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	(Continued)
	The list of countries participating in the IPPC regulations for solid wood packaging (ISPM 15) is below. Think of this list as an international chain, which is as strong as its weakest link. The larger, wealthier countries are trying to maintain a delicate balance between leading the process and moving it forward, while still accommodating countries with fewer resources and less developed infrastructures.
	No one wants to break the treaty, because the long-term benefits will be protection against quarantine pests and baseline regulations with nominal deviations. Nor does anyone want to be in the position of launching a trade war. So the process will continue in fits and starts
	Will things ever be finally resolved? Doubtful. With 134 nations involved, the chance always exists that one or more might make regulations at odds with the international standard. Though a treaty is the place, no country is going to relinquish its sovereign right to change its policies in its own best interests.
	Also, there is flexibility and the potential for change actually built into the regulation. For example, it lists several potential new treatment methods that could be added to, or replace current fumigation or heat treatment methods.
	Our industry has experienced some growing pains in the last few years, and a great deal of that has to do with the rapid and ongoing expansion of the global supply chain. Maybe your customers are all within 300 miles of your plant, but if your customer is an international supplier, so are you. That means you will have to shoulder the complexities and vagaries described in this article.
	If you read the most recent update, you'll see there is broad disparity among even our major trading partners. Take particular note of Brazil's recent implementation, which is retroactive to last January!
	Our best advice in these chaotic times is to act as if the IPPC were in effect. Even then, you must pay careful attention to special implementation features such as Australia's 21-day expiration on treatment.
	Your customers may be within a 300-mile radius of your company, but the fact that their customers are around the globe has pulled you and your association into the uncertain, confusing world of global trade and international regulations. NWPCA will stay on top of this and report to you as things change, offering as much clarity as this murky situation allows.
	Ockerlund Industries, Inc.- 1555 Wrightwood Court -Addison, Illinois 60101 -
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