Prohibition on Disposal of Waste at Sea - MARPOL Update

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Prohibition on Disposal of Waste at Sea - MARPOL Update

 

Beginning January 1, 2013, the discharge of garbage from ships into the sea is prohibited by MARPOL* (with certain exceptions). Only biodegradable food wastes are permitted to be discharged from ships into the sea. Products which were formally allowed discharge, once the vessel was 25 miles out to sea, are no longer permitted to be discharged. Among the agricultural products of concern are APHIS regulated garbage (Food Waste) and wooden dunnage. Starting January 1, 2013, wooden dunnage that is not marked with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) mark will be refused entry at U.S. ports and will no longer be allowed to discharge at sea. All wooden dunnage will need to be ISPM 15 compliant or will be returned to the country of origin.

 

APHIS is aware that such a change affects several of our stakeholders. We are forwarding this notification in an effort to reach out to our and bring awareness of the coming change.

 

Please see the following links for more information on these changes:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/wpm/downloads/MARPOL_text.pdf

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/wpm/downloads/MARPOL_graph.pdf

 

 

*The United States, as a member of the International Maritime Organization, is a signatory to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollutions by Ships (MARPOL); which is a standard for discharge of ship generated operational wastes. The U.S. Coast Guard is the enforcement branch of MARPOL for the United States. Amendments associated with Annex V of MARPOL will be effective January 1, 2013.

 

 

Please contact Tyrone Jones with any questions at John.T.Jones@aphis.usda.gov or 301-851-2344