The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) has created a new section in their regulations related to dunnage. This section will state as follows:
1.5.1 Dunnage, as defined by ISPM 15 is wood packaging material used to secure or support a commodity but which does not remain associated with the commodity. As dunnage is a wood packaging product available as an individual piece of lumber it is a product with special considerations. Those considerations are:
Dunnage is not intended for use in the construction of wood packaging material pallets, crates, boxes, etc.
The seller shall inform its customers of the requirements of its use.
When improper use of dunnage is encountered, the agency shall take corrective action with the producer and, if necessary, the customer or owner. If for any reason the improper use is not corrected, the agency under whose supervision the dunnage was produced shall, at a minimum, notify the producer and the customer or owner of their responsibilities should any damages and liability arise from the improper use of dunnage.
What is important to take away from this is that it is the facility’s responsibility to advise their customers of the proper use of dunnage material. It cannot be used to build multi-component WPM. It is meant to be used only as an individual piece of wood for blocking, bracing or support. There could be liability issues related to the improper use of IPPC dunnage marked material internationally and a facility’s customers should be made aware of this when they purchase this material from you. Please let your inspector know if you have any questions related to the proper use of IPPC dunnage marked WPM.