Ministry of Environment and Water successfully holds introductory workshop covering new regulations for wood packaging in international trade

United Arab Emirates, August 27, 2015 – The Ministry of Environment and Water, represented by its Health and Agricultural Development and Management Department, successfully organized an introductory workshop aimed towards increasing awareness on the new regulations and standards for wood packaging in international trade. The sessions was participated in by staff of various shipping companies and was held in the presence of Engineer Abdullah Al Mansouri, Head of the Plant Health Section Department, Ministry of Environment and Water.

The workshop was held in line with Ministerial Decree No. 351 for the year 2006, which covers the need for treatment of wood and other necessary technical requirements concerning its trade—also including the need to increase awareness on the UAE's commitment towards complying with International Standard No. 15, which is an approved criteria of the standards set by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) for regulating wood packaging in international trade.

During the session, participants were instructed on key topics, which included the significance of International Standard No. 15 across international wood trading activities, safety and security measures in wood packaging and how to deal and properly apply thermal treatment for wood infested with pests such as Asian Long Horn Beetle.

The workshop demonstrates the Ministry's efforts in increasing awareness on International Standard No. 15 and several of its important aspects. The sessions are expected to reflect positively on the various dealers—resulting in non-delay of shipments across other countries and avoiding payment of extra costs for the damage of shipments nonconforming to the specifications set forth by the standard.

According to Ministerial Decree No. 351 for the year 2006, on the treatment of wood and technical requirements, the Ministry of Environment and Water holds several tasks aimed towards laying the foundations and standards provided to the facilities that treat wood by heat based on the relevant international standards. This also includes identifying the code for each company authorized to provide this service. The Ministry constantly monitors and inspects to ensure compliance and application of this standard as required by the rules and procedures for wood treatment.