Key Takeaways

• ISPM 15 is a phytosanitary standard for Wood Packaging Material made from raw wood and used in international trade to reduce the risk of spreading pests.
• Shipping goods on wooden pallets or in wooden crates does not mean that they must be “fumigated” every time. ISPM 15 recognizes several approved treatment methods, including Heat Treatment and Fumigation.
• Wood Packaging that complies with ISPM 15 must undergo the required treatment and bear a valid IPPC / ISPM 15 Mark. A Fumigation Certificate alone is not sufficient.
• Certain processed wood materials, such as Plywood, Particle Board, OSB, or Veneer manufactured through processes within the scope of the standard, may be exempt from ISPM 15.
• Before Packing, check the wood material, destination country, treatment method, and authorized service provider. Modifying a crate or pallet after Packing may delay the Shipment.

What Is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 stands for:

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15

It is a standard under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that establishes measures to reduce the risk of spreading pests through Wood Packaging Material (WPM) in international trade.

Wood Packaging can be used for a wide range of goods, such as:

• Machinery
• Industrial Parts
• Electronics
• Furniture
• Automotive Parts
• General Cargo

Even if the product itself is not an agricultural commodity, ISPM 15 requirements may apply if it uses:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Wooden Dunnage

The reason is that raw wood can harbor:

• Insects
• Larvae
• Pests
• Organisms that threaten forest health

When Wood Packaging is shipped from one country to another, these pests may spread to a new ecosystem.

ISPM 15 was therefore developed to establish internationally verifiable treatment and marking standards for trade.

Are Fumigation and ISPM 15 the Same?

No, they are not the same.

This is a point that many articles and shippers often misunderstand.

ISPM 15

is a standard, whereas

Fumigation

is only one of the treatment methods that may be used under ISPM 15.

Therefore, the statement

“Wooden pallets for export must always be fumigated”

is not correct in every case.

Wood Packaging can undergo other treatment methods accepted by the standard, such as Heat Treatment.

What Is Wood Packaging Material (WPM)?

ISPM 15 covers Wood Packaging made from raw wood that can act as a pathway for the spread of pests.

Common examples include:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Wooden Case
• Wooden Box
• Dunnage
• Wooden Packing Block
• Cable Drum
• Certain types of Spool / Reel

The key point is that

ISPM 15 regulates Wood Packaging

not every product made of wood automatically.

For example, a wooden table sold as a product and wood used as a pallet to support that table are different contexts for assessment.

Do Wooden Pallets Need to Comply with ISPM 15?

If a pallet is made from Raw Wood covered by the standard and is used in international trade with a country that applies ISPM 15, it will generally need to be Wood Packaging that complies with the standard.

However, the pallet material must be checked.

Solid Wood Pallet

If it is made from solid or raw wood within the scope, ISPM 15 should generally be checked.

Processed Wood Pallet

If it is made from materials processed to meet an exemption under the standard, such as certain types of engineered wood, the requirements may differ.

Therefore, do not look only at the word

“Pallet”

The material also matters.

Do Export Wooden Crates Have to Be Fumigated?

Not every wooden crate needs to be fumigated.

If a Wooden Crate is made from Raw Wood within the scope of ISPM 15, the Wood Packaging must comply with the standard.

However, the treatment method can vary.

For example, a wooden crate may undergo:

Heat Treatment – HT

instead of Fumigation.

The key points to check are:

• Whether the material is within the scope
• Whether the treatment is approved
• Whether the Mark is valid
• Whether the destination country has additional requirements

Which Types of Wood May Be Exempt from ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 provides exemptions for wood materials considered to present sufficiently low pest risk.

Important examples include:

Wood Pieces No More Than 6 mm Thick

Wood Packaging made from wood that meets the specified thinness criteria may fall outside the scope of the standard.

Plywood

Plywood processed using methods such as:

• Glue
• Heat
• Pressure

may be exempt as processed wood, depending on the process and the standard's criteria.

Particle Board

Particle Board is generally among the processed wood materials exempted by the standard.

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

OSB is an engineered wood material manufactured through processing and may fall within the standard's exemption category.

Certain Types of Veneer

Veneer that has undergone processing sufficient to meet the standard's criteria for pest risk may be exempt.

Sawdust and Wood Shavings

Sawdust, certain forms of wood residue, and Wood Wool are among the materials identified as exempt under specified conditions.

Before designing the Packing, however, check the actual material with the service provider or a specialist.

Do not rely on the word

“Plywood”

without confirming whether the material is Plywood, Solid Wood, or a combination of materials.

Does MDF Need to Comply with ISPM 15?

MDF is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood fibers through industrial processing.

In principle, processed wood materials manufactured using:

• Glue
• Heat
• Pressure

or a combination of these processes may fall outside the scope of ISPM 15.

However, if a crate consists of:

MDF + Solid Wood Frame

the Solid Wood Frame may still fall within the scope of ISPM 15.

Therefore, check every part of the Packaging, not just the main panels.

Are Plywood Crates Always Exempt from ISPM 15?

The crate's construction must be checked.

If a crate is made entirely from qualifying Plywood and has no raw wood components within the scope, it may be exempt under the standard.

However, many Plywood crates also contain:

• Solid Wood Batten
• Solid Wood Skid
• Wooden Block
• Solid Wood Base

If these components are Raw Wood within the scope, ISPM 15 must be considered for those parts.

