European Commission Extends Derogation for Importing US Military Wood Packaging Ammunition Boxes Until 2030

The European Commission is once again rolling out the green light for importing certain wood packaging materials from the US military—specifically, ammunition boxes made before September 2007, controlled by the US Department of Defense. This move impacts a unique mix of military logistics operators, customs and plant health authorities across EU Member States, and possibly manufacturers of compliant wood packaging. Expect plenty of reactions as stakeholders balance operational ease and phytosanitary safeguards.

Published on January 8, 2026, by the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (SANTE), this Commission Delegated Regulation C(2026)8 updates and extends an earlier derogation that was set to expire in July 2025.

This is binding EU secondary legislation that carves out a specific exemption from the general rule under Article 43(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on plant health controls for wood packaging. The regulation includes robust compliance checks, detailed notification and reporting requirements, and a set expiry date in 2030, making it a concrete and enforceable policy framework rather than vague guidance.

The key policy thrust is maintaining phytosanitary protection while facilitating continued import of these specialized ammunition boxes, which are exempt from the usual ISPM 15 treatment standards. This involves heightened inspections, mandatory documentation submission, secure storage, and transportation rules within the EU — reflecting a cautious trade-off between easing military logistics and limiting plant health risks. The Commission reaffirmed the effectiveness of these measures based on previous monitoring data and expert consultations.

Stakeholders experience varied impacts. Military logistics operators benefit from easier import rules for critical materials, while EU plant health authorities bear increased inspection and monitoring responsibilities. EU customs administrations face administrative work due to notification procedures. Wood packaging producers outside this exemption might see competitive pressure as their products remain subject to strict phytosanitary treatments. The overall impact is moderate, balancing trade facilitation with risk management.

Institutionally, this is a continuation of the EU’s phytosanitary regulatory regime adjustment process, driven by ongoing expert advice and monitoring. The Commission’s move signals further institutional oversight and potential future review around the 2030 expiry, while Member States remain actively involved via inspection, reporting, and compliance verification roles.