From 1 September 2026, any wooden packaging accompanying goods imported into the European Union must be subject to a specific declaration in TRACES, at the time of CHED creation.
This development stems from a SIVEP directive communicated on 21 July 2026, which strengthens the control of wooden packaging linked to extra-EU imports. It covers all raw wooden packaging with a thickness greater than 6 mm, regardless of the nature of the goods being transported.
Which types of packaging are concerned?
The new regulation covers in particular:
- wooden pallets;
- wooden dunnage;
- closed crates used for the transport of animals;
- raw wood wedges and chocks over 6 mm;
- and, more broadly, any raw wooden packaging falling within the scope of the text.
Data to be entered in TRACES
Each consignment concerned must be subject to a declaration including the following elements:
| Required data | Details |
|---|---|
| EPPO code | 2DTRE, NNNWW, 1CONO or YXWOO, depending on the wood species |
| Number of packages | Quantity of wooden packaging used |
| Net weight | Net weight of the packages concerned |
| ISPM 15 code | Reference to ISPM 15 phytosanitary treatment |
| Country of dispatch | Country of departure of the wooden packages |
Prior registration of establishments in TRACES
Another prerequisite: both the establishment of origin of the goods and their final destination must be registered in TRACES to enable the declaration of wooden packaging. Registration must be made in the following category:
| Establishment | TRACES category | Expected status |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of the goods | Plant Health → Professional Operators referred to in Article 45(1)(l) IMSOC | ✅ Valid |
| Final destination | Plant Health → Professional Operators referred to in Article 45(1)(l) IMSOC | ✅ Valid |
A word on load organisation
To simplify the work of the control authorities, the load should also be organised so that the marking of the wooden packaging is visible as soon as the vehicle is opened. This precaution aims to facilitate verification of the packaging’s compliance during controls.
Entry into force: 1 September 2026
This new procedure will come into application on that date.
⚠️ Please note: the absence of the required information or non-compliance found on the packaging may lead to the consignment being refused by the competent authorities.
How to prepare now?
The operators concerned would be well advised to check without delay:
- the compliance of their wooden packaging;
- the actual presence of the NIMP 15 / ISPM 15 marking;
- the data required for the TRACES declaration;
- the validity of the TRACES registration of the establishment of origin and the final destination;
- the organisation of the load, so that the markings remain accessible to the authorities.
ASD Group Customs supports companies in their procedures related to SIVEP controls and their import operations.
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Noémie Almot
Community Manager & Copywriter
Noémie is a specialist copywriter at ASD Group. She writes and manages blog articles and news content for our websites, with a focus on VAT, international taxation, customs operations, social regulations and international trade. With her clear and educational writing style, Noémie turns technical and regulatory topics into accessible and practical content for businesses.
