Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS)

The AWPCS is a certification scheme developed by Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) to ensure that Australian treatment providers and wood packaging manufacturers produce wood packaging material that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. 

ISPM 15 is an International Standard and was developed to address the global spread of timber pests by regulating the movement of timber packing and dunnage in international trade. ISPM 15 describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with solid timber packing material. 

The AWPCS Certification Scheme applies to all organizations that export products or packaging containing coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material.

The following articles are considered low risk and are exempt from the provisions of the AWPCS:

• wood packaging made entirely from thin wood (6 millimetres or less in thickness)
• wood packaging made wholly of processed wood material such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board; or veneer that has been created using glue, heat or pressure, or a combination thereof
• barrels for wine and spirit that have been heated during manufacture
• gift boxes for wine, cigars and other commodities made from wood that has been processed and/or manufactured in a way that renders it free of pests
• sawdust, wood shavings and wood wool
• wood components permanently attached to freight vehicles and containers.

• The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and Forestry have re-issued the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme for Export (AWPCS) as Version 4.1 dated December 2020. 
• Summary of changes to the AWPCS standard is provided on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website. All companies certified under the AWPCS will be listed on the AWPCS Register, which can also be found on the DAFF website.  

• Allows you to become a more consistent competitor in your marketplace
• Minimize export costs due to incorrect heat or fumigation treatments 
• Reduces risk and product liability
• Demonstrate your compliance and commitment to product quality
• Reduce risk to plant health
• Provide assurance to your stakeholders and customers
• AWPCS is JAS-ANZ Accredited and complies with International Standards for Export  
• Our auditors have extensive experience in Product Certification, are cost-effective and are located across Australia.