16 September 2026: Wood packaging material (WPM) compliance for exports to the EU
Updated 18 September 2026
© Crown copyright 2026
This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gov.uk.
Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.
This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-veterinary-surgeon-ovs-notes/16-september-2026-wood-packaging-material-wpm-compliance-for-exports-to-the-eu
Purpose
To inform you of the requirements relating to wood packaging material (WPM) used in consignments of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods exported to the EU via France and clarify the position where non-compliant WPM is identified at EU border controls.
Background
Defra has recently become aware of new French requirements relating to WPM accompanying imports of SPS goods to France, which came into force on Tuesday 1 September 2026.
The measures appear to be national controls introduced by Service d’Inspection Vétérinaire et Phytosanitaire aux Frontières (SIVEP) in response to an outbreak of pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) in the Landes region.
As a result, France has significantly increased inspections of WPM accompanying consignments arriving from third countries. Defra and colleagues within the Forestry Commission have contacted the French National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO), to seek further clarification on the requirements.
WPM, including pallets, crates, boxes, cable drums and dunnage, used in exports to the EU must meet the requirements of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This requires WPM to be appropriately treated and marked. Exporters are responsible for ensuring that any WPM used in export consignments is compliant before goods are exported.
Recent engagement with the French border inspection authorities (SIVEP) has reiterated that their priority is the control and mitigation of phytosanitary risk. Where non-compliant pallets are detected, the expectation is that the non-compliant WPM will be destroyed as quickly as possible to prevent further circulation.
Decisions regarding the treatment of non-compliant WPM, including any remedial measures, re-palletisation, destruction or action affecting the goods themselves, are matters for the competent authority in the importing country. Exporters should therefore be aware that consignments may be delayed or subject to enforcement action where non-compliant WPM is identified.
No action is expected of port health authorities in Great Britain where non-compliant WPM is intercepted at destination. The responsibility for ensuring WPM compliance with ISPM 15 rests with the exporter prior to export.
Further information and guidance can be found on the Plant Health Portal: Wood Packaging Material (WPM) - UK Plant Health Information Portal.
Actions for OVSs
- be aware that responsibility for ensuring WPM compliance with ISPM 15 rests with the exporter
- where non-compliant pallets are returned to Great Britain, border control posts should apply existing returned goods processes in line with current policy
Contact point for enquiries
Email: exports@apha.gov.uk
Telephone: 03000 300 201
Exports Team