Beginning January 1, 2026, the requirement for a hyphen separating the country code from the facility code on the required ISPM-15 markings on solid wood packing materials (SWPM) will be enforced. The requirement, mandated by the USDA under APHIS in March, had been temporarily suspended, but that will be lifted on January 1. Failure to have the appropriate markings on any solid wood packing materials can result in shipments being refused entry into the US. At the least, the non-compliant wood must be removed and exported at the importer’s expense. Penalties may also be assessed to the importer.
The requirement to stamp SWPM with the appropriate markings is not new, and failure to comply has resulted in significant costs to importers. The USDA has stated that there will be no phase-in or soft enforcement period for this requirement. Information from the USDA on these requirements can be found here.
Best Regards,
Sam McClure, LCB
Director of Compliance & Customs Services