ISPM, is the International Phytosanitary Standard for wood packaging. It was developed by IPPC, and has gradually been adopted by countries and markets throughout the world. Its intention is to stop the spread of wood pests between countries, after experiences with the Pine Wood Nematode, the long-horn beetle and other pests.

The effect on exporters is that they must ensure that any wooden packaging used in consignments, meets the requirements as they are introduced throughout the world. As the Complete Global Guides (link below) shows, many major export markets have already adopting ISPM 15 - and failure to use the correctly treated and certified wooden pallets, will cause severe delays and extra costs at the port of entry.

Important Note:

Compliance with ISPM15 is only demonstrated where, pallets or packaging have an appropriate heat treatment certificate, issued by a Certified provider.

An Increasing number of wooden pallets are being heat treated and stamped to show compliance with ISPM15. As a result a large number of used pallets are being sold with these marks in place but these pallets may not comply with the requirements, if they have been repaired or modified.

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Exports ? You need this.



Wooden pallets exported to countries covered by ISPM 15 must be marked to show that they have been heat treated by an approved organisation, and supported by an appropriate heat treatment certificate.