What are wood-packing restrictions and fumigation?

In respect of international cargo transportation from the USA, wood-packing restrictions, in general, states that shipping freight packed using raw wooding materials is prohibited. Packing materials have to comply with ISPM15 regulations.

Shipping from the U.S. goods packed in cardboard shipping boxes comply with the ISPM15 regulations. However:

• If you palletize shipping boxes for international transportation overseas, you have to use certified ISPM15 or plastic pallets.
   
• If you make a crate for your international cargo transportation, avoid using raw wooding materials. It has to be built from certified, heat-treated wood, plywood, or plastic.

Please note that these wood-packing regulations apply to the packing materials. It does not apply to the transporting commodity.

Do not confuse the restrictions on wood-packing, which apply to international cargo transportation from the USA to the majority of counties in the world, with the fumigation of goods shipping from the USA to Oceania. Particularly shipping to Australia and New Zealand.

All cargo shipping from the USA to Oceania has to be fumigated. These restrictions are known as BMSB rules. If you ship goods to Australia or New Zealand, then be prepared to fumigate the entire shipment. We suggest you allow the ocean freight carrier used in your international shipping to fumigate your cargo. Typically you will pay $30 per cubic meter, $100-$300 minimum charge, depending on the carrier. However, this way, you transfer responsibilities related to the cargo fumigation to the carrier.

You may find more about wood-packing restrictions and cargo fumigation on our website.