming into the country from the United States and Japan.

Non-coniferous wood packing materials can also enter the country but need to be marked to indicate that it is not made from coniferous wood. All coniferous wood packing materials enter the PRC must be marked with some proof and verification of treatment by one of the following methods before the shipment is allowed to enter:

• Fumigation treatment to kill insects.
• Pressure treated or chemically dipped.
• Heat treated to a core temperature of 132.8 degrees Fahrenheit (56 degrees Celsius) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

The USDA/APHIS Rules and Regulations:

The USDA / Animal Plant Inspection Service Regulations:

Importing:

The requirements for solid coniferous (cone-bearing) wood packaging materials to be imported across the United States borders are one of the following:

• Fumigation and branded to indicate the location of treatment.
• Heat treated and branded to indicate the location of treatment.

Exporting:

The Animal Plant Inspection Service has a memo of understanding with the ALCS and the NWPCA to watch over the official programs of treatment of wood packing materials for export.

The Problems:

The solutions and regulations greatly impact the expenses associated with doing business and methods used for pallet production for a lot of pallet manufacturers around the globe.

Manufacturers find it very difficult to meet the requirements put on wood packing materials. These rules ultimately drive up the cost of wood pallets and other wood packing materials, and increase the attractiveness of reusable plastic pallets for export shipping.

The Solution:

The entire global economy is affected by the stringent regulation placed on wood packing and shipping materials. In an effort to meet the shifting needs of pallet consumers worldwide, Reusable Transport Packaging offers rugged yet cost-conscious plastic pallets that are a fantastic alternative to wood pallets. Since reusable plastic pallets are not held to the same rules from the import/export laws that have been placed on wood shipping pallets, plastic pallets are now the obvious choice for many businesses around the world.

Countries Adversely Affected by Regulations:

Countries and their approximate ISPM 15 Adoption Year:

2003

• New Zealand: April 2003

2004

• Australia: Sept 2004 Complete Adoption: July 2010
• India: Nov 2004
• Nigeria: Sept 2004
• Sri Lanka: Mar 2004

2005

• Bolivia: July 2005
• Brazil: June 2005
• Canada: September 2005 (US-Canada exemption)
• Chile: June 2005
• Colombia: September 2005
• Ecuador: September 2005
• Egypt: October 2005
• Guatemala: September 2005
• Jordan: November 2005
• Jordan: November 2005
• Mexico: September 2005
• Paraguay: June 2005
• Peru: March 2005
• Philippines: June 2005
• South Africa: January 2005
• South Korea: June 2005
• Switzerland: March 2005
• Trinidad & Tobago: September 2005
• Ukraine: October 2005
• Venezuela: June 2005
• Vietnam: June 2005

2006

• Argentina: June 2006
• Bulgaria: January 2006
• China: January 2006
• Costa Rica: March 2006
• Dominican Republic: July 2006
• Honduras: February 2006
• Kenya: January 2006
• Lebanon: March 2006
• Nicaragua: February 2006
• Oman: December 2006
• Seychelles: March 2006
• Oman: December 2006
• Seychelles: March 2006
• Syria: April 2006
• Turkey: January 2006

2007

• Croatia: January 2007
• Japan: April 2007

2008

• Cuba: Oct 2008
• Norway: July 2008

2009

• Indonesia: September 2009
• Israel: June 2009
• Taiwan: January 2009

2010

• Malaysia: January 2010
• Thailand: February 2010

European Union: March 2005

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• United Kingdom

In order to get a price quote, all you need to do is explain to us:

• What size export pallet need for your materials.
• How much weight the pallet will need to carry during transport.
• A bit to us about the intended application for the reusable pallet.

To place an export pallet order with us or track down additional information regarding international regulations, please contact us at 727.319.2300 or sales@reusabletranspack.com.