RIN Data

USDA/APHIS RIN: 0579-AB48 Publication ID: Fall 2003 
Title: Importation of Solid Wood Packing Material; Adoption of International Standards 
Abstract: This rule would amend the regulations for the importation of unmanufactured wood articles to adopt an international standard entitled "Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade" that was approved by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures of the International Plant Protection Convention on March 15, 2002. The standard calls for wood packaging material to be either heat treated or fumigated with methyl bromide, in accordance with the Guidelines, and marked with an approved international mark certifying treatment. The rule would adopt the IPPC Guidelines because recent analyses of pest interceptions at ports show an increase in pests associated with certain wood packaging material. This increase in pests was found in wood packaging material that does not meet the IPPC Guidelines' (e.g., wood packaging material from everywhere except China, which must already be treated due to past pest interceptions). There has been a decrease in pests associated with wood packaging material from China, however, since we began requiring that material be treated prior to importation. This change would affect all persons using wood packaging material in connection with importing goods into the United States. 
Agency: Department of Agriculture(USDA)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda   Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 7 CFR 319   
Legal Authority: 7 USC 166    7 USC 450    7 USC 7711 to 7714    7 USC 7718    7 USC 7731 to 7732    7 USC 7751 to 7754    21 USC 136 to 136a   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  05/20/2003  68 FR 27480   
NPRM Comment Period End  07/21/2003    
Final Action  01/00/2004    
Additional Information: APHIS documents published in the Federal Register and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Undetermined 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Hesham A. Abuelnaga
Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist, Imports, Regulations and Manuals, PPQ
Department of Agriculture
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
4700 River Road,
Riverdale, MD 20737
Phone:301 851-2010
Email: hesham.a.abuelnaga@usda.gov