What is ISPM 15? And Who Does it Apply To?

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Publication No. 15 are commonly known as ISPM 15. They provide criteria for the regulation of wood as a packaging material.

Wood is used for the export packing of cargo all over the world. ISPM 15 regulates dunnage and timber packing to prevent the spread of timber pests.

There’s much more to know about ISPM 15, and that’s why we’ve produced this article of frequently asked questions.

What is ISPM 15? Who does it apply to? And what are the consequences of non-compliance? These are just some of the FAQs which we’ll answer below:

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is a set of regulations based on phytosanitary measures for wooden packaging. Its purpose is to reduce the risk of spreading timber pests through international trade.

Who created ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 was developed by the  International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) – a multilateral treaty - to address the global threat of timber pests and diseases being spread through international trade. The IPPC is administered by the  Food and Agriculture Organization (FOA), a specialised agency of the United Nations.

What kind of wood does ISPM 15 apply to?

The wood packaging covered by ISPM 15 is hardwood (raw wood) and softwood packaging material. This may include dunnage, packing blocks, pallets, crates, cases, drums and pallet collars.

ISPM 15 does not apply to packaging made from processed wood such as plywood and medium density fibreboard (MDF). Processed wood has been treated in a way that ensures it is pest-free.

Is ISPM 15 compulsory?

ISPM 15 isn’t compulsory. However, its adoption by over 70 countries and economic unions involved in international trade – including the UK, US, China, European Union, India and Japan – makes it essential for many manufacturers exporting goods.

For more expert advice on wood packaging regulations, read our Do’s and Don’ts of ISPM 15

How can you tell if wood packaging material is ISPM 15-compliant?

Wood packaging material that is ISPM 15 compliant will bear the IPPC certification symbol.

You will also see an ISO code for the country where the wood was treated (e.g. ‘FR’ for France).

Other symbols on ISPM 15-compliant packaging may include:

• A certification number – this unique number allows the wood packaging material to be traced back to its treatment provider.
• HT – this code represents wood packaging material that has been ‘heat treated’ with a dry kiln heat chamber of conventional steam, to a minimum of 56º C for at least 30 minutes.
• DH - heat treatment with ‘dielectric heat’, using electromagnetic waves to create heat.
• MB – ‘methyl bromide fumigation’, a method of killing pests in wood packaging material.
• SF – ‘sulphuryl fluoride fumigation’, another method of pest control.

If wood packaging material is ISPM 15 compliant, does it need to be treated again if re-used?

No, if wood packaging material has already been treated for compliance with ISPM 15 standards and marked accordingly, it does not always need to be treated or marked again. Wood packaging material only needs to be retreated if it has been altered – such as being remanufactured or repaired - in a way that makes it non-compliant with ISPM 15.

It should be noted that ISPM 15-treated wood doesn’t offer permanent protection against timber pests. If reused packaging exhibits signs of pest infestation, national customs agencies may order it for treatment or destruction.

How do I find a supplier of ISPM-15-compliant packaging material?

IES provides Crate Manufacture and Export Packing services using ISPM 15 wood packaging material.

We offer custom crate design and a consultative service that ensures advanced technology manufacturers can protect their high-value items during transit.