2006/01/23 US Stalls on Timber Standard

US Customs has delayed the full implementation of the ISPM 15 Phytosanitary timber standard due to low compliance on international imports to the States. Originally, plans were made to enforce the standard at all entry points to the States in September of last year but US Custom officials have now extended a period of grace to companies until July 6, 2006.

Mark Sheeran, managing director of CJ Sheeran, Mountrath, is concerned that exporters will not act in time to become compliant. “As one of the few companies accredited to furnish this timber standard, we are only too aware of the difficulties involved in obtaining and maintaining the standard.

“However, the new date should not lull exporters into a false sense of security and thereby procrastinate updating their timber pallets. By the end of this month, those companies sending non-compliant timber pallets and packaging materials will be informed directly by US customs and asked to comply.

“Little ground will be given, therefore, when the full deadline comes around in less than six months. We urge all exporters to act now to ensure their wood packaging material is Heat Treated 56/30 in order to ensure safe passage of all export products,” says Sheeran.

ISPM 15 is an internationally agreed standard for the treatment of wood packaging. In order to be compliant with ISPM 15, the packaging must be heated to a temperature of 56°C for the duration of 30 minutes. Exporters adhering to the ISPM 15 standard no longer face strict importation controls and can trade normally across all borders with minimal disruption.

Currently there a number of companies in Ireland, including CJ Sheeran, with the capabilities to treat wooden packaging to the ISPM15 standard. All companies are certified by the Forests Service of Ireland and the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

About C.J. Sheeran Limited
C.J. Sheeran Limited specialises in the manufacture of non-standard timber packaging and pallets made to high specifications. It manufactures a wide range of timber packaging products for various types of industries including pharmaceutical technology, agri-business, engineering etc. It also boasts a state-of-the-art 150m3 kiln which enables them to HEAT-TREAT its timber packaging and pallets in accordance with IPSM15.

The Recycling Division at C.J. Sheeran Limited can also offer its clients a cost effective way of reducing their wood waste disposal costs. It recycles all wood waste including used/broken timber pallets. If such pallets can be repaired for resale, it offers its customers a rebate on these waste products. All unusable/irreparable wood waste is shredded on-site. Its service provides an economic solution for business anxious to dispose of their wood waste in an environmental, yet cost effective, manner.

In addition to its timber yard, CJ Sheeran manufactures garden furniture, gates and outdoor wood products. It also carries the Werth-Holz range of children’s furniture.

CJ Sheeran is located at Shannon Street, Mountrath, Co Laois. Tel: 0502 56700. The websites are: www.cjs.ie and www.timberfencinggates.ie.

For more information please contact
Jillian Godsil PRG 055 294 55
Ashleigh Doyle C.J. Sheeran 0502 56700