Regulatory Standards
Compliance & Certifications
Every shipment we move meets the full spectrum of U.S. and international regulatory requirements. Our compliance infrastructure is not a checkbox — it is the foundation of our business.
ISPM-15 Certified Packaging
International Plant Protection Convention
All wood packaging materials used in our shipments are heat-treated and certified to ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). This standard is required by most importing countries to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases through wood packaging.
Implementation
Heat treatment to a core temperature of 56°C for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. All packaging is marked with the official IPPC mark.
USDA-APHIS Compliance
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
We operate in full compliance with USDA-APHIS regulations governing the export of wood and plant products from the United States. This includes working exclusively with APHIS-approved treatment facilities and maintaining all required documentation.
Implementation
All wood products are processed through APHIS-approved facilities. Export permits and phytosanitary certificates are obtained for every applicable shipment.
Phytosanitary Certification
USDA-APHIS Plant Protection and Quarantine
Phytosanitary certificates are issued by USDA-APHIS PPQ for all applicable wood and plant product exports. These certificates confirm that the products have been inspected and are free from regulated pests and diseases.
Implementation
Certificates are obtained on a per-shipment basis and accompany all export documentation. We coordinate directly with APHIS PPQ offices to ensure timely issuance.
EAR99 Export Classification
U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security
Our wood and biomass products are classified under EAR99 — the lowest level of export control under the Export Administration Regulations. This classification confirms that our products do not require an export license for most destinations.
Implementation
All shipments are screened against BIS restricted-party lists prior to export. We maintain records of all export transactions in compliance with EAR recordkeeping requirements.
TWIC Credentials
Transportation Security Administration
Our operations personnel hold valid Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC), enabling unescorted access to secure areas of the Port of Virginia and other maritime facilities.
Implementation
TWIC credentials are maintained current for all personnel requiring port access. This ensures uninterrupted operations at the Port of Virginia.
SCAC Registration
National Motor Freight Traffic Association
We maintain a Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) registration, which is required for port access and intermodal transportation operations. This code is used in all shipping documentation and EDI transactions.
Implementation
SCAC registration is maintained current and used in all bills of lading, port documentation, and electronic data interchange transactions.
How We Do It
Our Compliance Process
Supplier Verification
All suppliers are vetted for compliance with USDA-APHIS requirements and applicable state regulations before any sourcing agreements are established.
Treatment Coordination
Products requiring treatment are routed through APHIS-approved facilities. Treatment records are maintained for every shipment.
Documentation Preparation
All export documents — phytosanitary certificates, commercial invoices, packing lists, and bills of lading — are prepared and reviewed before shipment.
Restricted-Party Screening
Every transaction is screened against BIS, OFAC, and other applicable restricted-party lists prior to shipment.
Port Coordination
We coordinate directly with Port of Virginia terminals and customs brokers to ensure smooth export clearance and on-time vessel loading.
Questions about our compliance standards?
We're happy to walk you through our documentation and certification process.