06/02/17 Pallets may now be turned away

Phase 2 of the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures, or ISPM15, which calls for the heat or chemical treatment of wood pallets or crates entering the United States -- in shipments from maquiladoras, for example -- has started.

Since Feb. 1, shipments containing untreated wood are turned around at border cargo facilities if the port director determines that it is not feasible to separate merchandise. Importers are not allowed to treat or dispose of the offending wood at the cargo facilities.