SEPTEMBER 16 saw the implementation of new regulations by the United States demanding that wood packaging be treated and marked according to the ISPM 15 standard. According to a notification from Maersk Sealand, there will be a period of “informed compliance” from this date until January 1, 2006 where non-compliant material will not be stopped or re-exported. The importer will however be notified of the violation. From February 1 to July 5, 2006 the regulations will be enforced on pallets and crates while the informed compliance will continue on all other cargo. During this stage non-compliant pallets and crates will be re-exported. From July 5, 2006 the regulations will be enforced on all wooden packaging.
