As the globe observes the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) 2020. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has encouraged individuals involved in agricultural and non-agricultural products to follow the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures.
The department said that untreated wood-packaging material might be a pathway for the introduction of pests of economic concern. This may negatively affect the natural resources of a country; agriculture and forestry in particular.
Wood-packaging material such as pallets, crating, and pallet collars are covered in the regulation because they are commonly used.
Approved wood treatments are Heat Treatment, Dielectric Heating and fumigation with Methyl Bromide or Sulphuryl Fluoride. These treatments are considered significantly effective against most pests of living trees associated with wood-packaging material. Irrespective of the type of treatment applied, wood packaging must be made of debarked wood.
Treated wood-packaging material should bear the appropriate International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) mark to indicate it has been subjected to approved phytosanitary measures. Compliance with ISPM 15 and other related phytosanitary measurements will assist in ensuring smooth, fair and safe trade, as well as enhancing economic growth. Any party that requires training on ISPM 15 can forward a request to the National Plant Protection Organisation of South Africa in the department.
