2006-06-28 Wooden export pallets: de-barked timber to become the norm

THE extra dollar or two that ISPM15 has added to the costs and paperwork hassles of export pallets will be minor compared to more EU regulations to come.

More stringent regulations will arrive very soon and with it, more costs, according to Pallet Control Australia Pty Ltd.

Studies have revealed that there is a high incidence of re-infestation of ISPM15 treated timber packaging and with the EU declaring a zero tolerance to infestation, they have now honed in on the major cause of the re-infestation: the bark.

In 2004 the EU issued a requirement that by 2006 all incoming timber packaging would have to be made from de-barked wood, with a zero tolerance.

They have since bowed to pressure and extended the introduction of the new regulations to January 2009.

It is not hard to imagine that de-barked timber will become the norm everywhere else in the world, again with zero tolerance, says Pallet Control.

If export pallets have to be both heat-treated and bark-free it will create ever increasing prices.

Some of the cheap quality pallet grade timbers are cut from parts of the trees where there is some inherent exposure to bark.

To completely eliminate bark, would in some cases, affect the sourcing of the timber and thereby increase the price, says Pallet Control.

Alternatives that will be far more cost effective and environmentally friendly due to non-use of pesticides are now available.

Pallet Control Australia provides independent expert advice on pallets and their management.
judythpiazza@gmail.com