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  European Union  
  The European Commission has announced (subject to final adoption scheduled for June) that all EU nations will implement ISPM 15 starting March 1, 2005. However, while the ISPM 15 does not require the debarking of wood packaging, the EU said in early draft language that it must be "stripped of bark." They have amended that condition somewhat and now state they will make a distinction between conditions where wood must be bark -free and where it must be debarked and will recognize FAO Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms definitions for those processes. It is unknown when specifics of those requirements will be determined.  
  India  
 

India's Ministry of Agriculture has changed its implementation date of ISPM 15 from June 1, 2004 to November 1, 2004. They also made it clear that a phytosanitary certificate is not required as long as the wood packaging is ISPM 15 treated and marked.

  
  Korea  
  The Korean National Plant Quarantine Service has published its rule adopting ISPM 15. They intend for their regulation to go into effect June 1, 2005. At this time, they will only accept heat treatment for coniferous wood; hardwood can be fumigated or heat-treated.  
  Mexico  
  According to Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturale's (SEMARNAT) staff, Mexico is going to release its final rule before the end of the year. However, they say Mexico's import requirements for solid wood packaging will not be implemented until the middle of 2005.  
  Philippines  
  The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has changed their implementation date for ISPM 15. It will be partially enforced (must be treated but marking is not required) starting January 1, 2005. Full implementation starts on June 1, 2005.  
  South Africa  
  Based on their WTO notification, the RSA Department of Agriculture will start implementing ISPM 15 on January 1, 2005.  
  Switzerland  
  According to the Swiss Shippers' Council, Switzerland is delaying enforcement of ISPM 15 until March 1, 2005 to coincide with implementation of EU nations.  
  Taiwan  
  Taiwan's Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine has announced that October 1, 2004 will be the implementation date for new import regulations for wood packaging based on IPPC standards.  
  United States  
  As of January 2004, APHIS began encouraging all importers to use ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging in anticipation of future implementation of the regulation. The final rule is expected to be released by the third quarter of 2004 with a one-year grace period before enforcement penalties are levied.  
  New Zealand  
  New Zealand has fully implemented and is enforcing ISPM 15.  
  Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to give us a call. We certainly appreciate your business.  
   
 
Ockerlund Industries, Inc.
      
 
1555 Wrightwood Court -Addison, Illinois 60101 - (630) 620-1BOX/(630) 889-1BOX Fax