Starting from October 1st, 2018, the European Union introduced a reinforced surveillance system and random phytosanitary checks on wood packaging materials used for specific goods imported from China and Belarus. The measure was established by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1137, published on August 10th, 2018. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
The regulation applies to pallets, crates, cages, dunnage and other wood packaging materials used in international shipments entering the European Union.
Why the EU Introduced New Controls on Wood Packaging
The European Commission decided to strengthen phytosanitary controls after inspections carried out by Member States revealed several irregularities involving wood packaging materials originating from China and Belarus.
In multiple cases, the packaging materials were found to be non-compliant with international phytosanitary standards or contaminated by harmful organisms considered dangerous for European forests and ecosystems. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
As a result, the EU introduced stricter monitoring measures for shipments considered to present a higher phytosanitary risk.
What Does EU Decision 2018/1137 Provide?
Decision (EU) 2018/1137 replaced the previous Decision 2013/92/EU and established specific control measures for wood packaging materials associated with certain categories of goods originating from China and Belarus. (gminternational.net)
The provisions apply exclusively to goods identified through specific NC/TARIC customs codes listed in the annex of the European Decision. (reteambiente.it)
According to the regulation:
- professional operators must provide prior notification of incoming shipments;
- goods remain under customs supervision until any required inspections are completed;
- phytosanitary authorities may carry out documentary checks and physical inspections on wood packaging materials;
- notifications must be submitted to customs offices and the competent phytosanitary authorities at the point of entry.
How Do the Controls Work in Practice?
Decision (EU) 2018/1137 does not require mandatory physical inspections for every shipment arriving from China and Belarus.
In practice, the system introduced by the European Union is based on reinforced monitoring activities and random phytosanitary checks on shipments considered to be at risk.
Operationally:
- operators must notify the competent authorities before the shipment arrives;
- shipments remain under customs supervision until clearance is granted;
- authorities may perform documentary checks or physical inspections on wood packaging materials;
- inspections may take place either at the point of entry or at an authorised place of destination.
The European Decision also establishes a minimum inspection rate for the shipments concerned. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
Wood Packaging and ISPM 15 Standards
Wood packaging materials used in international trade must comply with the ISPM 15 international phytosanitary standard, which regulates the treatment of wood packaging used in global logistics and shipping.
Pallets, crates and other wood packaging materials must therefore be properly treated and marked according to international standards in order to prevent the spread of harmful pests and organisms.
Non-compliance may result in:
- customs clearance delays;
- additional inspections;
- extra operational costs;
- rejection or treatment of packaging materials.
The Importance of Customs and Documentation Management
For importers, logistics operators and international freight forwarders, it is essential to verify in advance that wood packaging materials used by overseas suppliers comply with international phytosanitary regulations.
Proper management of customs and phytosanitary procedures helps reduce delays, operational issues and unexpected costs during import operations.
As Italian international freight forwarders, we support companies and importers every day in managing international shipments from China and other non-EU countries, providing operational and customs assistance also for procedures related to phytosanitary controls on wood packaging materials.
Regulatory Updates 2021
In the following years, EU legislation on phytosanitary controls for wood packaging materials was updated through Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/127, which replaced Decision (EU) 2018/1137 while maintaining the surveillance system for goods imported from third countries. (eur-lex.europa.eu)
The Regulation also extended the measures to certain goods originating from India and strengthened integration with European shipment traceability and monitoring systems.
