International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
SAUDI ARABIA On behalf of UniGroup Relocation, we will be coordinating the shipment of your goods to Saudi Arabia. To simplify the process, we have outlined the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition. This will also review your responsibilities in assisting with this process In addition to the points below; the following pages will outline the requirements, which will be facilitated by our local representative in United Kingdom to complete the clearance. They will assist with each item specific to your shipment so please be assured they will do whatever is necessary to facilitate a quick and efficient clearance. The documentation process can take one week to 10 days plus the transportation – airfreight – three to four weeks and ocean – eight to 12 weeks, depending on the origin. It is extremely important that you take a few moments to review these important requirements, as they will allow us to process the release of your personal property through foreign customs. Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import and not by UniGroup Relocation. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. Such regulations, however, are subject to change without notice by the country of import. UniGroup Relocation assumes no liability for changes in the law or interpretation by enforcement personnel as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Contact with the Saudi Consulate or Embassy for further information concerning your specific visa, residence and entry situation is strongly recommended prior to planning your move.
Visa Requirements – Details
Please advise your local representative or UniGroup Relocation Representative of the “Type” of passport or visa you will be travelling under (working visa, temporary visa, diplomatic, etc.) When moving to Saudi Arabia, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials. *Contact address and telephone number must be listed on all documents.
Required Documents
Details
Tourists Transit Visa
Travelers transiting in Saudi Arabia for less than 18 hours do not need a transit visa. Transit visas do not grant the right to residence, visitation or employment. Ladies cannot apply for a transit visa if not accompanied by a male relative. Requirements for Transit Visa: • A passport valid for at least six months, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other. The passport must be acceptable to enter both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the applicant's next destination. • One recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are not accepted. • A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. • A ticket with confirmed reservations, with a transit time not exceeding 72 hours.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
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Proof of kinship: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, and a copy of the birth certificate. Documented proof of legal residence.
Returning Residents Exit / Re-Entry Visa
The Consulate does not have the authority to extend an exit re-entry visa if the applicant’s stay outside the Kingdom exceeds seven months or, for students, 12 months. The duration of the visa is estimated from the first exit of the applicant from the Kingdom after issuance of the visa. Requirements for Exit / Re-Entry Visa: • A passport valid for at least six months, with at least two empty visa pages adjacent to each other. • One recent passport-size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be full-face view in which the applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are not accepted. • A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. • A copy of the family registration, which is a printout that can be obtained from the office of the Directorate General of Passports in the city in the Kingdom in which the applicant resides. This should include complete information on the applicant. • A letter from the Saudi sponsor to our Consulate requesting the extension of the re-entry visa. This letter needs to be notarized by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce if the sponsor works for the private sector; or by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the sponsor works for a government agency. • Spouses and children of the person working in the Kingdom should include a letter from such person sent to our Consulate requesting an extension to their exit/re-entry visas. This letter needs to be notarized by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce if the sponsor works for the private sector; or by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs if the sponsor works for a government agency. Students should not reside outside the Kingdom for more than twelve (12) months from the date of their first departure using the current exit/re-entry visa. A student must submit proof of current enrollment in school along with a notarized letter from the guardian who is a resident in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. • A copy of a valid residence permits along with a copy of the last extension if applicable; this must be provided before the extension is granted.
Temporary Residency Residence Visa
Residence visas are issued for a validity of one year only. The Embassy does not have the authority to extend or renew a residence visa. Residence visas do not grant the right to employment. Requirements for Temporary Residency: • A passport valid for at least six months, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
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One recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. A reference note showing the number and date of the residence visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam. Proof of kinship when accompanied by a family member: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, and a copy of the birth certificate. The age of an accompanying male child should not exceed 17 years; an accompanying daughter should not be married. Documented proof of legal residence. 3 copies of our medical report, along with three passport size color pictures with a white background.
This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy. Medical reports should be used within 3 months from the date of issuance. Children under the age of 16 do not need a medical report.
