New Requirement for KD Lumber that is exported

[GeneWengert-WoodDoc]

Special Alert from the USDA APHIS Concerning Exports

The USDA APHIS has recently updated their policy concerning the acceptable proof of treatment for hardwood lumber shipments to obtain a Phytosanitary Certificate (PC). Below is an excerpt from the document that was circulated yesterday to the industry explaining the written policy that will be inserted into the Export Manual to be published later this year. If you have any questions concerning the new regulations please contact your local ACO or NHLA. 

NHLA is now offering an Annual Kiln Certification to satisfy the requirement of KD Verification, Section 1, Appendix c of the below policy as well as the Kiln Drying Certification that has been in place for several years.
 
"The certification of Heat Treated (HT) and Kiln Dried (KD) lumber has not always been consistent. A variety of practices around the country have been applied to export certification.  For example, KD/HT treatments have previously been verified based on:  the MOU established between PPQ and the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC); Mill Certification Programs; affidavits; or other documentation provided by the exporter. The purpose of this document is to provide options for certification, provide appendixes with samples of KD and HT Inspection Company Marks, and to eliminate inconsistencies with addressing HT/KD information on phytosanitary certificates. The following procedures are acceptable for issuing phytosanitary certificates and recording the HT/KD treatment in the treatment section of the certificate:

KD Verification:
1. Hardwood 
a. An ACO will conduct a visual inspection, verify the KD marks on the wood or cover, and measure the moisture content to ensure it is below 20%. The marks must be from companies listed in Appendix 1 and specifically display KD.
OR
b. A facility operates under the MOU PPQ has with the National Hardwood Lumber Association (NHLA); Phytosanitary certification is based on the treatment certificate provided by the facility (See Appendix 2). Shipments are subject to random phytosanitary inspection.
OR
c. An ACO verifies the treatment meets the required temperature and duration at the facility, as outlined in chapter 7 of the Dry Kiln Operators Manual.  The facility must provide a copy of a kiln certification (calibration) performed in the last year and validation of low moisture content. Phytosanitary certification is based on the verification of kiln inspection, the ACO's verification of treatment, recorded results, and the provided validation of moisture content."

To join the NHLA KD Certification Program or to have your kilns certified on an annual basis, contact NHLA Chief Inspector, Dana Spessert at 901-399-7551 or d.spessert@nhla.com.

[mesquite buckeye]

Good info. Thanks again Gene. ;D 8) 8) 8)