ISPM 15 BACKGROUND
Packaging used in international trade that is made of raw wood materials such as pallets or wooden crates can house small insects or other pests which presents a major issue if left unregulated. To prevent the possible spread of quarantine pests and plant diseases through international trade, import regulations for wood packaging material have been adopted by trading partners across the globe.
The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures or ISPM 15 was first adopted in March 2002, in a multilateral treaty referred to as the International Plant Protection Convention, governed by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization.
ISPM 15 REQUIREMENT
A program was developed by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), which in the U.S. is represented by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), to guarantee compliance with ISPM 15 regulations.
Under the authority of NPPO, an official mark must be placed on packaging, signifying that the wood materials comply with the regulations and have been processed through Heat Treatment (HT) or fumigated with Methyl Bromide.
ISPM 15 EXEMPTIONS
There are some exemptions to this requirement, such as wood that is 6mm or less in thickness; or processed wood, such as particleboard or plywood. These materials present a significantly low risk of spreading pests.
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
The following countries have all implemented ISPM 15 import regulations, according to the International Plant Protection Convention and the USDA. Some countries have additional requirements regarding wood packaging materials; therefore, it is best to review a country’s full guidelines before shipping any goods.
For a detailed country-by-country Wood Packaging Material resource, visit the USDA Wood Packing by Country web page.
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