The IPPC has been debating effectiveness of the standards with the concern of fumigation.  The current standards require 16 hours in the Methyl Bromide (MB) schedule.  However, the Chinese and other countries have done research (which is now under peer review) that indicates that the standard 16 hours may be effective for softwoods, but is not effective with hardwoods.  Many countries want to change the standard to a 24 hour treatment schedule.

 

China, Korea and Japan are likely to not permit hardwood wood packaging material into their countries that are treated with Methyl Bromide (MB) Fumigation.

 

The IPPC members will be reviewing the research and peer reviews to determine if the standards will be changed.