As of January 1, 2000 the Chinese government has announced all solid wood packing material shipped from the United States must be heat treated to control the import of certain wood pests to China.

     All shipments originating from the United States and Japan will be subject to the new rule according to a press release issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on November 3, 1999. The reason for the new regulation, according to the Chinese government, is because of the spread of a pest known as pinewood nematode, commonly found in U. S. conifers.

     APHIS has expressed cooperation with the Chinese government to ensure that solid wood packing material originating from the United States complies with this new regulation. They have been keeping us informed of every event while this new rule is being implemented.

     Cal Pacific Export Packers has taken all the steps to comply with this regulation, and does certify that all materials used in the Chinese shipments are in compliance with the regulation, and that the proper certificates have been completed and are filed with the proper authorities. This will ensure that all shipments going forward to China will comply in every way with this new regulation and will not incur any delays.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this new regulation. It is being enforced with great diligence both here and in China.