The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reminds U.S. exporters not to alter certified wood packaging material in any way or mix it with other, noncertified materials. Individuals or companies who alter certified wood packaging material and distribute the altered product are not in compliance with APHIS regulations and the “International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15, Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade” (ISPM 15).

United States exporters who use noncompliant materials may be subject to international fees, fines, and possible bans by our trading partners. Repair and remanufacture companies producing and distributing noncompliant wood packaging material could be held liable by the exporter and/or prosecuted by the U.S. Department of Justice.