Frequently Asked Questions
My wood doesn't have HT stamps on it, but my supplier gave me a document that says it was heat-treated. Is that OK?
No, each full-sized piece used in the program must have an HT or KDHT mark issued by an agency accredited or recognized by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) on it, regardless of documentation. ALSC overviews the program through agreement with the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
I bought pressure-treated wood. Is it acceptable in the export program?
The program doesn't recognize pressure-treated wood, but it can be used IF it has HT marks from the producer of the lumber, like any other acceptable wood.
I used HT-marked wood for building my package and marked it with my export stamp, but none of the original HT marks show on the package. Is that OK?
Yes, the original marks do not have to show on the package, provided the full-length pieces did have the marks.
I recycle pallets. Can recycled pallets with the export stamp be reused for export?
The original export marks are good indefinitely, provided no wood has been replaced. Pallets that have been repaired or otherwise reworked must have the old marks obliterated, and pallets must be retreated and remarked to be resold as export pallets.
I bought 2" lumber and had it ripped before delivery to 1" thick, so the original stamp only shows on half of the pieces. Is it OK to use this wood in the program?
Only pieces bearing the marks on receipt can be used in the program, and the unmarked half must be separated from the marked half. You can request that your supplier restamp the other side so that you can use all of it.
I build plywood boxes reinforced with solid wood inside, mounted on skids. The skids are hidden under the box, so a stamp mark there is difficult to see. Can I put the marks on the exempt plywood so that the stamp is more visible?
Yes, the marks can be applied to any wooden component of the package, and must be applied in a visible location on at least two sides of the package. Many facilities mark all four sides of a box to insure that the mark is always visible upon inspection. It is also wise to mark the skids as well for contingency's sake, although the mark indicates that the entire package conforms to the export standards.
Our company only ships export once in a while. It doesn't make much sense for us to be in a monthly program. Is there any alternative?
Yes, in this situation you can request a one-time certification. Be sure to use all heat-treated wood with proper HT marks and document your purchases. Call Lee Inspection for more details.
I was recently told that one of my company's shipments had been held up because of bark on the wood. Has something changed?
Yes, the ISPM 15 Standard that the program follows was revised early in 2009. The new standard limits bark to strips less than 3 cm wide, or patches no larger than 50 square cm in area. Tha's only about as big as a credit card. The occasional patch of bark can be thoroughly removed from HT wood before shipment and be in compliance, but in the fumigation program bark must be removed before fumigation is done.
If you have additional questions or concerns, call Lee Inspection at 866--327-1899 or email us for prompt, knowledgable answers.
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