Trade mechanism of commodities on wood packaging material (WPM) and alternative measures for their phytosanitary treatments

Abstract

Background, FAQ's ISPM No.15 is a phytosanitary standard regulating the trade of wood packaging material, aimed at reducing the spread and introduction of associated quarantine pests and diseases. Because wood used for packing material is generally of a poorer quality, spreading of forestry diseases via this root is considered a higher risk than other wood commodities. This material is often overlooked since it can be associated with any type of commodity not normally requesting the attention of plant health authorities. Wood packaging material is commonly used an reused until it is no longer usable where it is dumped at the port or industrial zones . WPM covered by this standard includes pallets, boxes and dunnage but excludes wood packaging made from processed wood such as plywood. Currently under this standard only two phytosanitary treatments are approved; Heat treatment and Methyl bromide. Due to Methyl-Bromide's environmental damage the race is on to find suitable alternatives. What alternative treatments are there can phosphine be that alternative treatment? What are the options for such service providers.