20 Nov 2020

BREXIT: End of Transition Period - New Packaging Standard

Dear Supplier Partners,

Following our communication of October 7th, regarding new procedures and rules to be applied at the end of transition period between UK and EU related to BREXIT, we would like to draw your attention on another important topic that will impact soon the packaging methods.

All wood packaging materials (WPM) moving between the EU and other countries are subject to official checks on a risk-targeted basis and must meet ISPM-15 international standards.
ISPM 15 stands for International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures. It is a global regulation intended to prevent the spread of plant diseases and pests through wooden packaging materials by requiring them to be heat-treated (HT) and marked. All wood packaging materials moving between the EU and other countries must meet ISPM 15 international standards.

Currently, ISPM 15 rules do not apply to pallets moved within the EU and therefore do not apply to movements between the UK and other EU countries.

From January 1, 2021, with the end of transition period with the EU, the UK will become a ‘third country’ to the EU –therefore the current EU exemption will not apply. This means that all wood packaging materials (pallets included) moving between the EU and the UK, and the UK and the EU, will have to be ISPM 15 compliant.

The consequences of not properly treating a wood packaging pallet used in intercontinental shipping can be severe. Wood packaging (pallets included) that are not properly treated and marked risk denial of entry of the entire shipment (merchandise and package pallet) as well as imposition of administrative penalties. In extreme cases, local authorities will have the authority to destroy Wood packaging (Pallets included) the pallet and the merchandise being carried.

To be compliant, each wood packaging pallet must have 2 ISPM 15 marks on opposite sides of the packaging (pallets included). These marks must be visible and legible. Marks can appear on the block, stringer or lead board. No additional certification/paperwork is required for border control.

For more details, useful links:
• DEFRA No-Deal Guidance webpage (see WPM at the bottom) - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/importing-and-exporting-plants-and-plant-products-from-1-january-2021
• Timcon & DEFRA Joint Statement - http://www.timcon.org/Downloads/TIMCON%20Defra%20no%20deal%20WPM%20guidance%20for%20industry%20updated.pdf

For all the above reasons, we want to ensure the potential implications are understood by our Supplier base, and that any practical mitigation steps are taken in advance so that friction-less delivery of our components/parts can continue; we have to remind that Suppliers are required to provide the Products duly packaged respecting any legal or regulatory standard and are responsible for all damages, expenses and costs incurred by the Customer in case these standards will not be respected.

Best regards.

CNH Industrial Purchasing

BREXIT: End of Transition Period - New Packaging Standard

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