What Is Heat Treatment?
Heat treatment (HT) is the globally accepted phytosanitary measure for timber packaging materials used in international trade. Mandated under the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15), the process requires that all solid wood packaging — including pallets, crates, dunnage and skids — be heated to a core temperature of at least 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes. This controlled thermal process eliminates insects, larvae and pathogens that could otherwise be transported across borders in untreated timber.
If your business exports goods using timber packaging, ISPM 15 compliance is not optional — it is a legal requirement enforced by customs authorities in over 180 countries. Non-compliant shipments risk being refused entry, quarantined at the port of destination or returned to the country of origin at the shipper's expense. Affordable Pallets operates an on-site heat treatment facility at our Ingleburn workshop, allowing us to treat your packaging quickly and issue the required certification without delay.
Why ISPM 15 Compliance Matters
The ISPM 15 standard was established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the global spread of wood-boring insects and plant diseases through international trade. Australia, as a signatory to the IPPC, enforces these standards both for imports and exports. Here is why compliance is critical for your business:
- Legal requirement — Virtually all countries require ISPM 15-treated timber packaging for imported goods
- Avoiding costly delays — Non-compliant packaging can result in shipments being held at customs, missing delivery deadlines
- Protecting agriculture — Heat treatment prevents the introduction of invasive pests that could devastate local ecosystems and farming industries
- Professional reputation — Using certified packaging demonstrates your commitment to quality and regulatory compliance
Our Heat Treatment Process
Loading the Kiln
Pallets, crates or other timber packaging are loaded into our purpose-built heat treatment kiln. Multiple probes are positioned within the load to monitor internal timber temperatures throughout the cycle.
Controlled Heating
The kiln temperature is raised until all monitoring probes confirm that the core wood temperature has reached a minimum of 56°C. This temperature is maintained for at least 30 continuous minutes as mandated by ISPM 15.
Documentation & Certification
A detailed treatment record is generated for every batch, including time-stamped temperature logs. We issue a formal treatment certificate for your export documentation.
Branding & Marking
Treated products are branded with the internationally recognised ISPM 15 compliance mark, which includes the country code, treatment provider number and the HT treatment code.
What We Can Treat
Our heat treatment facility accommodates a wide range of timber packaging products:
- New and existing wooden pallets of any size
- Shipping crates and cases
- Dunnage timber and blocking material
- Custom timber skids and bearers
- Plywood components (where solid wood elements require treatment)
We can heat-treat products we have manufactured as well as timber packaging supplied by the customer. If you already have pallets or crates and simply need them treated for export compliance, bring them to our Ingleburn facility or arrange a collection and we will process them promptly.
Ensure your next export shipment is fully compliant. Call (02) 9829 6899 or contact us online to arrange heat treatment for your timber packaging.