6 August 2007
This Notice is to remind industry that companies wishing to manufacture ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging material and apply the internationally recognised certification mark must be certified under the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) for Exports.
AQIS has recently been alerted to the possibility that some companies/individuals that are not certified under the AWPCS may be applying a certification mark to wood packaging. This packaging is not compliant with the ISPM 15 standard. Behaviour of this nature may have a significant impact on certified companies and Australian exporters.
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.
Only companies that are certified under the AWPCS are permitted to apply the international mark.
Exporters are strongly advised to check the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme Register to confirm the certification status of companies. A list of certified companies is provided on the AQIS website.
AQIS is currently investigating options to address this issue and requests that such behaviour be reported immediately.
To discuss this issue please contact 02 6272 3229