Feature Story

Regulations Change On Solid Sawn Wood Packaging An Update
The new softwood and hardwood solid sawn wood packaging WTO standards are approved for immediate use
The following information was submitted by Carr Lumber & Manufacturing, Bedford Park, IL

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Solid Sawn Wood Packaging Standard covering export or import crating has been approved for implementation by any participating country as of May 2, 2003. The standard has been approved for use while a new logo is being registered for all 146 current member nations of the WTO.

The standard requires all crating made with softwood or hardwood, new or pre-existing customer display crates to be heat treated and stamped with an ALSC (American Lumber Standards Committee) approved agency stamp issued to an approved packaging assembler. Shipments going into or through the participating countries can be stopped at the border if they do not have the proper stamp on the unit. This stamp shows customs that all solid wood packaging material has been heat treated to meet the new global requirements. Foreign customs have said they can turn back, repackage or destroy items that do not meet the new standards. You and your customers need to know these laws and how they will affect their business now and in the future.

Current Status

The European Union (EU) emergency measure requiring softwood used in wood packaging to be heat treated was implemented on or after October of 2001. They are expected to put in the WTO standards on a country by country basis and are expected to move quickly to remove the current confusion.
The WTO has approved for implementation the new international standard for the heat treating of all species of softwood and hardwood used in packaging. This WTO program has been ratified and has now been approved for use as of May 2, 2003 while a new logo is being trademarked. It is anticipated that WTO member countries will incorporate this new standard within six months on a country by country basis.

Other countries with standards other han the EU or WTO participants are Argentina, Australia, Brazil and China. For a current list and requirements you can reference the APHIS/USDA Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/.

Types Of Treatments

The two options below are currently available for exporters. (Heat Treatment) HT along with limited fumigation are the only universal standards listed in the WTO regulations.

HT: all solid wood to be heat treated to core temperature of 56 Celsius for 30 minutes.

FT (Fumigated Treatment): fumigated with an approved chemical in accordance with an officially recognized technical specification. FT is allowed only on a country by country basis. In the U.S., the EPA is currently phasing out Methyl Bromide as an approved chemical. See www.epa.gov/spdpublc/mbr.

Heat Treater Or Packaging Assembler Program

This program requires packaging assemblers or heat treating facilities to enroll with any one of the currently approved ALSC grading agencies and have on site inspections every 30 days. For a list of agencies see www.alsc.org/WPM summary mod.htm.

Packaging Assembler: In order to use the ALSC stamp, the final packaging assembler must use any one of the following: heat treated softwoods and hardwoods or man-made products such as plywood or OSB (oriented strand board/particle board). The assembler is required to keep records and submit to on site monthly inspections by the grading agency to which they subscribe. The mark is required on a minimum of two opposing faces of the completed packaging product.

Heat Treating Facility: In order for a heat treating facility to use an ALSC stamp, they must provide time and temp charts on every oven charge, submit to monthly inspections and provide the proper documentation on each order.

100% Manufactured Wood Crating: Manufactured wood or wood that has been manufactured with heat, glue and/or pressure currently does not need any certification since the heat used in the manufacturing process exceeds the WTO standards. Examples are plywood, OSB or glue lam beams. Countries such as China and Australia may have different requirements.

Fumigation (FT) Program: Fumigation is a limited option and has been recognized for now by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). The EPA is responsible for registering and establishing technical specifications and individual states licenses applicators in their area. Methyl bromide is the fumigant currently recognized by APHIS. The name of the pest control company/applicator, the two letter code for the state of origin, and the state pesticide applicator number should be shown on the NMWP (non-manufactured wood product. APHIS has developed a recommended mark which has been officially endorsed by the NWPCA (National Wood Preservers Council). Methyl bromide is currently being phased out by the EPA: www.epa.gov/spdpublc/mbr.
Pressure Treated (PT) Program: The WTO does not include pressure treated as an option. Some countries (The Netherlands is a current example) have prohibited CCA (copper chrome arsenic) treatments due to the use of copper. The EPA is phasing out the use of CCA in wood as a whole. For other information contact the American Wood Preservers Association at www.awpa.com.
FAQ's:

Q: What happens to existing packaging?
A: It has to conform to the new standard or stay out of the participating member of the WTO. Large batch quantities may require fumigation due to time constraints. HT is the safest program.

Q: Does "dunnage" have to comply with the standard?
A: Yes, the WTO standard includes it.

Q: If I buy and manufacture packaging using HT lumber, do I automatically comply?
A: No. You must certify to use the approved ALSC stamp for assembled packaging.

Q: What happens if we do not comply?
A: Participating countries have indicated they will refuse entry, destroy or treat themselves prior to entry.

Q: Other than the ALSC stamp is there other documentation needed?
A: No, the WTO standard requires the product to be stamped to show who treated the wood and where. Currently, China and Australia are the only countries requiring paperwork to accompany the shipment.

Q: What is the effective date?
A: The current thinking is each country will implement a start date within six months after they choose to accept the standard.

Q: Is this the same standard China is using?
A: No. China still requires a paper certificate to follow the shipment. They may accept the WTO standard when it is presented.

Q: Is this the same standard as Australia?
A: No. Australia requires all wood packaging to be fumigated or sterilized. Their standard requires higher temperatures, high humidity and longer duration. There is special documentation required to follow each shipment.

Q: Who can meet the HT standard now?
A: Only those assemblers or heat treating facilities who have subscribed to an ALSC agency and have been certified to use the ALSC stamp.

Q: If I reuse crates do I have to have them certified for each trip?
A: No. You only have to have them certified once unless repairs are made with new material after the certification was done.

Carr Lumber and Manufacturing has two ovens totaling 14,000 cubic feet of available heating space under the ULSC/APHIS program. We are certified through NELMA (North Eastern Lumber Manufacturers Association) to heat treat and stamp new and existing crating. This allows us to produce heat treated products through our shop, heat treat other manufacturers products or heat treat existing products already in transit. eb