Independent Maritime Consulting has provided us with the following information.

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In September of 2004 the Animal and Plant Health Inspection service (APHIS) published the final rules in connection with new regulation affecting the importation of wood packing materials.
In short, the regulations call for all wood packing materials entering the United States to be heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, and to be so marked.
Phase 1 of the regulation involved the dissemination of information and regulatory notices.

Phase 2 of the regulations will take force on February 1, 2006 will require the rejection and re-exportation of any non compliant crate or pallet.

Phase 3 will take effect on July 5, 2006 and will require the rejection of any non-compliant wood packing material (WPM).
Additional guidance and information can be found at the following web sites:

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More information regarding Wood Packing Materials can be found on APHIS webite, where, amongst other, the following is stated.

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APHIS has set standards for Wood Packaging Material imported into the USA through 7 CFR 319.40 – Importation of Wood Packaging Material, as published on September 16, 2004. This rule states that all regulated wood packaging material shall be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export. Anticipating Questions and concerns from our stakeholders for the initial phase in period of ISPM 15 Enforcement, PPQ has a temporary toll free number available for questions pertaining to the importation of wood packing material into the USA. The Toll Free Number is 866-738-8197 and will be active from September 01, 2005 through October 16, 2005, with options to extend this period reflective of the necessity and number of callers seeking answers to questions for Wood Packing Materials.

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For further reading please follow link to APHIS Newsroom

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