28 February 2005

EU delays imported wood-packaging debarking rule

The following article is excerpted from the 28 February 2005 edition of “American Shipper”.

The European Union has delayed implementation of a regulation that would require complete debarking of imported wood packaging until March 1 of next year.

Robert Madelin, director general for health and consumer protection at the European Commission, said on Feb. 24 that the regulation would be reviewed during the next 12 months. The EU wants debarking of imported wood packaging to prevent the spread of tree-killing nematodes to Europe's forests.

The U.S. government and shipping industry opposed the regulation because it lacked clarity.

Former U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said in a Feb. 9 letter that the rule, if implemented in its current form, would have "a tremendous impact on many products shipped in or on [wood packaging materials] from the United States and many other countries."

"If this requirement were to be implemented without a clear definition, interpretation would be left to port inspectors in each EU country," said Bruce Scholnick, president of the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association. "And would a port inspector know the difference between bark-free and wane free? If not, we would then be left to ship on square-edge, furniture-grade pallets."

Madelin, however, warned that the EU is still concerned about the spread of nematodes. Wood packaging with bark that has been previously heat treated is not enough assurance for EU regulators that nematodes won't still be spread, he said. ….