Unpacking the new regulations on wood packaging
New rules on wood packaging material for import and export start in January 2021. Read on if you use or supply wood packaging material (WPM) to move goods to or from the EU or the rest of the world, as you must make sure it meets international standards.
If you import solid WPM into GB from any country either to move goods or for supply to businesses, from 1 January 2021 it must meet international standard ISPM15. Your WPM can be checked at the border or inland premises to make sure it meets the necessary requirements. If your imports don’t comply with these rules then the WPM could be rejected or destroyed and you will need to make alternative arrangements for the transport of goods.
Note that rules for traders operating in Northern Ireland are different.
| ISPM15 will apply to: Packing cases Boxes Crates Drums and similar containers Pallets, box pallets, pallet collars and other load boards Dunnage (loose wood used to protect goods and their packaging) ISPM15 will not apply to: Processed, non-solid WPM like plywood, Raw wood that’s 6mm thick or less Barrels for wines and spirits Gift boxes made from processed wood Sawdust, shavings and cardboard used as packing material |
Importers using WPM: steps to take to prepare for 1 Jan.
| It’s your responsibility to use ISPM15-compliant WPM for your goods, including goods from all EU member states, from the start of 2021. GB will continue to take a risk-based approach to checks on WPM at the border or after arrival. Contact your supplier or the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation (TIMCON) if you need more advice on moving WPM from 1 January 2021. |
Exporters using WPM
| Find out if countries you’re exporting to require ISPM15 compliant WPM. |
| Countries who require ISPM15 |
WPM rules for NI
| If you move WPM (for supply or to move goods) from Northern Ireland to the EU, there will be no changes to WPM requirements. These movements will continue as before. If you use WPM to supply qualifying Northern Ireland goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain there will be no changes to WPM requirements. These movements will also continue as before. WPM used to transport non-qualifying Northern Ireland goods must be treated and appropriately marked in compliance with international standard ISPM15. |
If you move WPM (for supply or to move goods) from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, your WPM must be treated and appropriately marked in compliance with international standards (ISPM15). Checks will be carried out on a risk-targeted basis only, taking into account that GB to NI movements are very low risk.
Suppliers of WPM
| To produce ISPM15 compliant packaging you must be a member of the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme (UKWPMMP) and have 6-monthly assessments of your facility. Apply for membership of UKWPMMP and get email updates on the movement of WPM.. |