Export Wood Packaging

By Gary Sharon, Vice President, Litco International, Inc.

On March 15, 2002, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a United Nations treaty governing 118 participating nations, was passed. The IPPC aligns all participating countries to standards for wooden packaging materials. All 118 countries are encouraged to permit the entry of wood packaging material meeting the correct standards; the only exception being if a stronger treatment is necessary for wood from a specific region.

This includes all “non-manufactured”, new and used, coniferous and non-coniferous (hardwoods and softwoods) wood packaging and Dunnage materials. “Manufactured” wood packaging materials, such as Presswood, are exempt from this measure and do not require additional treatment. Though there is no identified deadline date mentioned at this time. The implementation will be left to each country at their own discretion. By late 2002, Canada and the European Union will likely be the first to officiate the new standard with the other countries soon to follow.

Currently, many countries have their own import wood packaging requirements in place but the “by country specification” has created confusion in the marketplace and has many exporters anxious and seeking direction. The IPPC will make it easier for companies who export to help ensure that they meet requirements and that their shipments will not be detained at a foreign port.

The standard provides globally accepted measures including fumigation with methyl bromide and heat treatment. These processes for treating wood packaging materials would eliminate or reduce the introduction and spreading of most invasive pests. Unfortunately, the treatments for hardwood lumber add dramatic costs to the “non-manufactured” wood packaging, and the sources of these services are scarce at this time.

Litco International, Inc. is a ready source of the Inca presswood export pallet. Litco has offered the Inca Presswood pallet for over 20 years. Inca pallets are considered “processed” wood packaging because they are produced under high heat and pressure. The Inca process burns all infestation and therefore, is exempt from any further heat treatment or fumigation saving in expensive pest control treatments, and do not require an export-ready stamp. For phytosanitary reasons, Litco Inca Presswood pallets are accepted any place in the world.

Litco Inca pallets are also environmentally friendly because they are made from low-grade pre and post consumer wood waste which reduces the demands on our nation’s forests.

For more information on Inca presswood pallets, visit contact us toll free at 877-284-5043 or email info@litco.com

For additional information on the IPPC visit the APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov.

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