If your business exports goods using timber packaging — pallets, crates, dunnage or skids — there is one regulatory requirement you cannot afford to overlook: ISPM 15 heat treatment. Failing to comply can result in shipments being held at foreign ports, costly fumigation charges, or even return of goods at the shipper's expense. In this article, we explain what heat treatment involves, why it exists and how to ensure your export packaging is fully compliant.
The Purpose Behind the Regulation
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) was established by the International Plant Protection Convention to address the risk of invasive insects and plant pathogens being carried across international borders inside timber packaging. Untreated raw timber can harbour wood-boring beetles, termites, fungi and nematodes that pose serious threats to the agriculture and forestry of importing countries.
The standard applies to all solid wood packaging materials thicker than 6mm, including pallets, crates, cases, dunnage, drums and blocking material. Manufactured wood products such as plywood, particle board and oriented strand board are exempt because their manufacturing process already eliminates biological hazards.
What the Treatment Involves
The ISPM 15-approved heat treatment process requires that the core temperature of all timber components reaches a minimum of 56°C and is maintained for at least 30 continuous minutes. This is achieved in a purpose-built kiln equipped with multiple temperature probes positioned throughout the timber load to ensure even heat distribution.
Upon successful completion of the treatment cycle, the timber packaging is branded with the internationally recognised ISPM 15 mark. This stamp includes the country code (AU for Australia), a unique treatment provider registration number, and the treatment code (HT for heat treatment). Customs inspectors at the destination port look for this mark as proof of compliance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Shipping goods on untreated or incorrectly marked timber packaging can have serious consequences:
- Port detention: Non-compliant shipments may be held at the port of entry pending investigation, incurring daily storage and demurrage charges.
- Compulsory fumigation: Some countries allow non-compliant packaging to be fumigated at the destination, but this adds significant cost and delay — often several days.
- Refusal of entry: In the worst case, the entire shipment may be refused entry and returned to the country of origin at the shipper's full expense.
- Client relationship damage: Late or refused deliveries can seriously damage your commercial relationships and reputation with overseas buyers.
Which Countries Require ISPM 15 Compliance?
The short answer is: virtually all of them. Over 180 countries have adopted ISPM 15 as part of their import regulations. Major trading partners such as the United States, European Union, China, Japan, South Korea and India all enforce the standard rigorously. Even if you are shipping to a country that has not formally adopted ISPM 15, using treated packaging is strongly recommended as an industry best practice.
How to Ensure Your Packaging Is Compliant
The simplest way to guarantee compliance is to source your export packaging from a certified treatment provider. At Affordable Pallets, we operate an on-site heat treatment facility at our Ingleburn workshop, allowing us to treat pallets and crates quickly and issue full documentation for your export paperwork.
If you already have timber packaging that needs treating, we also offer a treatment-only service. Bring your pallets or crates to our facility or arrange a collection, and we will process them through our kiln, brand them with the ISPM 15 mark and return them ready for shipping.
For a hassle-free export packaging solution, contact our team or call (02) 9829 6899. We handle everything from manufacturing to treatment and delivery.