Update - IPPC Stamp Format Revisions
(More news)As previously reported, the 2009 ISPM 15 Standard revised the IPPC stamp to better monitor and enforce global consistency. The primary change to the U.S. mark is the moving of the agency (NELMA) logo to the outside of the IPPC stamp border to the top right. This includes moving the “Dunnage” text for those type of stamps to the outside of the box as well.
An unforeseen issue with the original new design layout, especially with stamps used on rocker mounts, has since been discovered. The new design forced the word "NELMA" to stand alone, horizontally, in the upper right hand corner of the stamp. Without any corresponding raised area in the lower corner, this causes a "hitch" in the rocker motion that can easily lead to stamp legibility issues.
To alleviate this problem, NELMA has received approval from the American Lumber Standard Committee to modify the placement of the "NELMA" word logo on its stamps to a vertical position, as shown in the top two examples below. The bottom two facimiles are examples of the approved smaller stamps that may be utilized in stamping wood packaging materials.
Additionally, the American Lumber Standard Committee has assigned each accredited agency with a numerical identification code and now requires this two digit code to appear to the left of facility numbers. NELMA's numerical identication code is "09".
These new stamp formats are now available for purchase. Those facilities that recently ordered stamps with the first revised version will receive replacments free of charge. Please note that replacing stamps with this new stamp format is not immediately mandatory. It will be phased-in over a reasonable period of time as new or replacement stamps are ordered by NELMA’s certified facilities.
For additional information, please contact NELMA at any time by phone (207-829-6901), fax (207-829-4293) or email, info@nelma.org
