What Is ISPM 15 and Why Does It Matter for Export Packing?

If you ever ship goods abroad on wooden pallets or in timber crates, ISPM 15 is the phytosanitary rulebook you need to know. In plain terms, it’s a global standard that says all solid-wood packaging thicker than 6 mm must be treated and stamped before it can cross most international borders. The aim is simple: stop harmful insects and plant diseases from hitching a ride in wooden packaging.

Below, we break down what ISPM 15 covers, how it works and why ignoring it can cost you far more than the price of a heat-treated pallet.

What Exactly Is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is short for International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. Agreed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), it sets out how wood packaging such as pallets, crates, dunnage and cable drums must be treated and marked to make sure no live pests remain inside the timber.

The Goal of ISPM 15

The standard protects forests and agriculture worldwide. By insisting on proven treatments – mainly heat treatment or methyl-bromide fumigation – ISPM 15 stops species like pinewood nematodes and long-horn beetles from establishing themselves in new countries where they could wipe out native trees or crops.

Approved Treatments for ISPM 15 Compliance

Every piece of solid-wood packaging must undergo one of the IPPC-approved processes:

Heat Treatment (HT)

• Key Requirement: Timber core temperature must reach 56 °C for at least 30 mins
• Code on Stamp: HT

Methyl-Bromide Fumigation

• Key Requirement: Timber exposed to MB gas for a set time and concentration
• Code on Stamp: MB

Dielectric Heating (DH)

• Microwaves raise the wood core to 60 °C for 60 seconds
• Code on Stamp: DH

Heat treatment is by far the most common because it leaves no chemical residue and can be done in modern kiln chambers.

Which Items Need ISPM 15 (and Which Don’t)

Covered by ISPM 15:

• Wooden pallets, crates, boxes and skids
• Loose dunnage and blocking timber
• Pallet collars and load boards

Exempt:

• Processed wood products like plywood, OSB or MDF
• Wood chips, sawdust, shavings and wood wool
• Solid wood ≤ 6 mm thick (e.g. very thin shims)

Knowing these exemptions matters because choosing a processed-wood alternative (or engineered paper crate) can remove the need for treatment and stamps altogether – handy for one-off trade-show consignments.

Global Reach: Countries That Enforce ISPM 15

As of 2025, more than 180 trading nations – including the entire EU, the UK, the USA, Canada, China, Australia and most of South America—require incoming wood packaging to meet ISPM 15.

In the UK, the rule tightened after Brexit: all wood packaging moving between Great Britain and the EU must now be fully compliant and stamped. Border Force inspectors carry out spot checks, and non-compliant loads risk rejection.

Risks of Ignoring ISPM 15

Skipping treatment or using an unmarked pallet can hit hard:

• Fines and Re-export Fees – Customs officials may levy penalties or force the entire load back to origin.
• Destruction of Goods – In severe cases, the packaging—and sometimes the cargo—can be destroyed or deep-buried.
• Delays and Contract Penalties – Missed delivery windows can trigger late-delivery fees and unhappy customers.
• Brand Damage – A refusal at port suggests poor quality control and can harm future trading relationships.

In short, the cost of non-compliance usually dwarfs the small extra spend on certified packaging.

Reading the ISPM 15 Mark

Every compliant pallet or crate carries a black, rectangular stamp with three data blocks:

1. IPPC Wheat-Ear Logo – Shows it follows an international standard.
2. Country & Facility Code – e.g. “GB-1234” identifies the authorised treatment facility.
3. Treatment Code – HT, MB or DH (and sometimes KD if kiln-dried).

No other paperwork is needed: the mark itself is the certificate.

Staying Compliant: Practical Tips for Exporters

• Source from Approved Suppliers – Always buy pallets and crates from facilities licensed to use the ISPM 15 mark.
• Inspect Marks – Check stamps are clear and present on both long sides; blurred or partial marks can be rejected.
• Keep Batch Records – Maintain invoices and treatment reports for traceability in case customs ask questions later.
• Avoid Modifications – Cutting a pallet stringer or adding wood can invalidate the stamp because the new timber is untreated.
• Consider Alternatives – For repeated EU returns, switch to plastic pallets or plywood boxes to sidestep ISPM 15 entirely.

How John Pipe International Can Help

Navigating export rules is easier when you have a partner who lives and breathes them. John Pipe International supplies fully ISPM 15-certified cases, pallets and dunnage, designed and manufactured in-house by our ISO 9001-accredited team. We heat-treat, mark and document every crate, then organise air, sea or road freight to suit your schedule. Need advice on the right packaging for a tricky shipment? Get in touch and we’ll sort it.

FAQs on ISPM 15

Do I need ISPM 15 when shipping inside the UK?

No—ISPM 15 is only mandatory for international moves. However, many firms still use treated pallets so stock can be reused abroad without hassle.

Can I heat-treat pallets myself?

Not unless you’re a registered facility. Treatment chambers must be calibrated and audited to IPPC rules.

How often is ISPM 15 updated?

The IPPC reviews it periodically; the last major update was in 2018, with minor clarifications since. Always check local plant-health notices before each export.