DATE 27 May 2005
International wooden packing changes could hit some exporters.
Biosecurity New Zealand is concerned that non-awareness of new international wooden packaging requirements could result
in some exports being returned to sender – at the sender’s expense.
The new regulations come into force in September.
The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM15) is being adopted by most of New Zealand’s major
trading partners. It requires all solid wood packing material thicker than 6mm to be heat-treated or fumigated and
stamped with an official ISPM15 mark.
Biosecurity New Zealand Pre-Clearance Senior Adviser Dr Mike Ormsby says the move is aimed at enhancing global
biosecurity, but there was concern some exporters may still be unaware of the change and its potential effects.
“Despite extensive efforts from MAF, it’s possible some exporters may not know about these new requirements, and that is
a concern. It could be an expensive oversight. Although countries have discretion on what they do with non-compliant
wooden packing, the United States in particular has indicated it will return to sender all goods not easily separated
from wooden packing at the wharf.
“Of particular concern are the general public who may be sending goods or moving overseas and are not aware that they
too will need to comply,” Dr Ormsby says.
It was also crucial that people importing goods into New Zealand informed their suppliers of the new requirement.
“In most countries, including New Zealand, there would be extra charges and delays involved in clearing goods in
non-compliant packing across the border, as well as the increased risk of damage,” he says.
New Zealand was one of the first countries to begin accepting ISPM15 compliant wood packaging, and in 2004 established a
registration system for compliant wood packaging manufacturers. A list of registered manufacturers is available online
at: www.biosecurity.govt.nz/exports/forests/standards/packaging-material.htm.
ENDS