We are sure that by now you have read at least one e-mail, bulletin, or industry

articles which outline the requirements of the International Plant Protection

Convention (IPPC) standards regarding solid wood packaging materials. These

standards are in effect in 138 signatory countries.

Since September 16 2005 the United States has been through two phase-in

grace periods and the Phase III effective date is July 5 2006 because of our

Independence Day holiday.

Phase III demands that all non-compliant materials will be immediately

refused entry into the United States.

The biggest area of concern to U S Hunters are those shipments coming from

PH's who do not use an agent or from countries who normally only ship direct to

the hunters. Because the hunter has no control in this process he often won't

even know that a shipment has been made until it actually shows up.

The carriers are the ones who should be the gatekeepers to ensure the IPPC

Logo (see attached) is permanently and conspicuously stamped on at least two

sides of each solid wood crate tendered to them.

Unfortunately some airline personnel have not been adequately trained to know

what to look for.

No longer will paper documents be accepted in lieu of the IPPC marking. Carriers

often could not care less if the wooden crate meets the IPPC regulations

because they get paid by the US hunter for both the collect freight to the US and

the return freight back to its origin, which conveniently, must be made on a freight

prepaid basis per IATA regulations.

Hunters really have to take the bull by the horns and insist in contracts,

negotiations and face to face meetings with their PH, overseas taxidermist and

shipping agents that the IPPC regulations must be met by the overseas packers

handling their trophies.

Failure to do so will be leaving themselves vulnerable for additional cost and

possible loss of their animals

There are specific exceptions for some wood packing materials.

The most common one is manufactured wood materials known as fibre board,

oriented strand board, polywood, plywood and particle board. We believe that

every country has access to manufactured wood such as particle board - yes it is

heavier. It is also sturdier and immediately recognizable by even the most

inexperienced personnel as being compliant.

We can guarantee that the additional freight cost will be much cheaper than the

transit expense back and forth; not to mention the paperwork problems improper

marking will cause.

When the Customs and Border Protection/APHIS personnel decide that a

shipment does not meet the published IPPC requirements they will issue what is

called an EAN (Emergency Action Notice). The hunter will be required to

originally sign this document and return it to CBP/A.

Customs Brokers should not sign on behalf of their clients as this will make

the broker responsible for all costs incurred; which may not be recoverable.

At this time we would like to also advise hunters and their agents that due to the

spread of Foot and Mouth Disease on the Africa continent there is an additional

requirement that the shipment of dip and pack ruminants are added to the list of

swine and non-human primates which must be shipped directly to a USDA

Approved Taxidermist for re-treatment before release to the hunter.

Lastly, there are no USDA Approved Establishments who can handle treatment

of animals coming from European countries affected by BSE (mad cow disease).