IPPC Wood Packaging Regulations- Mexico

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) rules surrounding the import of wood packaging materials (WPM), such as pallets and crates will go into effect from September 16, 2005. As you may know, this rule change affects all customers that use WPM in their USA-import cargo.

Please note that the regulations also apply to imports into Mexico, which is a member of NAPPO (North American Plant Protection Organization).

The amended regulations are aligned with international standards approved by the United Nations in March 2002 and are designed to prevent the transfer of insect pests and to standardize the use of wood packaging products in the global supply chain. WPM will now need to be heat treated or fumigated and marked with an approved international mark certifying treatment.

In cases where WPM is not properly treated and marked, port authorities are permitted to order the immediate re-export of the WPM or have it treated or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

If you are involved with the importation of WPM, we strongly encourage you to refer to the USDA website, which provides further information about these changes http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/wpm/guidelines.pdf

For specific details concerning Mexican WPM regulations please refer to http://portal.semarnat.gob.mx/semarnat/portal/

Please contact your local APL sales or customer service representative if you have any further questions.