CBP Developing Mitigation Guidelines for WPM Violations
CBP is working on mitigation guidelines for wood packaging material penalties "and has prioritized their completion," an agency spokesman said. CBP takes the threat of invasive pests seriously and the WPM enforcement is meant to prevent such pests from entering the U.S. in wood packaging, the spokesman said. "The policy change to issue penalties for each WPM violation has raised awareness of WPM regulations," he said. CBP issued guidance on WPM violations in November 2017 stating that it planned to increase the frequency of penalties for WPM violations (see 1711030034).
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CBP was responding to a recent blog post by Ted Murphy, a customs lawyer with Baker & McKenzie, who noted the lack of mitigation clarity (see 1805300059). "CBP wishes to work with the trade community by implementing outreach to educate the users of WPM," the CBP spokesman said. "Information on compliant versus noncompliant WPM is given to help the importer or broker when making arrangements for the importation of goods. By being compliant, the importer avoids penalties. CBP commends the recommendation put forth by Mr. Murphy that companies require compliant WPM from their suppliers. By requiring compliant WPM, awareness and knowledge of compliance will extend to foreign parties, and they will be motivated to supply compliant materials in order to have repeat business."