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WASHINGTON –The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will begin enforcing phase two of the new wood packaging material (WPM) regulation beginning Feb. 1.

During this phase, APHIS and CBP will require that all commodity imports entering or transiting the United States with WPM consisting of pallets and crates be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide. The shipments must also be marked with an approved international logo, certifying that the WPM has been appropriately treated. WPM that does not meet these requirements will not be allowed to enter into the United States and will be re-exported.

Shipments containing WPM that violate the rule may be allowed entry only if the CBP port director determines that it is feasible to separate the approved material from the noncompliant portion of the shipment. Arrangements to have the noncompliant WPM exported from the United States would be required before the approved cargo can be released to the consignee. All costs associated with this process are the responsibility of the importer. This phase of enforcement will continue through July 4. Full enforcement of the WPM regulation will begin July 5. At that time, all WPM must meet the import requirements and be free of timber pests before entering or transiting through the United States.

The first phase of this regulation became effective Sept. 16, 2005. The regulations are based on the International Plant Protection Convention standards for WPM, which prescribe globally accepted measures to reduce the risk of pest introductions via WPM. The United States is one of many countries that have adopted the international standards.

For any questions or concerns regarding the new requirements for WPM, please visit the APHIS Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/import.html or call APHIS’ toll-free number at (866) 738-8197. International callers who may not have access to the toll-free number may call (301) 734-5346. For additional information on CBP’s enforcement operation, please visit www.cbp.gov.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.