Australian Wood

Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS)

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:

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Biosecurity have re-issued the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme for Export (AWPCS) as Version 2.2 dated 18 May 2012.

In addition, there is a summary of changes to the AWPCS standard provided on the DAFF website. All companies certified under the AWPCS will be listed on the AWPCS Register which will also be accessible on the DAFF website. 

Useful Documents:

Download the additional requirements for AWPCS Certification Activities

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.