ISPM - 15 CERTIFICATE

[SJefferis]

We have just recently opened an L/c where the applicant has called for an ISPM - 15 certificate to be presented where wood has been used in the
packaging.
Has anyone had any experience of this. How would a banker be able to tell if a certificate was required or not just by looking at the documents?

Regards

Peter

[KimChristensen]

Dear Peter,

Since you are the issuing bank, you would of course know how to “interpret” the document requirements in your LC

Anyway just kidding – I am not an expert but ISPM-15 is a wood packaging standard: “International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures - Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging in International Trade (ISPM 15)”

The issue is how to interpret “where wood has been used in the packaging”. My view is that this clause do not carry the requirement that the “packing conditions” MUST be shown in the documents – so it is only in the case where the documents shows that wood has been used, that this document is required.
So my view is that the banker should be able to tell if this certificate is required just by looking at the documents.

Best regards
Kim

[SJefferis]

Dear Kim,

Thanks for the info.

Regards

Peter

[JudithAutié]

As issuing bank, I would be sure to ask for a packing list showing the type of material used for packing, since the whole shipment can be confiscated/destroyed if there is wood and you don't have the certificate.

Regards
Judith

[KimChristensen]

Dear Judith

It is actually a good point to make here. Somehow it could save much confusion if the credit was more clear / specific; e.g.

1) as you mention: Containing a requirement that packing conditions are mentioned in the credit – and IF that shows that wood has been used in the packing THEN the ISPM – 15 certificate is applicable.

or

2) Requiring the ISPM – 15 certificate – OR a certificate stating that no wood has been used as packing material.

Best regards
Kim