29/05/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 28 May 2009, the Standing Phytosanitary Committee endorsed the Commission proposal to introduce a temporary derogation to the 24 April 2009 decision introducing emergency measures to combat pinewood nematode. The decision stipulates that tighter checks must be made by 16 June 2009 in Portugal and other Member States on the movements of wooden packaging material and lays down that pallets and other packaging, including packaging from other Member States, should be treated and labelled before it leaves Portugal. In order to avoid a disproportionate disturbance to trade, the decision adopted on Thursday foresees that the emergency measures will not apply to materials not originating from mainland Portugal until 1 January 2010. (O.L./transl.fl)