If you ship goods internationally, you have probably encountered ISPM 15 requirements. But what exactly do these regulations require, and what is the difference between heat treatment and chemical treatment? This guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is ISPM 15?
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a global regulation developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Its purpose is to prevent the spread of insects and plant diseases through wood packaging materials in international trade.
Without treatment, wood can harbor pests like the Asian longhorned beetle, pine wood nematode, and bark beetles that could devastate forests in importing countries.
Who Needs ISPM 15 Compliance?
Any business shipping goods internationally on wooden pallets, crates, or dunnage must use ISPM 15 treated wood packaging. This applies to exports from and imports to virtually every country worldwide, including all EU member states.
Approved Treatment Methods
ISPM 15 approves two main treatment methods. Let us compare them:
Heat Treatment (HT)
Wood is heated until it reaches a core temperature of 56 degrees C for at least 30 continuous minutes.
Advantages:
- + Environmentally friendly
- + No chemical residues
- + Accepted worldwide
- + Safe for all products
- + Food-safe
Disadvantages:
- - Requires specialized kilns
- - Energy intensive
- - Cannot be done on-site
Methyl Bromide (MB)
Chemical fumigation using methyl bromide gas. Being phased out globally.
Advantages:
- + Quick treatment time
- + Effective against pests
Disadvantages:
- - Ozone-depleting substance
- - Banned in EU since 2010
- - Restricted in most countries
- - Chemical residues
- - Not food-safe
- - Health hazards
Our Recommendation: Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is now the global standard and the only option permitted within the EU. It is environmentally friendly, leaves no residues, and is accepted by every importing country. All our ISPM 15 pallets are heat treated.
The Heat Treatment Process
Here is how heat treatment works at our facilities:
Loading
Pallets are loaded into industrial heat treatment chambers (kilns)
Heating
Temperature is raised gradually to prevent wood cracking
Core Temperature
Wood core reaches 56 degrees C and is maintained for minimum 30 minutes
Monitoring
Temperature sensors throughout the load ensure compliance
Cooling and Marking
After cooling, pallets receive the official ISPM 15 stamp
Understanding the ISPM 15 Mark
Compliant pallets must display the official ISPM 15 mark on at least two opposite sides. The mark contains:
Mark Components:
- IPPC logo: Wheat stalk symbol
- Country code: Two-letter ISO code (e.g., GB, DE, NL)
- Producer code: Unique identifier for the treatment facility
- Treatment code: HT for heat treatment, MB for methyl bromide
- DB: Indicates debarked wood (required)
Example Mark:
UK facility #12345, heat treated, debarked
Common Questions
Do domestic shipments need ISPM 15?
No. ISPM 15 only applies to international shipments crossing phytosanitary borders. Within the EU single market, no ISPM 15 certification is required for movement between member states.
Does heat treatment affect pallet strength?
No. When done correctly, heat treatment does not significantly affect the structural integrity of the wood. In fact, it can slightly improve dimensional stability by reducing moisture content.
How long does the treatment last?
Heat treatment is permanent - once treated, a pallet remains compliant unless repaired with non-treated wood. If repairs use treated materials and are done by a licensed facility, compliance is maintained.
What happens if I ship non-compliant pallets?
Consequences can be severe: shipments may be rejected at the border, goods may be quarantined or destroyed, and businesses can face fines. Some countries perform rigorous inspections with serious penalties for non-compliance.
Important: Re-treatment After Repair
If an ISPM 15 certified pallet is repaired using non-treated wood, it loses its compliance status and must be re-treated before international use. Always use a certified repair facility that maintains ISPM 15 standards.
Need ISPM 15 Certified Pallets?
All our heat treatment facilities are IPPC certified. We provide fully compliant pallets with proper documentation for your international shipments.
Request ISPM 15 Pallets