CERTIFICATION
Vanguard is a certified member of the CWPCP and all of our products and service comply with ISPM 15 export regulations. We maintain a strict quality management program and undergo regular audits to ensure that we continue to meet all ISPM 15 standards.
CWPCP Overview
While wood packaging, such as crates, boxes, pallets, skids, blocking and bracing, reels and dunnage is an important component of global trade, it has been recognized as a pathway in the transmission of several serious forest pests. These pests are known to have negative impacts on forest health and biodiversity.
In March 2002, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) adopted new guidlines for the uniform regulatory control of wood packaging moving in international trade: International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) 15. This standard describes internationally accepted phytosanitary measures that may be applied to significantly reduce the risk of introduction and spread of most quarantine pests that may be associated with raw wood.
Canada, as a member of the IPPC, has adopted this international standard as its national import policy. Over 50 other countries participate in the program.
The Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) is the system that certifies Canadian facilities to construct wood packaging products in accordance with the requirements of ISPM 15. The CWPCP is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and administered by the Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association (CWPCA).
Vanguard is a certified member of the CWPCP and maintains a quality management program and undergoes regular audits to ensure that it continues to meet all of the ISPM 15 standards.
What You Need To Do
As an exporter, you need to utilize wood packaging that complies with ISPM 15 standards. When purchasing wood packaging material, ensure the the packaging supplier is a certified member of the CWPCP and check that its IPPC facility stamp is both visible AND legible on at least two sides of the packaging. The stamp acts as a passport for your shipment; if a customs official cannot read the stamp, the shipment may be denied entry.
The stamp must contain the trademark IPPC wheat sheaf logo, the country code (CA in Canada), the facility number, as well as the treatment code (indicated as HT or MB).