To ease compliance with packaging requirements for some exports to China, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has amended its regulations governing the use of Canadian softwood packing materials for those goods.

The new rule allows certification of packing materials that were heat treated in Canada if the Canadian Food Inspection Agency certifies that the treatment meets requirements established by the Chinese government. Those requirements are aimed at preventing the introduction into China of potentially harmful insect pests. Prior to this interim rule, packing materials had to be certified as having been heat treated in the United States.

The change will accommodate the large volume of U.S. exports to China that use Canadian-origin coniferous softwood in outer packing materials. According to the National Industrial Transportation League, the USDA estimates that China's rules on softwood packaging affect a total of about 125,000 shipments from the United States a year.

The interim rule took effect last month. The department is still considering a final rule and will accept public comments until Sept. 17. To participate, send an original and three copies of your comments to Docket No. 99-100-3, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.

A similar rule is in effect for exports to the European Union. For more information, see the item in "Up Front ."

For detailed information about rules governing the prevention of pests and disease that are spread through international shipments, visit www.aphis.usda.gov.