ISPM 15

ISPM 15 stands for "International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures" for wood packaging material in international trade and is intended to prevent the import of wood pests into foreign ecosystems. Regulated wood is mainly used in crates, cable drums, bobbins and pallets and as dunnage. In order to free the wood from possible pests according to ISPM 15, different treatment methods can be applied.

In the following text you will learn more about the possible treatment methodes, the necessary marking and the possible penalties for non-compliance with ISPM 15.

ISPM 15 treatments

Heat Treatment (HT)
temperature of the entire wood profile (including core) of at least 56°C over a period of 30 continuous minutes.
Methyl bromide (MB)
treatment prohibited in the EU since 2010, but: wood treated before 2010 or originating from third countries is allowed.
Dielectric Heating (DH)
temperature of the entire wood profile (including its surface) of at least 60°C for at least one continuous minute.
Treatment with sulfuryl fluoride (SF)

ISPM 15 marking

- may vary in size, font and placement.

- must be rectangular or square in shape and contained within a border line with a vertical line separating the symbol from the code components.

- must be legible, permanent and non-transferably attached to the wood packaging unit, preferably placed on at least two opposite sides.

- must not be handwritten and/or in red or orange color.

- must be rectangular or square in shape and contained within a border line with a vertical line separating the symbol from the code components.

ISPM 15 compliant markings

Exemptions

1. Thin wood with a thickness of 6 mm or less.
2. Wood packaging made wholly of processed wood material that has been created using glue, heat or pressure.

plywood
oriented strand board
particle board
veneer

3. Barrels for wine and spirits that have been heated during manufacture.
4. Gift boxes for wine and cigars made from wood that has been processed and/or manufactured in a way that renders it free of pests.
5. Sawdust, wood shavings and wood wool.
6. Wood components permanently attached to means of transport or containers.

Consequences of non-compliance

- Customs penalties of up to five times the value of the goods are possible.
- Customs requires the IPPCs stamp. Even treated wood that does not have a legible IPPC stamp can be blocked by customs. Besides monetary penalties, customs can demand the re-export of all goods or the entire container, even if only one package is non-compliant.

The information on this website is also available as a flyer, graphic or video.

ISPM-15-Flyer

ISPM-15-Video in German (YouTube)

Do you need assistance in complying with ISPM 15? We are happy to help.

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The contents concerning ISPM 15 were created with the greatest possible care. However, we do not assume any liability for the correctness, completeness and actuality of the provided contents.