On March 15, 2002 the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the World Trade Organization's official international plant protection organization, adopted new regulations governing the heat treatment of wood packing materials. The new regulations call for solid wood components (hardwoods and softwoods) of pallets, crates, runners, and dunnage to be brought to a core temperature of at least 56 degrees Centigrade (133 degrees F) for a minimum of 30 minutes (Heat Treating HT) before the importing countries will allow the material into their respective countries. Other methods of sterilization include: Kiln Drying (KD), Fumigation i.e..Methyl bromide (MB), and Chemical Pressure Impregnation (CPI).

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has delegated the responsibility of certification and inspection to the American Lumber Standards Committee, which maintains a list of organizations that will issue sterilization certifications and inspections. This list can be seen at their web site and the list is enclosed with this memo. I have also enclosed a copy of the most frequently asked questions about the International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures and Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Materials in International Trade.

I will be attending the regional meetings of the Kentucky Forest Industries Association to update and answer questions about the sterilization regulations. If you need more information please feel free to contact me at the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry, 130 Robinson Road, Jackson, KY 41339. My phone numbers are 606 666-2438 ext 235 or 859 257-9511 ext 235. This memo and links to the above mentioned web sights will be posted on the Wood Utilization Center web site http://www.ukwoodcenter.net

(Visit this web site for list of organizations that issue sterilization stamps and inspections)
American Lumber Standards Committee, Incorporated
PO Box 210
Germantown, MD 20875-0210
301-972-1700
FAX 301-540-8004
http://www.alsc.org

(Visit this web site for a copy of the Approved Guidelines For Regulating Wood Packing Material in International Trade and International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures)
United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Solid Wood Packing Materials)
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp