What must non-manufactured wood packing materials be before shipment?

Non-manufactured wood packing materials must be treated, certified, and marked before shipment to comply with international regulations, specifically those established by the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15). This standard was implemented to prevent the introduction and spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging materials, which can harbor insects and pathogens during transportation.

The treatment process typically involves heat treatment or chemical fumigation, which effectively eliminates harmful organisms. After treatment, the packaging must be marked with a specific stamp indicating that it has been processed according to these standards. This marking is crucial, as it provides assurance to importing countries that the materials have been subjected to the required treatment, thereby minimizing the risk of pest infestation.

In contrast, untreated materials or those simply marked without certification would not meet the necessary health and safety requirements established by importing countries, which can lead to rejected shipments or additional costs for remediation. The focus on treat-and-certify helps to maintain global compliance and protect domestic ecosystems from invasive species.