Businesspeople Business Visa
Business visas are issued to: businessmen, investors, representatives of companies, managers, sales managers, sales representatives, accountants, production managers, administrative managers and consultants, ex. Requirements for Business Visa: • Passport valid for at least six months, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other. • One recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are not accepted. • A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. • An invitation letter, certified by both a Saudi Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This letter should include complete information about the company: its location and type of business, in addition to the name, nationality, position, length of visa, purpose of travel and number of entries requested by the applicant. No Chamber of Commerce certification is needed, however, for invitations issued by a government company, such as Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Ma'aden, or the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority. • A letter addressed to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington DC by the applicant’s employer in the USA. The letter must contain the following information: The name of the company and that of the establishment based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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The applicant’s position, which should match the position referred to in the invitation letter that comes from the establishment based in Saudi Arabia. The purpose and requested duration of stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Employees Employment Visa
Only the hiring company or agency has the authority to request any change in the employment contract. Such requests must be made within six months of issuance of employment visa. Changes cannot be done by the Embassy. Requirements for Employment Visa: • Passport valid for at least six months, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other. • One recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. • A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. • A reference note showing the number and date of the residence visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam. • The original letter from the company in Saudi Arabia sponsoring the applicant, certified both by a Saudi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This letter must indicate the block visa number and date as well as the position and name of the person requested. • If this letter is being submitted through a visa service agency, and then attached to the letter should be an authorization from the company allowing the agency to finalize all the requirements to obtain the visa, block visa number and date. • A certified and notarized copy of the applicant's university degree or diploma, which must be validated by the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission. • For training or technical diplomas, certified and notarized copies must additionally be validated and diplomas need to be notarized by the Saudi Consulate. Diplomas issued by an institution outside the USA should show the signature and the seal of the issuing country’s Consulate. • A copy of the employment contract signed by both the sponsor and the applicant. The position mentioned in the contract should match the position mentioned in the block visa reference, as should the academic degree the applicant holds and its major. • A release letter from the previous employer, if the applicant has worked in the Kingdom before. This applies only if the last employment in the Kingdom ended within the last three years. • 3 copies of our medical report, along with three passport size color pictures with a white background. This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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should appear on each copy. Medical reports should be used within three months from the date of issuance. Children under the age of 16 do not need a medical report. A recent police report, with detailed information about applicant’s criminal record, if any.
Family Family Visit Visa
The invitation for a family visit visa issued by the Saudi Authorities has a validity of 6 months. If not used within this time, the invitation will be considered void. Family visit visas do not grant the applicant the right to work or reside in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Requirements for Family Visit Visa: • A passport valid for at least one year, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other. The passport must be acceptable to enter both the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the applicant's next destination. • One recent passport size color photograph with a white background; the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are not accepted. • A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. • Proof that the applicant is in possession of a non-refundable confirmed roundtrip ticket. • A reference note showing the number and the date of the sponsor's residence visa issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any of its branches in Jeddah or Dammam. • Proof of kinship: for spouses, a copy of the marriage certificate; for children, and a copy of the birth certificate. • Documented proof of legal residence.
Diplomats Diplomatic and Official Visa
Requirements for Diplomatic and Official Visa: • A passport valid for at least six months. • 1 recent passport-size color photograph with a white background. The photograph must be full-face view in which the applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are NOT accepted. • A cover letter from the concerned Department of State or concerned Embassy specifying the applicant’s name, title, position, and purpose, and the requested number of entries and duration of trip. • A copy of the itinerary with detailed flight information at time of entering and exiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Students Student Visa
Student visas do not grant the right to employment. Requirements for Student Visa: • A passport valid for at least 12 months, with at least two clear visa pages adjacent to each other. • One recent passport size color photograph with a white background;
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
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Details: • • • • •
the photograph must be a full-face view in which the visa applicant is facing the camera directly. Side or angled views are not accepted. A completed application form filled in with black ink pen or printed. A reference note showing the number and the date of the student visa issued from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or its branches in Jeddah or Dammam. The applicant’s original birth certificate plus one copy of it. The applicant's original High School Diploma plus one copy of it. The copy must be authenticated by the Saudi Cultural Mission (telephone 202-298 -8840 or -8849). 3 copies of our medical report, along with three passport size color pictures with a white background. This medical report must be issued by a licensed physician who must sign each copy and must certify that the applicant is free of any contagious disease. The license number and address of the physician should appear on each copy. Medical reports should be used within three months from the date of issuance. Children under the age of 16 do not need a medical report. A recent police report, with detailed information about applicant's criminal record, if any. Approval to travel from the applicant’s government. For married students wishing to take along their spouses or their children, proof of kinship: for a spouse, a copy of the marriage certificate; for a child, a copy of the birth certificate.
