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The European Union has notified the World Trade Organization that it is imposing emergency measures against Canada, China, Japan and the U.S. to reduce the spread of the pinewood nematode in Europe. Several interceptions have been reported in Finland, France and Sweden. U.S. annual trade with the Union, which includes 15 European countries, was $166 billion in 1999. Current regulations require that all solid wood packing material constructed using coniferous wood must be free from bark and grub holes, and have a moisture content of less that 20%.
In addition to the current requirements, the emergency measures are:
Monitoring: Beginning with the notification date of this decision to European Union member states, there will be increasing monitoring of compliance with the existing requirements; and, after January 1, 2001, of the additional emergency requirements.
Treatment Requirements: After January 1, 2001, all solid wood packing material constructed using coniferous wood must be either:
Heat-treated to 56C for at least 30 minutes, or
Pressure (impregnated) treated.
All pallets from heat-treated or chemical pressure impregnation will be required to be marked to identify where and by whom the lumber was treated.