CBP recently published CSMS #17-000609 which states that any responsible party with a single documented Wood Packing Material (WPM) violation may be issued a penalty under the regulations. This notice represents a change to the previously stated threshold of five documented violations prior to the issuance of a penalty.
The WPM requirement, in place since 2005 was established to prevent the introduction of exotic timber pests into the United States. The regulation states that all non-exempt wood packaging material must be treated at approved facilities, at origin, to kill harmful timber pests that may be present in the material.
It further states that any WPM from a foreign origin found to be lacking the appropriate International Plant Protection markings or found to be infested with a timber pest is considered not properly treated and in violation of the regulation.
The new penalty status will go into effect on November 1, 2017.
Please contact Vandegrift if you have any questions pertaining to WPM.