No. CLE-HO/POL/CIRCULAR/14-15
13th February 2015

Members of the Council

Dear Members

Sub : Regulations on Wood Packaging Materials

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations notified the Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade in 2002 Copy of the regulations, which are titled as ISPM No. 15 are enclosed herewith. Annex I of the said FAO guidelines (modified in 2006) contain the details of approved measures associated with Wood Packaging Materials, which are applicable for packaging materials used in export consignments.

In India too, the Director General of Foreign Trade has issued a Notification No.54/2009-14 dt.3rd August 2010 (copy enclosed) making amendments in the Export Licensing Schedule. The said Notification states that Export of goods including plant & plant products using wood packaging material such as pellets, dunnage, crating, packing blocks, drums, cases load boards, Pellat collars and skids etc., shall be allowed subject to compliance of International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures, publication number 15-Regulation of wood packaging material (WPM) in international trade ISPM-15. This condition applies to all products under all Chapters.

We have recently received a communication from the Department of Commerce stating the following.

The European Commission continues to receive a high number of interceptions notifications from their Member States, mostly for non-conformance to standards of the wood packaging materials.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry too has been receiving a number of concerns/Notifications from EU through the Department of Agriculture & Co-operation. Most of the notifications are on account of non-compliance of ISPM (wood packaging regulations) mark.

The issue of non-compliance with ISPM 15 requirements is rapidly acquiring serious proportions and could invite regulatory action from EU if concerned remedial action is not taken immediately.

In view of the above, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has directed all Exporters to take necessary steps to ensure that the commodities exported,particularly to the European Union destinations comply with the requirements of ISPM -15.

Members may kindly take note of the above for compliance.

Thanks and regards

R. Ramesh Kumar IAS
Executive Director
COUNCIL FOR LEATHER EXPORTS

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