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Wood packaging material including dunnage

The timber that is used as packaging has little commercial value and therefore can be of poorer quality than timber that is being traded as a commodity. In particular, dunnage may be re-used timber from pallets or even timber that contains bark, if it suits the particular needs of the consignment.

STEPS PROCEDURE FOR THE INSPECTION OF WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL
1 – 3  Refer to Basic Requirements
4 Inspect the packaging and dunnage for certification and stamp in accordance with ISPM 15. If satisfactory, go to Step 8.

Inspect for grain spillage and other contamination such as soil. This inspection can also be a monitoring inspection which aims to test the validity of the treatment certificates. Look for:

  • bark, frass, soil;
  • seed and stored product contaminants;
  • fungi fruiting bodies;
  • snakes and other reptiles;
  • Giant African snails/other snails;
  • plant debris;
  • holes, tunnels and/or live insects;
  • ants, spiders;
  • bore dust, frass and fecal pellets; and
  • movement, eg. ants, adult insects, etc.

In addition, timber should be probed for areas of weakness which may indicate an infestation with a pathogen.

If live arthropods or other quarantine pests are found – refer the matter to a senior biosecurity officer for advice. Go to Step 5.

Collect specimens for identification.

If no regulated pests are detected, release. Go to Step 8 OR check that the wood packaging material meets the international standard by checking the stamp on the timber for compliance with ISPM 15. If compliant, release
5 The options available to the senior biosecurity officer are:

  • order fumigation of all timber in the consignment. Go to Step 6. 
  •  order destruction of the timber.  Go to Step 7.
6 Fumigate the consignment and check that the treatment is effective.  Release. Go to Step 8
7 Order the consignment and supervise destruction. Go to Step 8.
8 Complete the documentation.
9 Notify non-compliance.
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