Pallets for label transportation could harbor pests

On 2 January 2004, label manufacturers in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan and other major trading countries will have to adopt a wood compliance strategy to prevent the spread of pests.

Wood packaging, including pallets used for imports and exports, made from unprocessed raw wood has been identified as a potential pathway for the introduction of pests. In March 2002, The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations drafted standards for the treatment of wood packaging to minimize the risks of pest contamination.

Companies that do not enforce these standards will face consequences, including the possible refusal, delay or destruction of shipments packed with or on non-compliant wood packaging. For information about the IPPC regulations visit www.ippc.int