LEFCO Worthington provides ISPM #15 stamping services for its customers’ international shipping requirements. We are experts in enabling our customers to ship globally. LEFCO provides a comprehensive source of regulatory documentation pertaining to ISPM #15 requirements. If you are shipping overseas, it is imperative that you read the following information and featured documentation. if you have any questions regarding the specifics of ISPM #15 certification, please contact us directly at 216.432.4422 or email us at InsideSales@LEFCOWorthington.com.
-ISPM #15-
The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures publication number 15 (“ISPM #15”) is the regulation of wood packaging material (WPM) in international trade. The regulations were established in 1952 to assist in the prevention of the worldwide spread of plant pests and diseases by using specially treated wooden packaging material (WPM). As part of the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) controls the regulations through the cooperation of member governments of the United Nations.
More than 175 countries are signatories to IPPC, which have developed 34 Measures, specifically the #15 Measure which regulates wood packaging materials in international trade. Over 150 countries have adopted ISPM #15 as a means to significantly reduce the phytosanitary concerns related to growing global trade and the spread of pests through solid wood packaging materials.
ISPM #15 applies to coniferous softwood and non-coniferous hardwood used as raw wood packaging material. The standard does not apply to wood packaging made wholly of manufactured wood-based products such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board (OSB) or products created using glue.
As a leading importer, the US has several examples of invasive pests introduced into the country such as the Asian Long-horned Beetle, the Emerald Ash Borer, and the Dutch Elm Disease. Most all can be traced back to shipments received where the non-heat treated solid wood packaging materials contained these forest destructive pests.
You can tell if the wood packaging material has been treated by looking for the special IPPC mark. See the below pictures as examples or feel free to contact us directly to discuss the ISPM #15 regulatory requirements at 216.432.4422 or via email at InsideSales@LEFCOWorthington.com.