deugro (USA), Inc. Establishes ISPM 15 Task Force
To address the issue of ISPM 15 and to support importers and cargo owners navigating through the challenges of handling, coordinating and remediating non-compliant shipments, deugro (USA), Inc. has established a special ISPM 15 Task Force based in Houston, Texas, USA.
Since 2017, there has been a significant uptick in the number of import shipments halted upon arrival at US ports because they contain wooden packing materials that violate International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, or in short ISPM 15.
ISPM 15 is an international standard that protects a country’s native flora and fauna against invasive insect species. Each shipment flagged for an ISPM 15 violation must be taken offshore and treated before the shipment can re-enter the USA, resulting in significant expenses and cargo delays. Violations can also result in substantial fines and penalties issued by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
To support importers and cargo owners navigating through the challenges of handling, coordinating and remediating non-compliant shipments, deugro established an ISPM 15 Task Force.
The Task Force consists of subject matter experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience relevant to ISPM 15 and quarantine matters, including operations, field services, entomologists, customs brokers, and legal and trade compliance specialists.
The ISPM 15 Task Force is designed to help companies through the entire process of dealing with a non-compliant shipment, but the main objective is to prevent these shipments from happening in the first place. That is why the Task Force also works with packing companies, manufacturers, shippers, importers and cargo owners to ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed at the point of origin before a shipment is exported to the USA.
Service offerings from deugro’s ISPM 15 Task Force cover education and training activities (in collaboration with 4D Supply Chain Consulting | www.4d-scc.com), operational execution, coordination and supervision of shipments, including surveys of wooden packaging material at the point of origin or during the fumigation and heat treatment processes.
The Task Force also performs consulting services related to supply chain gap analysis, and the development and implementation of best practices to help mitigate the risks associated with non-compliant wooden packaging materials.
Do you need help with ISPM15 issues? Can we support you plan shipments to mitigate risks?
Contact us at quarantine.matters@deugro.com and let’s get started today.
