On September 25, 2017, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued Cargo Systems Messaging Service (CSMS) #17-000609 on the issuance of penalties regarding wood packing materials.
"Pursuant to U.S. Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR § 319.40-3 (effective since September 16, 2005), non-exempt wood packaging material (WPM) imported into the United States must have been treated at approved facilities at places of origin to kill harmful timber pests that may be present." CBP will begin issuing penalties on November 1, 2017 for any documented WPM violation, this is a change from the previously published threshold of 5 violations.
- The WPM must display a visible, legible, and permanent mark certifying treatment, preferably in at least 2 sides of the article
- The responsible party (importer, carrier, or bonded custodian) for the violative WPM must adhere to the Emergency Action Notification stipulations and be responsible for any costs or charges associated with disposition
The full CSMS may be accessed here:
