If you're planning to import wood products into the US, it's important to be aware of the rules and regulations set by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
APHIS works to prevent the introduction of foreign pests and diseases into the US by treating wood imports with heat or chemicals.
To comply with APHIS regulations, importers must obtain a Timber and Timber Products Import Permit (PPQ form 585) for each wood shipment. This permit indicates the required treatment for the shipment and can be applied for online on the APHIS ePermit website.
There are a few restrictions you should be aware of when importing wood products from China. These include
- Wood products that contain bark may not be allowed to prevent the spread of wood-boring insects in the US.
- If the wood is of an endangered species, it is regulated by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). A list of these species can be found in the CITES database at http://www.speciesplus.net.
Please check CITES article to have more information.
To import endangered wood products into the US, you may need to meet certain requirements, including
- Obtain a USDA-issued general permit, valid for two years.
- Obtain certificates from CITES representative organizations in the exporting country, stating that the product will not harm the survival of the species and was obtained legally in the country of origin.
- Obtain certificates from the relevant CITES representative organization within the US.