News
| Important Update! EU Bark Limitations for Wood Packaging Materials | 2008-09-30 |
The European Union (EU) has officially announced its policy and implementation deadlines to restrict the amount of bark on inbound wood packaging materials (pallets, skids, boxes, crates, etc.). Effective January 1, 2009 according to the EU communication with the WTO, a transistional period of enforcement has been set for July 1, 2009. Planned for implementation in 2006, the EU delayed any action until further global studies could be conducted regarding the issue of the presence of bark and the potential for pest reinfestation. The requirements will be based upon language within the draft revision of ISPM 15, currently under review by IPPC. The new section on page 7 of the draft states: Removal of bark is to be applied in addition to one of the other treatments as specified below (heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation treatment). However, any number of small pieces of bark may remain after removal of bark:
1. If they are less than 3 centimeters (1- 3/16”) in width, regardless of length, or
2. If greater than 3 centimeters in width, with the total surface area of an individual piece of bark less than 50 square centimeters (about credit card size).
Please contact NELMA (207-829-6901) if you have questions or need to discuss further or discuss with your NELMA Inspector at the next inspection visit.
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Eastern White Pine VS. Radiata Pine. Learn about these two species in a side by side comparison. Who will be victorious?
Founded in 1933, the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturer's Association (NELMA) is one of seven lumber rules writing agencies in the U.S. accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) to write grade rules that are certified as conforming to the American Softwood Lumber Standard PS20. NELMA is the official author and administrator of the grading rules for Eastern White Pine, in particular.
In addition to the quality control inspection audits we conduct at lumber manufacturers to ensure that on-grade Eastern White Pine products are meeting the needs of consumers, NELMA develops and distributes an array of technical information and unique promotional materials via our member-driven marketing program. We encourage you to browse through the pages of this website and discover why Eastern White Pine is the very best choice when wood is considered, both environmentally sustainable and application versatile.
