OOCL would like to inform customers that the governments of the USA and Canada are now enforcing requirements of ISPM 15 (the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures), an international agreement of solid wood packing materials.

ISPM 15 requires that any solid wood packing material be either heat treated or treated by methyl bromide, and that all such articles have an approved mark from an approved treatment facility.

Non compliance with these requirements may result in shipments being refused entry into the USA or Canada, and the packing material and associated merchandize therefore, may be required to be returned to origin.

These requirements need to be adhered to by shippers and their packing facilities. Any costs due to non compliance will be assessed against the original shipper of record.

Please see the below attachments for announcements by both governments providing further details on requirements and potential actions due to non compliance.

CAN:  Government Steps up Enforcement of Wood Packaging Import Requirements
USA:  Plant Pests in Marked Regulated Wood Packaging Material

Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. OOCL headquartered in Hong Kong, is an international container transportation and logistics service provider. Linking Asia, Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, the Indian sub-continent, the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, the company offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world. OOCL is one of the leading international carriers serving China, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services throughout the country. It is also an industry leader in the use of information technology and e-commerce to manage the entire cargo process. Website: http://www.oocl.com