Comments Sought on Use of Wood Pallets, Packing Material
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is seeking public comments on regulatory options relating to wood packagaing materials used in domestic commerce. Examples of products using such materials are crates, wooden pallets, packing blocks, etc. The primary purpose of current regulations is to decrease the risk of artificial spread of plant pests which accompany the wood. APHIS has also announced its intent to prepare an environmental impact statement on various potential pest mitigation procedures and seeks comment on that issue as well.
Specifically, the agency is seeking comments on regulatory options regarding (1) establishment of uniform requirements for domestic handling of wood packaging materiall, (2) alternative treatments to methyl bromide to reduce the risk of plant pest contamination, and (3) the potential impacts of increased use of alternative materials such as plastic pallets and/or processed wood.
NAMM members who use wood packaging material in domestic commerce — international shipments are already subject to certain anti-contamination rules —should review the APHIS notice, which can be found at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-20708. Comments are due by October 26.