OTTAWA — Effective Wednesday, February 1, 2006, Phase II enforcement of the International Phytosanitary Standard for all regulated wood packaging material entering the United States begins.

Customs brokers Livingston International is reminding exporters and carriers that during this phase (February 1 -July 4, 2006) all WPM pallets and crates must comply with the ISPM 15 standards or they will not be allowed entry into the U.S.

For more information on WPM requirements, regulations and enforcement, view the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) “Implementation Plan.”

WPM made entirely of Canadian or U.S.-origin wood, and used in trade between the U.S. and Canada, is exempt from the treatment and marking requirements. The exception only pertains to WPM coming directly to the U.S. from Canada or directly to Canada from the U.S., says Livingston.

Livingston recommends that shippers and importers must become familiar with these revised regulations.

For questions about the importation of WPM into the U.S., contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at 1-866-738-8197. –

Livingston’s Regulatory Affairs department can also be contacted at 1-800-437-4324 or usregaffairs@livingstonintl.com.