TP provides superior quality assurance programs and services to the forest products industry. This is accomplished by providing timely, cost effective services, thorough and accurate inspections, and exemplary customer service.
THE 10 MOST COMMON ERRORS MADE IN THE IPPC/WPM PROGRAM
In working with facilities, our inspectors encounter many of the same issues that create non-conformances for our subscribers. We have compiled a list of the most common errors facilities will make in their efforts to conform to ISPM 15 regulations. It is important to be on the lookout for these issues and proactively address them before they become a problem. After reviewing this list, should you have any questions or comments regarding any of the listed points, please contact your inspector or either of the program Directors.
Previous month's records not completed and logged into the plant manual early in the month.
Illegible or incomplete stamping applied to finished product.
Failure to remove previous IPPC stamps from repaired pallets.
Failure to adhere to bark program requirements on stamped products.
The mixing of HT and non-HT marked lumber in inventory.
The incorrect use of the IPPC Dunnage stamp on assembled products.
Incomplete heat chamber records or faulty chamber probes.
Poor care of stamps and stamping equipment.
The use of red or orange ink/paint in the program. Note: The color red in international shipping denotes caustic or hazardous materials.
Incorrect math or errors in calculating board footages on shipped or received products.
Stamp Obliteration on
Used but Unrepaired WPM
ALSC regulation 5.6.10 states "When ISPM 15 quality marked wood packaging material is repaired the existing ISPM 15 quality mark shall be obliterated. Such WPM shall be remarked as ISPM 15 compliant only after the WPM has been subjected to the heat treatment process."
If used WPM is received at your facility and has not been previously repaired and does not need repair, then a facility may have a written process in place to "pass through" used but unrepaired WPM with existing IPPC marks remaining. These "pass throughs" need to be separated from repaired WPM and kept in a designated area to prevent mixing with the repaired product. If the WPM comes to your facility as a previously repaired pallet then it cannot be considered a "pass through" and must be re-treated according to the ALSC ratified responses dated November 12, 2010. NOTE: It is important to have this process in writing and the "pass through" WPM separated in order to avoid any confusion during routine or ALSC inspections.
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