UK pallets ‘don’t spread pests’

The Timber Packaging & Pallet Confederation( TIMCON) is lobbying for an exemption for the UK for domestic movements of pallets and packaging on the basis that it is an island.

This would be achieved by an extension of international rule ISPM 15, which prevents the international transport and spread of disease and insects that could negatively affect plants or ecosystem.

“ TIMCONdoes not anticipate an imminent extension of ISPM 15 regulations for intra-community (EU) movements of timber pallets and packaging,” TIMCON’s President John Dye said at the body’s recent AGM.

“We are in ongoing dialogue with DG Sanco, the European Commission plant health experts.

“The recent impact assessment DG Sanco carried out identified the need to give adequate notice of the order of three to five years for any extension of ISPM 15 in Europe. We believe there is therefore a negligible likelihood of an extension in the near future.”

He added:

“We support any initiative to protect our forests. They provide an essential and sustainable source of raw material for our products.

“There are existing regulations in place that can be implemented at short notice if a pest infestation problem was to arise. However, our view is that the risk of spread of pests through European pallets and packaging is negligible.”

Delegates at the TIMCONAGM heard that demand for new pallets has dropped again, while in the construction sector in 2012, housing starts were down 11%.

“ TIMCONis pressing on with industry-leading projects, including a study into standards for the kiln drying of pallets and the ongoing Timbertrends survey, which now quantifies the UK timber packaging and pallet business on an annual basis,” Mr Dye said.