USA and North America (Back) USA - (Update 16 September 2005 ie the beginning of the USA's informed ISPM15 compliance period) The USA's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced on 15th September 2005 that it had conducted a special operation during the month of July 2005 to determine the baseline level of wood packaging material (WPM) compliance with ISPM15. Based on examination results, CBP will perform phased-in compliance enforcement of the USDA WPM regulation. Details of the phased-in compliance can be viewed in the CBP's Operating Procedures for Trade Community Regarding Implementation of the Wood Packaging Materials (WPM) Regulation More information will be made available from the USDA during the months of September and October or via the CBPs website APHIS in cooperation with CBP will begin enforcing phase two of the wood packaging material (WPM ) regulation beginning Feb. 1. During the phase, APHIS and CBP will require that all commodity imports entering or transiting the United States with WPM consisting of pallets and crates be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide. The shipments must also be marked with an approved international logo, certifying that the WPM has been appropriately treated. WPM that does not meet these requirements will not be allowed to enter into the United States and will be re-exported. Shipments containing WPM that violate the rule may be allowed entry only if the CBP port director determines that it is possible to separate the approved material from the noncompliant portion of the shipment. Arrangements to have the noncompliant WPM exported from the United States would be required before the approved cargo can be released to the consignee. All costs associated with this process are the responsibility of the importer. This phase of enforcement will continue through July 4. Full enforcement of the WPM regulation will begin July 5. At that time, all WPM must meet the import requirements and be free of timber pests before entering or transiting through the United States. (Last Updated: 16/09/2005)