Date issued - 4 April 2007
This Notice is to provide exporters with guidance on meeting the requirements of importing countries and purchasing ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging from AQIS approved facilities.
1. Compliant Wood Packaging Material
Wood packaging is only recognised as ISPM 15 compliant when the following conditions have been met:
- It has been treated by an approved treatment; and
- It bears an internationally recognised certification mark
2. Approved Treatments
Under the ISPM15 standard there are currently only two approved forms of treatment:
- Heat treatment (a core temperature of 56° must be reached and maintained for a minimum of 30 minutes); and
- Fumigation with methyl bromide (as per the table below)
Temperature | Dosage (g/m3) | Minimum concentration (g/m3) at: | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2hrs | 4hrs | 12hrs | 24hrs | ||
21°C or above | 48 | 36 | 31 | 28 | 24 |
16°C or above | 56 | 42 | 36 | 32 | 28 |
10°C or above | 64 | 48 | 42 | 36 | 32 |
The minimum temperature should not be less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time must be 24 hours.
3. The Internationally Recognised Mark
The mark verifies that the packaging has been subject to an approved treatment and that the material has been produced by an AQIS approved facility. To be recognised as compliant the mark must include:
- the IPPC mark,
- XX - the country code (AU for Australia)
- YY- the treatment code (HT or MB)
- OOO - represents the unique Certification Number issued by AQIS to the facility where the treatment or manufacturing occurred.
Wood packaging material that has been produced in Australia and does not include all of these components in the mark is NOT considered to be ISPM 15 compliant.
The abbreviation DB may also be included (next to the YY) to signify that the packaging has been manufactured from debarked timber. Some importing countries are enforcing this requirement. Additional information such the name of facility may also be included in the mark.
Exporters should note that countries that are enforcing the ISPM 15 standard will NOT accept fumigation or heat treatment certificates in lieu of the internationally recognised mark, even when the packaging has been treated.
Wood packaging material that does not bear the mark is considered to be non-compliant.
4. Importing Country Requirements
Many of Australia’s major trade partners have adopted and are enforcing the ISPM 15 standard. Failure to meet importing country requirements for wood packaging material can have serious consequences for exporters and may result in delayed clearance or even rejection of entire consignments.
A list of the countries that have adopted and are enforcing the standard is available on the AQIS website at the following link:
ISPM15 - Solid Wood Packaging Country Implementation Dates
Alternatively you can visit the AQIS website and click on “Quick Links” then “ISPM 15 standard for timber imports/exports” followed by “Wood packaging certification scheme for Australian exports (ISPM15)”.
Some countries require documentation to verify that the packaging material contained in a consignment is ISPM 15 compliant (documentation does not negate the need for the wood packaging to be marked). This documentation may be in the form of a written declaration on a commercial invoice, a packing declaration and some countries have their own forms that must accompany consignments.
The purpose of this documentation is to facilitate clearance of consignments particularly where the goods being imported are not of a quarantine concern. A guideline document that may be used by exporters is included as Attachment 1: Guideline Wood Packaging Declaration. This form is not mandatory, it is a suggested format that may assist exporters. The responsibility for providing this documentation, if required, rests with the exporter.
Guideline Wood Packaging Declaration
Word [46kb]
5. Purchasing ISPM 15 Compliant Wood Packaging Material
AQIS has developed the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) to ensure that Australian treatment providers (heat and methyl bromide fumigators) and wood packaging manufacturers produce wood packaging material that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. This enables exporters to purchase wood packaging material that is compliant with the ISPM 15 standard and meet importing country requirements.
Only companies that are certified under the AWPCS are recognised by AQIS as being able to administer approved treatments/manufacture compliant packaging and apply the international mark.
A list of certified companies is provided on the AQIS website at the following link:
Alternatively you can visit the AQIS website and click on “Quick Links” then “ISPM 15 standard for timber imports/exports” followed by “Wood packaging certification scheme for Australian exports (ISPM15)”.
Exporters are advised to check this list prior to purchasing wood packaging material or enlisting the services of a treatment provider.
6. Additional information
Additional information concerning the AWPCS and ISPM 15 is available on the AQIS website.
Contact: 02 6272 3229