U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) recently issued a reminder and updated guidance concerning the importation of wood packaging materials. Since September 2005, non-exempt wood packaging material (WPM) imported into the United States must have been treated at approved facilities at places of origin to kill harmful timber pests that may be present. The WPM must display a visible, legible, and permanent mark certifying treatment, preferably in at least 2 sides of the article.

Effective November 1, 2017, CBP now advises that penalties for WPM import non-compliance may be issued from the first infraction and any subsequent infractions. Penalties may be issued to importers, carrier or other responsible party. Previously, CBP would employ a tolerance of five infractions per year prior to considering penalties.

Importers and other parties importing these materials into the U.S. should ensure those materials are properly treated and marked prior to being imported – whether as such or as packaging (e.g. skids) ancillary to a shipment.

Information concerning U.S wood packaging regulations for international trade may be found here.

For additional information, please contact Delmar International’s U.S. Advisory Services group or your local representative.