Visitors should not overstay the time granted on the visa. Visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must abide by the country’s Islamic laws and regulations and respect its society’s values and traditions. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's laws against drug trafficking are strictly enforced. Violators are subject to severe punishment, which may include the death penalty. Employment visas issued prior June 8, 2005, have a validity of two years only. Employment visas issued after June 8, 2005, have a validity of one year only. Transit visas are free of charge.
Documents Requirements – Details When moving to Saudi Arabia, some specific documents will be required in order to satisfy local immigration officials.
PERSONAL & HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Required documents to import personal & household goods are:
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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Required Documents
Details
Original Bill of Lading
Or Express Release for Sea Shipments. For Air, copy of Air Bill.
Residence Permit, Passport/Iqama with entry Visa
Copies of permit, passport, and Identity Card (Nationals Only) are imperative. Personal Effects will not be allowed if absent.
Letter of undertaking
Letter of undertaking, duly attested by Chamber of Commerce authorizing Local Representative to perform customs clearance.
Declaration of sponsorship
Declaration of sponsorship by shipper’s employer.
Detailed Inventory
Detailed, valued, original inventory with descriptions of contents of cartons. Terms such as PBO or “packed by owner,” CU or “contents unknown,” and MISC. or “miscellaneous” are unacceptable.
Purchase Receipts
Purchase receipts for major household good items.
Certificate of Origin
New items require Certificate of Origin -itemized, valued and legalized by Saudi Embassy or Consulate and translated into Arabic.
Certificate of Insurance
Certificate of Insurance, if applicable. Electrical items require SASO Certificate of Conformity.
SASO Certificate of Conformity
Details: • • • • •
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Shipper must be present at the time of Customs clearance. New items must have bills of sale attached. If bills of sale are Not Available, customs authorities will assess the items themselves and charge appropriate duty. Shipment is subject to close scrutiny of Saudi Arab customs officials who usually perform a thorough inspection. Saudi Customs Authorities regularly modify regulations. Importation of prohibited articles will subject the offender to fines, imprisonment and/or deportation. Offenders convicted of drug smuggling are subject to the death penalty. All goods must have “Make Mark” information or show country of origin, such as “made in USA,” “made in Japan,” etc. If an item or similar item is manufactured in Saudi Arabia, it will be subject to customs duties of 20%. All documents must have the shipper’s name exactly as it appears on their passport. Do not use initials or abbreviations for companies.
Duties Although there is not a fixed percentage for Personal Effects and Household Goods, there will be a small amount charged for Duty based on the CIF value of items.
Restricted and Prohibited – Imports All countries, including Saudi Arabia prohibit and restrict the importation of certain dangerous or sensitive items. Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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Restricted Items: • • • •
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Fax machines Live plants, seeds, fresh fruit or flowers require a Phytosanitary certificate. Pharmaceuticals require a certificate from the origin country’s health department. The following items will be subject to censorship by the Ministry of Information: videos, tapes, laser discs, films, records, CDs, computer diskettes, photographs, books, magazines, periodicals, exposed film of any kind, floppy disks, phonograph records and other printed materials. If these items are included in a shipment, keep them separate and have them packed together in clearly marked containers. While these items can be grouped on the Itemized packing list, keep an individual listing to help determine if any items were confiscated during the customs inspection. There is a fine associated with any confiscated materials, which is $135 for each VHS tape confiscated and $14 for each book confiscated. Once items are have undergone censorship, a separate delivery will be made, which will be charged to the customer. All suitcases, tool boxes or locked containers must have keys available to allow inspection by customs officials.
