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WPM as a Commodity can Require Additional Paperwork.
It is important to note that truckloads of WPM (i.e. pallets) shipping as a commodity can be handled differently in some international markets. For example, in Mexico pallets with products loaded onto them fall under ISPM 15 regulations. If pallets are shipping into Mexico as a commodity themselves, then they are treated differently according to the USDA as shown below:
REGULATED WPM IMPORTED AS A SHIPMENT:
- A: REMAINING TEMPORARILY WITHIN 20KM AREA OF US-MEX BORDER(WPM travels less than 20 km. into Mexico before being shipped back to US)
- PC is NOT required.
- If pests of concern are detected the shipment may be subject to treatment, destruction, or re-export.
- B: STAYING WITHIN 20KM OF US-MEX BORDER/MOVING OUT OF 20KM ZONE(WPM staying in Mexico or going further than 20 km into Mexico)
- PC is required.
- AD that, "This shipment is free from Lymantria dispar, Lyctus linearis, and Coptotermes formosanus."
This means that even though the WPM has the IPPC mark, they may also need some additional processing and/or paperwork. If you are shipping WPM as a commodity into a different country make sure to check the requirements and follow them accordingly in order to have a smooth transition through Customs. |
 Heat Chamber Challenges
When a heat chamber is not operating properly it can cause substantial expense to re-treat the WPM product. For example, if records show that your heat chamber did not meet the required time/temperature minimums required by ALSC and ISPM15 regulations, then all WPM from those charges would require re-treatment. There is also the issue of receiving a notice that Customs has detected active nematodes in your product. If not addressed quickly this can lead to your WPM being banned from that country. The best way to avoid this is to pro-actively maintain your heat chamber. Some of the most common reasons for problems with heat chambers are:
- Inaccurate probes that need calibrating or replacing.
- Improperly placed probes (either not in the thickest pieces of wood or not in the coldest zones of the chamber).
- Leaks or poor insulation in the chamber.
- Improperly loaded WPM that does not allow for adequate heat/air flow.
If you have questions about your heat chamber, discuss this with the manufacturer or your inspector to gain some insights on how it can be checked to ensure it is properly functioning. Proactively maintaining your heat chamber is the best way to avoid the substantial headaches that can occur from improperly treated WPM. |
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