U.S. Customs said it will delay enforcement of new standards for treating wood packaging to help minimize the importation of potentially destructive insects until Feb. 1, 2006.

The new requirements were supposed to go into effect Sept. 16.

Customs said it will instead implement a period of informed compliance from Sept. 16-Jan. 31 to notify shippers of cargo that does not comply with the new treatment requirements.

The agency said it will reject and re-export non-compliant shipments, beginning Feb. 1-July 04. Full enforcement is slated to begin July 5, when non-compliant materials will not be allowed to enter the U.S.

Customs has set up a temporary toll-free phone number to field questions about the new rules, at 866-738-8197. International shippers can call 301-734-5346. For more information also visit:
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/swp/import.html.