Prohibited Items: • •
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All foodstuffs. Hazardous Materials, as defined by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, are not to be accepted for shipment. Some of the Hazardous Materials most common to household use include: Combustible liquids: alcohol’s, lubricants, anti-freeze compounds, cleaners (such as spot, clothing, office machine, etc.), Corrosives: acids, drain cleaner, photographic acids used in developing film, iron/steel rust preventing compounds, bleach, batteries (wet or dry), water purifying Local Representatives, such as those commonly used in swimming pools. Explosives: fireworks, small arms ammunition, flash bulbs. Filled Compressed Gas Containers: aerosol cans, fire extinguishers, scuba diving tanks, gas barbecue tanks. Flammables: lighter fluid, matches, wood oil stains, show and furniture polish/wax, petrochemical based garden sprays, glues or adhesive’s, paint or varnish, butane/propane/gasoline, signal flares, charcoal briquettes. Any material (literature, pictures, statues, paintings, etc.) of a religious, political or sexual matter, that is contrary to Muslim beliefs and morality or Saudi traditions, including Christmas trees and decorations. Pornographic recording including records, tapes, CDs, etc. Printed materials, including Bibles, and any symbols associated with a faith other than Islam. This includes crosses, rosaries, and Christmas trees, ornaments, cards or lights. Printed matter, paintings, photographs, statue and drawings that are prurient in nature (in the strictest definition of the word), designed to affect a sexual response, or display the human form partially undressed or nude, are subject to confiscation. This includes pornographic pictures, magazines, books, films and videotapes. Fashion magazines showing women posing in undergarments or swimsuits are forbidden. Exposed film including prints, slides, movies and video tapes. All weapons and firearms, whether real or ornamental, including guns, hunting and scuba knives, bows and arrows, ammunition, fireworks, spears, spear guns, etc. Toys and antique guns, including firearms used for firing blanks are included in this category. If imported, owner is subject to fines and possibly imprisonment. Any alcoholic beverages, including food items which contain alcohol such as vanilla extract, cooking wines, etc. Wine making kits, books on the manufacture of wine or beer, alcohol distillation apparatus and any other items used in the preparation of alcoholic beverages such as wine or beer yeast, essences, etc.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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Any kind of narcotic such as cocaine, hashish, marijuana, opium, gat, ghunja or husks and seeds thereof, etc. All games of chance, including chess sets, dice, backgammon sets, dominoes, playing cards and associated gambling equipment. Military uniforms, emblems or military equipment of any kind. Political or military material concerning the Kingdom and its foreign or domestic policies. Any kind of medicine, including vitamins, cough syrups, etc. Individuals requiring medication should obtain a letter from their doctors, testifying that such medication is necessary and should have a copy of the prescription. Such medicines must be hand carried into Saudi Arabia. They should not be included in shipments of household goods / personal effects. Any type of radio transmitter or receiver, or communications equipment, including toy walkie-talkies and radio or cordless telephones, control devices for model airplanes/boats, etc., VHF’s for marine or police bands. Any type of radio receiver or transmitter device which can be concealed on the person. Binoculars and telescopic equipment. Any statue, figurine, carving or subject of the human, animal form, and contrary subject to Islamic morality. Stuffed animals. Blueprints and designs. Artificial pearls. Food items of any kind, including those in sealed containers such as teas, spices, candy and jam.
Restricted and Prohibited – Exports •
Not available.
Motor Vehicles – Imports Vehicles are permitted, but are subject to customs duty. All vehicles must comply with Saudi emission controls. Shipments with vehicles in containers are prohibited entry into Saudi Arabia. One car per family is allowed importation. Vehicles Five (5) years or older are prohibited, Vehicle must be registered shortly after clearance which requires a valid Saudi driver’s license.
