Polyester Strapping on Timber Exports.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regulates the importation of wood and wood products. APHIS requires wood and wood products to undergo certain phytosanitary procedures prior to importation in order to eliminate the risk of introducing non-native pests and diseases into the United States.

There are two treatment options for wood and wood products. Heat treatment involves the use of a kiln dryer or dry heat, such as a microwave energy dryer.

Chemical treatment involves the use of a surface pesticide, preservative, or methyl bromide fumigation.

Wood products from China that contain bark are subject to additional APHIS restrictions.

A Timber and Timber Products Import Permit (PPQ form 585) must accompany each wood shipment. The permit will list the required treatment. To apply for an import permit, visit aphis.usda.gov

Both exporters and importers face additional requirements if the wood is listed under regulations pertinent to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Timber species listed under CITES regulations require some or all of the following prior to entry into the U.S.:

· A general permit (valid for two years) issued by USDA

· Certificates issued by the CITES representative organization in the exporting country stating that the product will not be detrimental to the survival of that species and that the specimen was not obtained in contravention of the laws of that country for the protection of fauna and flora

· Certificates issued by the CITES representative organization in the United States

· Arrival at a U.S. port of entry authorized to accept shipments of CITES-listed species.

A listing of the timber species can be found at: Certified Wood Organization.