This was evidenced during the recent COVID19 lockdown periods earlier this year, when the governments of several countries in Europe designated the manufacture and repair of pallets and packaging as ‘essential’ sectors, which should continue operating throughout the pandemic restrictions to ensure supplies of items including food, drink and pharmaceutical goods.
If the production, repair or movement of WPM becomes disrupted, vital international supply chains will also face disruption.
When the UK fully leaves the EU on January 1st, 2021, there will be an important change in the law governing movements of wood packaging material (WPM) between these now separate markets.
From this date, all WPM moving from the UK to the EU and vice versa must be
compliant with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures no.15
(ISPM15) regulations. This means the WPM must have received heat treatment – or another equivalent treatment – and be clearly marked as such.
The current enforcement regime for ISPM15 between EU countries is based on the fact that the plant health risk of WPM movements in these areas of the world is negligible. When the Brexit transition period ends at the end of 2020, this risk to plant health will not change. The wooden packaging industry is therefore clear in its assertion that there is no scientific or fact-based justification for a change in the rules or enforcement regimes applied at EU and UK borders from January 1st,
2021.
Shaw Pallet is ensuring that ISPM15 compliant WPM will be available for all clients in readiness for January 1st, 2021, by increasing its treatment capacity.
However, it is important that exporters are aware of the anticipated changes which are set occur and that preparations are made in good time.