Required Documents
Details
Driver’s License
National and an international driver’s license.
Title or Proof of Ownership
Original Registration of Ownership of Vehicle, with Engine and Chassis numbers listed, must match the numbers on Vehicle. In the absence, the vehicle will not be cleared.
SASO Certificate
If not available with the documents, it may be obtained through Local Saudi Organization Office, after inspection and arranged by Consignee.
Bill of Lading
Original Bill of Lading/Express release
Vehicle Registration
Registration with Traffic Police is the responsibility of Vehicle Owner.
Purchase Invoice and Certificate of Origin
Please verify with local representative what is required.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
Proof of Insurance
Please verify with local representative what is required.
Letter by Owner
Letter from the car owner to customs duly attested by the local sponsor authorizing the destination Local Representative for clearance.
Passport and Residence Permit
Please verify with local representative what is required.
Customs Fee Declaration
Duty 5% of assessed Value will be levied by Customs Authorities.
Landing Authorization
Please verify with local representative what is required.
Certificate from Interpol or origin traffic police
Used cars require Certificate from Interpol or origin traffic police providing proof that there are no police cases against the car.
Motor Vehicles – Exports •
Not available.
Pets The requirements to transport dogs and cats may vary per country. If you wish to ship your pet, please contact the airline or country Consulate/Embassy for specific details concerning your type, breed and documentation for pets.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
MPORTANT CUSTOMS REMINDER Customs and immigration requirements are established by the country of import, not by UniGroup Relocation and are subject to change without notice by the country of import. All regulations may vary according to the customer’s nationality or immigration status. This guide has been designed to assist clients understand and comply with country-specific requirements. Substantial effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is current and correct. UniGroup Relocation cannot be responsible for changes in the law, or interpretation by immigration or customs enforcement personnel, or non-compliance with the law as it exists at the time you and/or your goods enter the country. Contact with the local Consulate or Embassy for further information concerning your specific visa, residence and entry situation is strongly recommended prior to planning your move.
Effective: July 23, 2010
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
Saudi Arabia
WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL International wood packing requirements are in accordance with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures: Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade*) as of 5 July 2006: *ISPM 15 is produced by the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). ISPM 15 requires certain phytosanitary procedures, in particular heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation, relating to wood packaging material (including dunnage) made of raw wood in use in international trade; the phytosanitary procedures are meant to minimize the risk of introducing and spreading certain pests that live and breed in raw wood.
REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 Wood packaging material in the form of: • • • • • •
Packing cases, boxes, crates, drums, and similar packings Pallets, box pallets, skids, and other load boards Pallet collars actually in use in the transport of objects of all kinds, except: Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or any combination thereof
Effective: July 23, 2010
The wood packaging material shall: • •
Be subject to one of the approved measures as specified in Annex I To FAO ISPM 15 (currently, heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation) Display a mark with: o The two-letter ISO Country Code (in place of XX in the image below) o A code identifying the producer (in place of 000 in the image below) o The code identifying the approved measure applied to the wood packing material in the mark as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (in place of YY in the image below; examples are HT For “Heat Treatment” and MB for “Methyl Bromide Fumigation”) o Where “debarking” is required, the letters “DB” shall be added to the abbreviation of the approved measure included in the said mark o The logo as specified in Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (this logo is the ippc trademarked graphic symbol shown in the image below on the left side)
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International Shipment & Customs Regulations and Information for
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REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM 15 (Continued) Wood packaging material in the form of:
The wood packaging material shall: •
Markings should be: 1. 2.
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Permanent and not transferable Legible and visible, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the article being certified
Be marked in accordance with Annex II to FAO ISPM 15 (see directly above under "Display a mark with:") If not, at a minimum it should be made from bark-free wood that is free from pests and signs of live pests
DUNNAGE, i.e. wood used to wedge or support non-wood cargo, including that which has not kept its natural round surface except: • •
Raw wood of 6mm thickness or less Processed wood produced by glue, heat and pressure, or a combination thereof
Effective: July 23, 2010
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