ISPM 15 Regulations

Across the United States and throughout the world, regulation of wood packaging material (WPM) is intended to prevent the spread of plant pests and destructive organisms.

The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures, publication number 15 (ISPM-15), requires solid wood packaging materials to be treated, including coniferous softwood and non-coniferous hardwood. It does not apply to plywood, veneer, reconstituted wood products, pressed wood, oriented strand board, high-density fiberboard, and medium-density fiberboard among other types of wood products. For a full list, consult the ISPM-15 website.

Compliance with ISPM-15 for solid wood packaging material allows for two options:

• Heat treatment: Wood packaging material is heated at a minimum core temperature of 60 C or 140 F degrees for 30 minutes.
• Methyl bromide fumigation: Wood packaging material is fumigated with methyl bromide according to approved treatment schedule as set out by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC).

Both treatment options require the WPM to be labeled with the dedicated IPPC mark as proof of compliance with all ISPM-15 regulations.

Epallet offers optional heat treatment for our pallets, along with our the other services in our total pallet management services.