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Importing Wood Products Into the U.S.

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Regulations for Importing Wood Products into the US

If you're planning to import wood products into the US, it's essential to understand the rules and regulations set by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). They aim to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases into the US through the treatment of wood imports with heat or chemicals.

Compliance with APHIS Regulations

To comply with APHIS regulations, importers must obtain a Timber and Timber Products Import Permit (PPQ form 585) for each wood shipment. This permit specifies the required treatment for the shipment and can be applied for online on the APHIS ePermit website.

Restrictions when Importing from China

When importing wood products from China, be aware of the following restrictions:

  1. Wood products that contain bark may not be allowed to prevent the spread of wood-boring insects in the US.
  2. If the wood is from an endangered species, it is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Importing Endangered Wood Products

To import endangered wood products into the US, you may need to meet specific requirements, including:

  1. Obtain a USDA-issued general permit, valid for two years.
  2. Obtain certificates from CITES representative organizations in the exporting country, stating that the product will not harm the survival of the species and was obtained legally in the country of origin.
  3. Obtain certificates from the relevant CITES representative organization within the US.
  4. Ensure that the shipment arrives at a US port of entry authorized to receive CITES-listed species.

Regulated Species List

You can find a list of endangered species regulated by CITES in the CITES database at http://www.speciesplus.net.

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