Phytosanitary Risks Associated with the Global Movement of Forest Products

Book excerpt: International trade in forest products constitutes an important component of the world's economy. Forest products may have pests associated with them that pose phytosanitary risks and could have the potential to be introduced and become established into importing countries. These risks may result in the implementation of phytosanitary requirements that could affect trade. This report presents current knowledge of the phytosanitary threats and potential risk-reducing measures associated with the global trade in forest commodities. Commodities discussed include: round wood, sawn wood, wood chips (treated and untreated), and plant parts and live propagative materials. As wood undergoes processing, its phytosanitary risks are generally reduced. For instance, greater phytosanitary risks are associated with international movement of round wood with bark. As bark is removed, and sawn wood is produced, the risks decrease significantly through this production process. Untreated and live forest products can present high phytosanitary risks. This review of commodity-based phytosanitary risks associated with the global movement of forest products provides the global phytosanitary community with scientific information regarding major pests associated with forest products and recommends effective approaches to mitigate associated risks.