Wooden packing changes could hit exporters

Biosecurity New Zealand is concerned that non-awareness of new international wooden packaging requirements could result in some exports being returned to sender – at the sender's expense.

The new regulations come into force in September.

It is being adopted by most of New Zealand's major trading partners and requires all solid wood packing material more than 6mm thick to be heat-treated or fumigated and stamped with an official mark.

Dr Mike Ormsby at Biosecurity New Zealand said the move was aimed at enhancing global biosecurity, but there was concern some exporters may still be unaware of the change and its potential effects.

He said: "Despite extensive efforts from MAF, it's possible some exporters may not know about these new requirements, and that is a concern. It could be an expensive oversight.

"Although countries have discretion on what they do with non-compliant wooden packing, the United States in particular has indicated it will return to sender all goods not easily separated from wooden packing at the wharf."

It was also crucial that people importing goods into New Zealand informed their suppliers of the new requirement.

There would be extra charges and delays involved in clearing goods in non-compliant packing, as well as an increased risk of damage, Mr Ormsby said.

List of registered manufacturers

www.biosecurity.govt.nz/exports/forests/standards/packaging-material.htm