The following information is a complete extract from AQIS Advice Notice No. 2007/09 regarding ISPM15 dated 4 April 2007.  ISPM15 requires the use of either heat treatment or fumigation using methyl  bromide, as the only two approved methods to enable compliance.

Nordiko can assist importers and exporters to comply with the requirements of ISPM15 through the use of its fumigation and recapture systems. 

The Notice contains several useful links, such as a link to a list of countries that have adopted and are enforcing the ISPM15 standard:

ISPM15 - Solid Wood Packaging Country Implementation Dates

An AQIS link to a list of certified companies can be found at:

Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme Register

In addition, the Notice contains a template of a Wooden Packaging Declaration.

INDUSTRY ADVICE NOTICE NO. 2007/09

Grain – General - ISPM 15 Compliant Wood Packaging

This Notice is to provide exporters with guidance on meeting the requirements of importing countries and purchasing ISPM 15
compliant wood packaging from AQIS approved facilities.

1. Compliant Wood Packaging Material

Wood packaging is only recognised as ISPM 15 compliant when the following conditions have been met:

1. It has been treated by an approved treatment; and
2. It bears an internationally recognised certification mark

2. Approved Treatments

Under the ISPM15 standard there are currently only two approved forms of treatment:

1. Heat treatment (a core temperature of 56° must be reached and maintained for a minimum of 30 minutes); and
   
   
2. Fumigation with methyl bromide (as per the table below)
   
   

The minimum temperature should not be less than 10°C and the minimum exposure time must be 24 hours.

3. The Internationally Recognized Mark

The mark verifies that the packaging has been subject to an approved treatment and that the material has been produced by
an AQIS approved facility. To be recognised as compliant the mark must include:

• the IPPC mark,
• XX - the country code (AU for Australia)
• YY- the treatment code (HT or MB)
• OOO - represents the unique Certification Number issued by AQIS to the facility where the treatment or manufacturing
  occurred.

Wood packaging material that has been produced in Australia and does not include all of these components in the mark is NOT
considered to be ISPM 15 compliant.

The abbreviation DB may also be included (next to the YY) to signify that the packaging has been manufactured from debarked
timber. Some importing countries are enforcing this requirement. Additional information such the name of facility may also be
included in the mark.

Exporters should note that countries that are enforcing the ISPM 15 standard will NOT accept fumigation or heat treatment
certificates in lieu of the internationally recognised mark, even when the packaging has been treated.

Wood packaging material that does not bear the mark is considered to be non-compliant.

4. Importing Country Requirements

Many of Australia’s major trade partners have adopted and are enforcing the ISPM 15 standard. Failure to meet importing
country requirements for wood packaging material can have serious consequences for exporters and may result in delayed
clearance or even rejection of entire consignments.

A list of the countries that have adopted and are enforcing the standard is available on the AQIS website at the following link:

ISPM15 - Solid Wood Packaging Country Implementation Dates

Alternatively you can visit the AQIS website at www.aqis.gov.au and click on “Quick Links” then “ISPM 15 standard for timber
imports/exports” followed by “Wood packaging certification scheme for Australian exports (ISPM15)”.

Some countries require documentation to verify that the packaging material contained in a consignment is ISPM 15 compliant
(documentation does not negate the need for the wood packaging to be marked). This documentation may be in the form of a
written declaration on a commercial invoice, a packing declaration and some countries have their own forms that must
accompany consignments.

The purpose of this documentation is to facilitate clearance of consignments particularly where the goods being imported
are not of a quarantine concern. A guideline document that may be used by exporters is included as Attachment 1: Guideline
Wood Packaging Declaration. This form is NOT mandatory, it is a suggested format that may assist exporters.
The responsibility for providing this documentation, if required, rests with the exporter.

5. Purchasing ISPM 15 Compliant Wood Packaging Material

AQIS has developed the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) to ensure that Australian treatment
providers (heat and methyl bromide fumigators) and wood packaging manufacturers produce wood packaging material that
meets the requirements of ISPM 15. This enables exporters to purchase wood packaging material that is compliant with the
ISPM 15 standard and meet importing country requirements.

Only companies that are certified under the AWPCS are recognised by AQIS as being able to administer approved
treatments/manufacture compliant packaging and apply the international mark.

A list of certified companies is provided on the AQIS website at the following link:

Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme Register

Alternatively you can visit the AQIS website at www.aqis.gov.au and click on “Quick Links” then “ISPM 15 standard for timber
imports/exports” followed by “Wood packaging certification scheme for Australian exports (ISPM15)”.

Exporters are advised to check this list prior to purchasing wood packaging material or enlisting the services of a treatment
provider.

6. Additional information 

Additional information concerning the AWPCS and ISPM 15 is available on the AQIS website. 
The Grain and Plant Products Export Program also maintains an ISPM 15 e-mail contact list, 
should you wish to subscribe to this list please e-mail your contact details to 
Ms Jillian Walsh on jillian.walsh@aqis.gov.au.

Mike Gilbert                                                                                                                                       

Program Manager                                                                               

AQIS - Grain and Plant Products Export Program                                                   

Contact Officer:

Leanne Payne

Telephone:       02 6272 5037

Facsimile:        02 6272 3745

 Attachment 1: Guideline Wood Packaging Declaration

<insert company letterhead>

 Wood Packaging Declaration

 [Boxes        to be marked with an X in the appropriate place.]

 Ship Name:                                                 Voyage Number:                                

 Consignment identifier(s) or Numerical Link(s): ____________________________________

TIMBER PACKING

(Timber packing includes: Crates, Cases, Dunnage, Pallets, Skids, and any other timber used as a shipping aid.)

Q.  Has Timber Packing been used in the consignment listed above?

A.  YES                                                     NO

Q     Is the Timber Packaging compliant with the ISPM standard.

A.  YES                                                     NO

Q    How has the Timber Packaging been treated?

     Heat                                                   Fumigation

BARK

(Bark is the external natural layer covering trees and branches.  This material is distinct and separable from processed timber.)

Q.      If Timber Packing is used, is it free of Bark?

A.  YES                                                     NO

Signed: ________________________             Date: _______________

NOTE: This form is not mandatory it is simply a suggested approach that may assist exporters.