New regulations requiring that pine shipped into South Korean ports should carry a phytosanitary stamp to ensure it has no pest infestation is causing Canada problems.
The ruling is in addition to the requirement that all pine entering the country has been heat treated but, according to the newsletter Random Lengths International, Canadian exporters are finding the new regulations are hampering their efforts to build market share in South Korea.
Some shippers claim shipments have been turned away even though the loads were legal – leaving customers disappointed and exporters with a bill to get the goods home.
China also requires phytosanitary certification for softwood lumber imports, but many Chinese ports have fumigation services available if required.
Taiwan is due to impose the same certification conditions from December 1.
