Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme

The AWPCS is a certification scheme developed by AQIS to ensure that Australian treatment providers and wood packaging manufacturers produce wood packaging material that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. Under this scheme wood packaging manufacturers and treatment providers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 will, after successful audit by NCS International, be authorised by AQIS to apply an internationally recognised mark to wood packaging material.

‘ISPM 15’ is the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade. ISPM 15 was developed to address the global spread of timber pests by regulating the movement of timber packing and dunnage in international trade. ISPM 15 describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with solid timber packing material. (More detailed information on the ICPM, the IPPC (including its relationship to international trade), and other international agreements is provided on the International Phytosanitary Portal, the official website for the www.ippc.int)

The certification scheme applies to organisations that export products or packaging containing coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material. The standard does not apply to wood packaging made wholly of wood-based products such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board, medium density fibre board or products created using glue, heat and pressure or a combination of these.

Recent Changes: Please note that as a result of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPCC) revising the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15), AQIS have re-issued the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme for Export (AWPCS) as Version 2 dated 1 July 2009 {Known as AWPCS (2009)}

In line with the issue of the AWPCS Version 2, JAS-ANZ, as the accrediting body for the program, has issued their policy (JAS-ANZ Policy 03/09) on implementing the changes for existing organisations currently certified against the scheme and those organisations seeking certification.

In simple terms:

• Existing certified AWPCS treatment providers and wood packaging manufacturers have to demonstrate to their Certification Body that they are meeting the revised requirements no later than 1 July 2010.
• As at 1 July 2009, all new AWPCS applicants will be required to comply with the AWPCS (2009) before certification is granted.

In addition, there is an Industry Advice Note G2009/04 that has been prepared to outline the changes to the AWPCS.

All companies certified under the AWPCS will be listed on the AWPCS Register which will be accessible on the AQIS website at www.aqis.com.au.

For more information, and to find out how we can help, please email us on info@ncsi.com.au, or call on 1300 856 554.  Alternatively, for an estimate of costs of certification, please click on 'Request A Quote'.

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