ELOUERA INDUSTRIES

COOTAMUNDRA

AWPCS PALLETS

FAQ ABOUT AWPCS

Q1. What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is the 'International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade'.

 Q2. Why was ISPM 15 developed?

ISPM 15 was developed to address the global spread of timber pests by regulating the movement of timber pallets in international trade.

Who developed and endorsed ISPM 15?

The United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) addresses plant quarantine through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The IPPC is an international treaty administered by the FAO and implemented through the cooperation of member governments. Australia is a member or 'contracting party' to the treaty.

 Q4. What wood packaging material does ISPM 15 apply to?

ISPM 15 applies to coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material.

 Q5. Will the adoption of ISPM 15 affect me?

If you are involved in the export of commodities of any kind into countries that have implemented ISPM 15 and use wooden pallets in the transportation of these commodities then you will have to comply with the standard.

 Q6. What countries have implemented ISPM 15 for Imports?

Many member countries of the ICPM including Australia have implemented systems to accept ISPM 15 compliant imports. A list of country implementation dates is provided on the AQIS website or contact us and we can provide this information.  

Q7. What happens if non-compliant wooden pallets are exported?

If wooden pallets are exported into countries that have implemented ISPM 15 and it is not marked appropriately or it shows signs of infestation then the importing country may take action such as; ordering the wood packaging material for treatment, disposal or the consignment may be refused entry.

Q8. What is the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS)?

The AWPCS is a certification scheme developed by AQIS to ensure that Australian pallet makers meet the requirements of ISPM 15. Under this scheme wood packaging manufacturers and treatment providers like Elouera Industries, who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 will be authorised by AQIS to apply an internationally recognised mark to wood packaging material. 

Q9. What does an ISPM 15 compliant mark look like?

Wooden pallets bearing the stamp or mark below (or similar) are certified as having been subjected to ISPM 15 approved treatment. 

Q10. Who is eligible to participate in the AWPCS?

The AWPCS is available to any Australian pallet manufacturer that can meet the requirements of ISPM 15.  This is done via a QA Certification.  Elouera Industries has passed this process.

 

Q11. How will the Pallet differ to others visually

Our pallets have four marks as above on them so they can be easily seen no mater the type of truck or container they are loaded on.  Most manufacturers only have two marks but Elouera Industries chose this method to benefit its customers.

 ELOUERA INDUSTRIES

31 YASS ROAD

COOTAMUNDRA NSW 2590

PH (02)6942 6586     FAX (02)6942 4833

EMAIL eloueraassoc@ozemail.com.au