Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 March 2021
138. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if concerns will be addressed in relation to increased customer and business costs following the requirement that all wooden packaging materials (details supplied) must meet ISPM15 standards by undergoing heat treatment and marking; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12911/21]
View answerThe Government has been working to prepare for Brexit for several years – with intensive effort across many Departments and Agencies, including legislation, supports for business and other sectors, stakeholder outreach and widespread public communications to promote readiness. Details of the business Brexit Supports available from my Department can be found at: Brexit Business Supports - DETE (enterprise.gov.ie)
My Department and the Enterprise Agencies provide a significant number of Brexit supports including planning vouchers, consultancy and mentoring supports, the Enterprise Ireland Ready for Customs Grant of up to €9,000, as well as financial supports for adapting and restructuring business models and grants for research into new markets to assist companies respond to the new trading environment.
ISPM 15 “Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade” is a phytosanitary standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It sets down standards for treatment and marking of Wood Packaging Material (WPM) which includes pallets, crates and dunnage used in the international trade of goods of all kinds. SPM15 is a requirement for WPM entering the EU from third countries. From 1 January 2021 all WPM moving between the UK and the EU must meet ISPM15 international standards by undergoing heat treatment and marking.
I fully appreciate that the introduction of new import and export regulatory requirements alongside new checks and controls on trade between the EU and UK, excluding Northern Ireland, adds additional burdens on companies. This will take time to readjust and was one of Government’s key messages to businesses in advance of Brexit i.e. to ensure that businesses and their UK suppliers use the international standard ISPM 15 standard wood pallets for imports and exports of goods. Our Departments and Agencies are continuing to engage with companies and haulage and logistics companies to help them work through the new trading environment.
Supporting businesses to adapt to these changes has been a priority of the Government’s Brexit Readiness preparations. Financial, advisory, consultancy and upskilling supports are available to assist businesses adjust to this new trading environment, details of which are available at www.gov.ie/brexit.
My colleague, Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine has oversight for the administration of the treatment and manufacture of WPM to ISPM 15 standard and may be able to assist you further.
