The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun assessing fines against shippers for non-compliance with wood packaging regulations, effective March 9.

The International Standard Phytosanitary Measure 15 became effective in September 2005, yet the trade community was given a grace period to comply with the new regulations, which require wood packaging, including pallets, crates, and dunnage to be chemically fumigated or heat-treated for pests.

More information is available at www.cbp.gov.