The government agencies in charge of overseeing the ISPM 15 wood packaging compliance programs in the U.S. (USDA APHIS) and Canada (CFIA) have been in discussion regarding removal of the current exemption status for wood packaging used in shipping goods between the 2 countries in having to meet the International Standard. As you know, pallets, skids, boxes, crates, etc., used as shipping units for goods transported across the US-Canada border, do not currently require the IPPC mark. Please see the following communication from USDA regarding this discussion with Canada and their plan of action:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have determined the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15 wood packaging exemption between the two countries has become disadvantageous to controlling the introduction and spread of invasive species.

The growing number of invasive species establishing in the two countries mandates the removal of the ISPM No. 15 exemption to further insure the safety of our groves, orchards, forests and nurseries. The USDA and CFIA are developing an action plan which involves a 2 year phase-in period. The three phases of implementation will take part in four steps:

1. One year for industry preparations to comply with the standard.
2. Phase 1: Six months of informed compliance. Notices will be posted in connection with cargo that contains noncompliant WPM.
3. Phase 2: Six months of rejection of violative noncompliant wood crates and wood pallets through re-exportation. Informed compliance and notices posted in cargo with other types of noncompliant WPM (dunnage, blocking and bracing).
4. Phase 3: Full Enforcement on all articles of regulated WPM entering United States of America and North America. Shipments containing non-compliant regulated WPM will not be allowed to enter United States of America.