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USDA New regulations for wooden pallets and other solid wood packing materials
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The new requirements for solid wood packing materials entering the U.S.A. have been implemented by USDA(United States Department of Agriculture) for the purpose of eliminating any significant plant pest risk associated with importing these materials by strengthening their plant quarantine system. We have received the latest information from USDA/APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) via IATA.
New rule is prescribed in 7 CFR (The Code of Federal Regulations) 319.40 which was already effective on 23 August 1995 and will be fully enforced from 01 January 1996. Offenders will be subject to civil penalties varying from a letter of warning for a minor first offense to penalties of USD500 to 1,000 per violation, and criminal penalties for serious offenders can also be pursued.
A summary of US entry requirements according to 7 CFR 319.40 is as follows.
1. Pallets and other solid wood packing materials associated with cargo from countries other than Canada and adjacent border states in Mexico:
| (a) |
In case the pallets or other solid wood packing materials are completely
free of bark and are used with non-regulated materials such as manufactured wood
articles, machinery, chemicals, or marble.
They are subject to inspection and the importer must ensure that the wood is free
from bark and live plant pests. No certification statement, signature, notice
of arrival, or permit is necessary.
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| (b) |
In case the pallets or other solid wood packing materials are not free of bark
and are used with non-regulated materials.
They are subject to inspection and require an importer documents stating that
the pallets or other solid wood packing materials have been heat treated, fumigated,
or treated with preservatives. No signature, notice of arrival, or permit is necessary
in addition to the certification document.
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| (c) |
In case the pallets or other solid wood packing materials are used with regulated
material requiring a specific permit such as logs, lumber, and other unmanufactured
wood articles.
They are subject to the inspection and must meet the importation requirements
of the regulated article as stated on the permit.
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| (d) |
In case new or reconditioned pallets are imported as cargo
They are subject to the inspection and required an import permit prior to
importation. Conditions will be specified on the permit.
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| (e) |
In case used pallets are imported as cargo
They are subject to inspection and require the statement that "the pallets
were previously eligible for importation and have not had wood added to them since
that use" be present on one of the import documents. No signature, notice of arrival,
or permit is necessary in addition to the statement.
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2. Pallets and other solid wood packing materials originating
in (and not transiting outside of) Canada and the adjacent border states of Mexico:
They are subject to inspection and verification of the origin
of the shipment (not the origin of the associated pallets, dunnage, or crating).
No other restrictions.
For further details, additional information and/or questions,
you are recommeded to contact the authorities concerned such as US embassy or
USDA Plant Protection and Quarantine Port Operations Office directly at Area Code
(301)734-8295.
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