ISPM #15 INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING SERVICES

LEFCO specializes in helping you meet international shipping requirements on wood packaging material. Our team of experts can lead you through international regulations and safeguards.

What is ISPM #15?

ISPM #15 is a regulation established to safeguard global trade by controlling wood packaging material (WPM) to prevent pest infestations.

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Treatment Options

To meet ISPM #15 requirements, wood must undergo specific treatments. LEFCO uses lumber that is both kiln-dried and heat-treated (KDHT).

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Resources

Check out a list of frequently asked questions and great informational resources on the ISPM #15 regulations and shipping requirements.

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INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COMPLIANCE

What is ISPM #15?

International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM #15) is a regulation established to safeguard global trade by treating wood packaging material to prevent pest infestations. Developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) under the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO), this standard is adopted by over 150 countries.

Regulated heat treatment on wood packaging material and stamped for compliance.

Prevents the spread of plant pests and diseases to protect ecosystems.

Regulated Materials

Wood Packaging Materials

Wood Packaging Material refers to any wood or wood-based product (excluding paper products) used for the support, protection, or transportation of cargo. This includes items such as dunnage, crates, pallets, packing blocks, drums, cases, and skids. This excludes manufactured wood materials, loose wood packing materials, and small wood pieces. Composite wood products like plywood and OSB are exempt due to their manufacturing process.

Treated Wood specifications

Heat Treatment Options

To meet ISPM #15 standards, LEFCO uses both kiln-dried and heat-treated (KDHT) lumber to ensure compliance. Proper heat treatment eliminates pests and diseases that could be present in the wood. Our trained staff inspects all wood to ensure it’s free from pests, mold, and excessive bark.

Heat Treatment – HT

Wood is heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30 minutes.

Kiln Dried – HT

Similar to standard HT, but also reduces the moisture content of wood in a kiln.

Mobile – HT

Wood is heated treated in a special chamber mounted on a truck.

Portable Chamber – PCP-HT

Cost-effective heat treatment in portable fabric chambers.

Fast Container Connector – FCC-HT

Mobile heating units directly in containers, ideal for ports.

Methyl Bromide – MB

Filling an area with gaseous pesticide. Banned as in December 2015.

LEFCO’s Certification

We are certified to apply the ISPM #15 stamp to lumber, crates, and pallets,

ensuring your products meet global shipping standards.

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ISPM #15 Information & Resources

Explore more publications and resources on international regulations for wood packaging material below.

Quetions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ISPM #15 stand for?

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (ISPM15) is one of several International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The IPPC is an international treaty to secure action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control. ISPM15 is a standard on which many countries WPM regulations are based upon.

What is wood packaging material?

Wood packaging material or WPM is also called Non-Manufactured Wood Packing (NMWP) or Solid Wood Packing Material (SWPM) defined as “hardwood and softwood packaging other than that comprised wholly of wood-based products such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board, veneer, wood wool, etc., which has been created using glue, heat, and pressure or a combination thereof used in supporting, protecting or carrying a commodity (includes dunnage).”

Examples of WPM includes but not limited to pallets, skids, pallet collars, containers, cratings/crates, boxes, cases, bins, reels, drums, load boards, dunnage. Wood packaging made of exempt materials but combined with solid wood components must still be treated and marked.

What is a quality/treatment mark?

For both heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide (MB) fumigation programs , the quality/treatment Mark consists of the a) agency trademark which is the identifying symbol, logo or name of the accredited agency, b) the Facility Identification which is the WPM product manufacturer name, brand or assigned facility number, c) the HT or MB mark, d) the country code which is the two letter ISO country abbreviation, e) the IPPC Approved international symbol for compliant wood packaging material and f) DUN when indication is used for dunnage.

Is my WPM required to be heat treated and fumigated?

No, under the ISPM #15 standard WPM is required to be either Heat Treated to 56 degrees Celsius to the core for 30 minutes or fumigated with Methyl Bromide to the schedule in the ISPM #15 document.

Is there an expiration date once my WPM has been either heat treated or fumigated?

The intent of the ISPM15 standard is that once the WPM is treated and officially marked the treatment does not expire. Thus, you can reuse WPM without requiring retreatment and remarking.

WPM that has been repaired or recycled is required to be either fumigated or heat treated again. The old mark is required to be obliterated with a new mark applied by one of the inspection agencies.

Where can I find information pertaining to what countries have or may adopt regulations based on the ISPM15 standard?

This information may be accessed at one of the above links.

Are exports of WPM to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other U.S. Trust Territories required to be treated and given the ISPM15 mark?

No.

Some countries are asking for phytosanitary certificates to be issued for WPM. Does the U.S. issue a phytosanitary (plant health) certificate for WPM?

No, it is against APHIS policy to issue a phytosanitary certificate for WPM used in the transport of commodities. If the WPM is the cargo, only then can a phytosanitary certificate be issued.

How can I ensure that my dunnage is compliant with the importing countries requirements?

Contact LEFCO Worthington via email at InsideSales@LEFCOworthington.com or phone (216) 432-4422 to obtain information on obtaining treated and officially marked dunnage.

Accordion title My wood packaging materials are made up of hardwood. Is hardwood required to be treated and officially marked?

Hardwood is required to be treated and officially marked.