If you ship goods internationally on wood pallets, you need to understand ISPM-15 — the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. This regulation, established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), governs the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade.
The purpose of ISPM-15 is straightforward: prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases through wood packaging. Raw or untreated wood can harbor pests like the Asian longhorned beetle, pine wood nematode, and emerald ash borer that devastate forests when introduced to new regions.
Under ISPM-15, all wood packaging materials — pallets, crates, dunnage — must be treated using one of two approved methods: heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation (MB). Heat treatment is by far the most common, requiring the wood core to reach 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.
After treatment, the wood must be stamped with the IPPC/ISPM-15 mark, which includes: the IPPC symbol, the country code (US for United States), the producer/treatment provider number, and the treatment code (HT or MB). This stamp must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the packaging.
Non-compliance can be costly. Shipments arriving at foreign ports without proper ISPM-15 stamps may be refused entry, quarantined, destroyed, or returned at the shipper's expense. Delays at port can also result in demurrage charges, missed delivery windows, and damaged customer relationships.
At Riverside Pallet Co., our on-site heat treatment kilns process pallets to ISPM-15 standards daily. Each batch is monitored with calibrated temperature probes, and we maintain detailed treatment records for audit purposes. When you need export-ready pallets, we guarantee full compliance.
Important note: ISPM-15 applies specifically to solid wood packaging. Processed wood materials like plywood, particleboard, and OSB are exempt because the manufacturing process eliminates pest risk. Plastic pallets are also exempt.
For exporters shipping to the EU, Canada, Australia, China, or most other countries, ISPM-15 compliance is non-negotiable. Don't risk your shipment — always verify that your pallets carry the proper stamp before loading.