Worldwide Customs & Regulatory Updates


March 13, 2007



Wood Packing Material Enforcement begins in Japan effective April 1, 2007

Japan will begin full Wood Packing Material (WPM) enforcement effective April 1, 2007.

The regulations, which are based on the United Nation's International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) No. 15, provides that ALL types of wood packaging must be heat treated or fumigated, and marked with the internationally approved logo prior to shipping. This includes, but is not limited to; dunnage, crating, pallets, packaging blocks, drums, cases and skids.

We strongly recommend that you review the attached documentation to ensure that your import shipments to Japan are compliant. FedEx will not be able to accept any shipment that does not conform to the new regulations.

For more information relating to ISPM, please visit: https://www.ippc.int/IPP/En/default.jsp

You can also click here to download a copy of our Guide to regulatory requirements on the use of Wood Packaging Materials for shipments.

For more information, please refer to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Japan, Plant Protection Station web site at : http://www.pps.go.jp/english/woodpack/index.html.