Important Information Regarding Heat Treating and Exporting Pallets:

** Note: IPPC is meeting in Europe which may require all pallets to be heat treated-- both softwood (required now) and hardwood. Rule will go into effect March 31st, 2002 and will be implemented by 109 countries rapidly. We offer Pallet Heat Treating Kiln Kits, and we also offer consulting. If you would like to order just the plans, parts list, unlimited consultation and assistance getting HT certification, we charge a fee of $5,000. We have all the forms needed to establish HT certification, and the guidelines and parameters for HT Pallet Kilns. We also have HT Kiln Charts which show times to heat treat vs. kiln temperature. Our 5,000 BF HT Pallet Kiln can HT a truckload of pallets at a time, or about 500 pallets. Our 15,000 BF HT Pallet Kiln can HT two truckloads of pallets at a time, or about 1,000 pallets. You may run your chamber to HT in anywhere from 3-6 hours (actual times may vary-- slightly more or less). Currently you can charge anywhere from $.50-$2.50 per pallet for Heat Treating alone. Call us for additional information TEL: 608-238-6001 ***

5,000 BF Global Container Kiln Components Only

The Global Kiln is perfect for heat treating pallets for export.

Here is some general information regarding heat treating, and the recent regulations from the USDA.

Heat Treating Pallets

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USDA Emergency Notice:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwp.html

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/eunmwpfaqs.html

European Union Emergeny Measures for Coniferous Non-Manufactured Wood Packing Material

Background: The Commission of the European Communities has adopted emergency measures requiring the treatment and marking of all new and used coniferous (e.g. pine, spruce, fir) non-manufactured wood packing material (NMWP) originating in the United States,Canada, China, or Japan and departing on or after October 1, 2001, to prevent the introduction of the pinewood nematode. Hardwoods are exempt from the EU emergency measure. The pinewood nematode is a microscopic eelworm which has caused extensive mortality in pines in Japan and China.

 

The Heat Treatment (HT) Program

The American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in coordination with APHIS and the NMWP industry has developed an official program for the HT option. The program will require SWPM assemblers to enroll with a grading agency affiliated with the ALSC and to acquire HT marked lumber from approved lumber mills. The program will include on-site inspections of NMWP manufacturing facilities to verify compliance. On-site inspections will be done by inspection agencies accredited by ALSC. The ALSC's policy on NMWP and NMWP enforcement regulation are available for review. Two official marks have been approved for the agencies: one mark for NMWP using 100% HT treated lumber and another mark for NMWP containing heat treated coniferous lumber and untreated non-coniferous wood (HTC/NHTNC). Contact one of the agencies listed below if interested in participating in the HT program.

 

As of August 1, 2001, the American Lumber Standards Committee has accredited the following organizations to participate in the HT program:

National Hardwood Lumber Association, Memphis, TN 901-377-1818

Northeastern Lumber Manufacturer's Association, Cumberland Center, ME 207-829-6901

Northern Softwood Lumber Bureau, Cumberland Center, ME 207-829-6901

Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau, Federal Way, WA 253-835-3344

Package Research Laboratory, Rockaway, NJ 973-627-4405

The Packaging Department, Bloomington, MN 952-967-9400

Redwood Inspection Service, Novato, CA 415-382-0662

Timber Products Inspection, Conyers, GA 770-922-8000

West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau, Portland, OR 503-639-0651

Western Wood Products Association, Portland, OR 503-224-3930

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http://www.wwpa.org/heattreat.htm

As authorized by American Lumber Standard Committee, Inc. (ALSC), WWPA is offering a heat-treating certification program for qualified pallet and wood crating manufacturers. For information on rates and qualifications, contact the WWPA Quality Services Division by phone 503-224-3930

 

Who should I contact for additional information?

Questions concerning the NMWP program should be directed to USDA/APHIS/Export Services (301-734-8537), USDA/FAS/Forest and Fisheries Products Division (202-720-0638) or the American Lumber Standard Committee (301-972-1700).

 

My NMWP Pallets do not have the bug free stamp but bear the HT or the KD Stamp. Will that be accepted at the EU?

No. Without the bug free stamp your shipment will be rejected, refused entry or treated in the EU.

Can I make my own bug free stamp for my HT lumber?

No, you have to be registered with one of the grading agencies.

How many stamps do I need for my finished NMWP?

One stamp on each side of your final product.

What certification marks are required on NMWP sent to Europe?

In addition to using KD-HT wood products, pallet and crating manufacturers must enroll in a certification program to mark the NMWP with an official "bug free" stamp. For a list of agencies offering certification for pallet and crating manufacturers, go to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service web site. For information on rates and qualifications for WWPA's certification program for pallet and crating manufacturers, contact the WWPA Quality Services Division by phone 503-224-3930 or e-mail.

What are the emergency measures adopted by the European Union?

The emergency measures require that all new and used NMWP originating from the four countries be:

Heat treated or kiln-dried to a minimum core temperature of 56° C (133 deg. F) for at least 30 minutes in a closed chamber or kiln which has been tested, evaluated and approved officially for this purpose;

Pressure treated with an approved chemical in accordance with an officially recognized technical specification; or

Fumigated with an approved chemical in accordance with an officially recognized technical specification.

All coniferous NMWP must also display a mark enabling the identification of the treatment facility and the location of the facility. In the case of heat treated coniferous NMWP the use of the mark will be limited to NMWP manufacturers participating in the APHIS - ALSC program.