With the UK leaving the EU single market, the regulations for the transport of goods to and from the UK have also changed. The HPE is now warning of delays due to the inspection of wooden pallets to the ISPM 15 standard.
The pallet regulation could lead to massive problems in the transport of goods, according to the Federal Association for Wooden Packaging, Pallets and Export Packaging (HPE). The ISPM 15 standard applies to wooden pallets intended for export to and import from non-EU countries.
The ISPM 15 regulations stipulate that Packaging and transport materials in cross-border traffic against possible fresh wood pestse must be treated with heat.
This does not apply within the European Union. In the event of non-compliance, the Pallets and goods returned or must be reprocessed at the sender's expense.
„It is estimated that not even half of all pallets travelling between England and Europe comply with the ISPM specifications.“ Marcus Kirschner, HPE Managing Director
In addition to transport difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic, wood packaging customers seem surprised by the requirements that have been in force since 1 January and the necessary formalities, despite extensive information from the association and its members.
Wooden pallets could be returned
„Some of our sector companies are increasingly receiving enquiries from customers who were not even aware of the problem. Especially Goods lying dormant on pallets in warehouses should be checked urgently. “, recommends Kirschner.
Nobody can currently say how many consignments from and to England have not yet been checked at the borders and may have to be returned.
[infotext icon]The Federal Association of Wooden Packaging, Pallets, Export Packaging (HPE) e.V. is a trade association with more than 420 predominantly owner-managed companies from all areas of the wooden packaging industry, representing around 80 per cent of the industry's turnover of around 2.3 billion euros. The members of HPE are suppliers of pallets, packaging materials, cable drums, crates and chipboard baskets made of wood, as well as service providers in the fields of packaging, container stowage and logistics[/infotext].Source: HPE
