If your business ships goods internationally using timber packaging, understanding ISPM 15 is not optional — it is essential. This international standard governs the treatment and marking of wood packaging materials used in international trade and is enforced by customs authorities in over 180 countries. In this comprehensive guide, we explain what ISPM 15 requires, which products are covered, how to ensure compliance and what happens if you get it wrong.
What Is ISPM 15?
ISPM 15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It was developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a treaty organisation operating under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The standard was first adopted in 2002 and has been updated several times since to strengthen its requirements and expand its scope.
The core purpose of ISPM 15 is to reduce the risk of introducing and spreading invasive plant pests and diseases through timber packaging used in international trade. Raw wood can harbour insects, larvae, fungi and nematodes that are native to one region but potentially devastating to the ecosystems, agriculture and forestry of another.
Which Packaging Is Covered?
ISPM 15 applies to all wood packaging materials (WPM) made from raw, unprocessed timber that is thicker than 6mm. This includes:
- Pallets and skids
- Crates, cases and boxes
- Dunnage (loose timber used for bracing and securing cargo)
- Packing blocks and bearers
- Drums and spools made from solid wood
Importantly, the standard does not apply to manufactured wood products where the production process eliminates biological hazards. Exempt materials include plywood, particle board, MDF (medium-density fibreboard), oriented strand board (OSB), veneer and wood wool. Packaging made entirely from these processed materials does not require ISPM 15 treatment.
Approved Treatment Methods
ISPM 15 recognises two approved treatment methods, both identified by specific codes stamped onto the treated packaging:
Heat treatment (HT): The most widely used method. The timber must be heated until the core temperature reaches at least 56°C and is maintained for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This is the method used at Affordable Pallets and most Australian treatment providers.
Dielectric heating (DH): A newer approved method that uses microwave or radio-frequency energy to heat the timber. The same temperature and duration requirements apply, but the energy delivery mechanism is different. Dielectric heating is less common in Australia but is gaining adoption in some markets.
Methyl bromide fumigation was previously an accepted treatment under ISPM 15 but has been phased out in many countries, including Australia, due to its ozone-depleting properties.
The ISPM 15 Mark
After treatment, each piece of timber packaging must be branded with the standardised ISPM 15 mark. This mark contains four key elements:
- IPPC symbol: The stylised wheat ear logo of the International Plant Protection Convention
- Country code: A two-letter ISO code identifying the country where the treatment was performed (AU for Australia)
- Producer/treatment provider number: A unique registration number assigned by the national plant protection organisation
- Treatment code: HT (heat treatment) or DH (dielectric heating)
The mark must be legible, permanent and applied to at least two opposite sides of the packaging. Paint, ink stamps and hot brands are all acceptable methods. Stickers and labels are not considered sufficiently permanent and may not be accepted by all importing countries.
Common Compliance Mistakes
Even experienced exporters sometimes make errors that lead to compliance issues at the destination port. Here are the most common pitfalls:
- Mixing treated and untreated timber: If even one component of your packaging — a single bearer or dunnage board — is untreated raw wood, the entire package is considered non-compliant.
- Illegible or missing marks: If the ISPM 15 brand has worn off, been painted over or is positioned where inspectors cannot see it, the packaging may be treated as non-compliant.
- Assuming exemptions: Some exporters assume that because their product is going to a specific country, treatment is not required. In practice, nearly all major trading nations enforce ISPM 15.
- Using recycled pallets without verification: Second-hand pallets may have been treated in the past, but if the ISPM 15 mark is no longer legible or the pallet has been repaired with untreated timber, it may no longer be compliant.
How Affordable Pallets Can Help
We operate a fully accredited ISPM 15 heat treatment facility at our Ingleburn workshop. Whether you need new export pallets manufactured and treated from scratch, or you have existing timber packaging that requires treatment before shipping, we can process your order quickly and provide full certification for your export documentation.
For guidance on export packaging compliance, contact our team or call (02) 9829 6899.