Ask the Packing Provider to confirm the Material Specification before the crate is manufactured.

What Treatments Are Approved under ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 specifies approved treatments for Wood Packaging.

Treatment Codes that may appear on the Mark include:

• HT
• DH
• MB
• SF

Availability of each method varies according to:

• Country
• Service Provider
• Regulation
• Facility

For general shipments, HT is one of the most commonly encountered methods.

What Is HT?

HT stands for:

Heat Treatment

It involves applying heat to Wood Packaging according to the parameters specified by ISPM 15.

A key requirement for conventional Heat Treatment is that the wood reaches a temperature of at least:

56°C

for at least:

30 minutes

throughout the wood profile, including its core.

This does not mean that simply placing wood in a kiln and keeping the air temperature at 56°C for 30 minutes automatically meets the standard.

The Treatment Provider must use a process that ensures the wood itself actually meets the specified conditions.

What Is HT Suitable For?

It can be used for:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Wooden Case
• Dunnage
• Packing Block

that fall within the scope of ISPM 15.

After treatment, the wood must be controlled and marked under the relevant authority's system.

Are Kiln Drying and Heat Treatment the Same?

The two terms should not always be used interchangeably.

Kiln Drying is primarily intended to control the moisture content of wood.

However, some Kiln Drying processes may meet ISPM 15 Heat Treatment requirements if they achieve the specified parameters.

Therefore, the code

KD

on a wood specification does not automatically mean that the wood is ISPM 15 Compliant.

Check whether the treatment and marking are carried out under an authorized system.

What Is DH?

DH stands for:

Dielectric Heating

It is an approved treatment that uses energy in the form of dielectric heating, such as Microwave or Radio Frequency, under the parameters specified by the standard.

It is another method for managing pest risk in Wood Packaging.

Shippers may encounter this code less often than HT, but it is one of the treatment codes recognized by ISPM 15.

What Is MB?

MB stands for:

Methyl Bromide

It is a Fumigation treatment using Methyl Bromide according to the schedule and conditions specified in ISPM 15.

This is why many businesses are familiar with the terms:

Wood Fumigation

or

Fumigation

when exporting goods.

However, ISPM 15 encourages consideration of other approved alternatives because Methyl Bromide raises environmental concerns.

Therefore, ISPM 15 should not be described as:

“A standard requiring all wood to be fumigated with Methyl Bromide”

because other approved treatments are also available.

What Is SF?

SF stands for:

Sulphuryl Fluoride

It is another approved Fumigation treatment under ISPM 15, subject to the specified schedule.

The availability of SF Treatment depends on the service provider and authorization system in each country.

Check with the provider before selecting a treatment method.

Must Wood Be Debarked under ISPM 15?

Wood Packaging covered by the standard must use Debarked Wood.

This means the bark must be removed according to the specified criteria.

The standard also allows certain small pieces of bark within the stated limits.

The reason is that bark can increase the risk of providing a habitat for pests.

Therefore, the standard includes both:

Treatment Requirement

and

Debarking Requirement

What Is the IPPC Mark?

After Wood Packaging has undergone an approved treatment under an authorized system, it is marked with an ISPM 15 Mark or IPPC Mark.

This Mark helps authorities in the destination country verify that the Wood Packaging has undergone an internationally accepted measure.

The Mark generally includes:

• IPPC Symbol
• Country Code
• Producer / Treatment Provider Code
• Treatment Code

A structural example is:

IPPC Symbol

TH-XXXX

HT

Conceptually, this indicates that the Packaging was treated in Thailand by a provider identified by a code under the system, using Heat Treatment.

Which Treatment Codes Can Appear on the IPPC Mark?

Common codes include:

HT

Heat Treatment

DH

Dielectric Heating

MB

Methyl Bromide Treatment

SF

Sulphuryl Fluoride Treatment

The code helps inspectors identify which treatment method was used for the Wood Packaging.

What Must an IPPC Mark Look Like?

The Mark must:

• Be visible
• Be legible
• Follow the standard format
• Not be handwritten
• Be enclosed within the required border format
• Display the required information
• Be used by an authorized party

The Mark should not be:

• Copied
• Printed independently
• Stamped independently
• Drawn by hand

by an unauthorized Shipper.

Use of the IPPC Mark is controlled by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) or an organization designated under the country's system.

Who Can Apply an IPPC Mark?

Not every factory or wooden crate supplier is authorized to apply the Mark independently.

The manufacturer or Treatment Provider must be authorized and supervised by the responsible authority in that country.

When arranging Wooden Packing for export, choose a provider that can confirm:

• The treatment is correct
• The code is correct
• The Mark is correct
• Traceability is available

Do not purchase a stamp and apply it yourself simply to make the Packaging look compliant.

Is a Fumigation Certificate Required under ISPM 15?

This is another common misconception.

Under ISPM 15, the authorized Mark is designed to serve as evidence that an accepted measure has been applied to the Wood Packaging.

In principle, the Mark means that a Phytosanitary Certificate is not required for Wood Packaging that complies with ISPM 15.

Therefore, do not assume that:

“Every pallet must have a Fumigation Certificate attached to the Shipment.”

This is not a universal ISPM 15 requirement.

However, for commercial or operational reasons:

• Buyer
• Carrier
• Customs Broker
• Destination country
• Contract

may require additional documents in certain cases.

Check the actual Shipment requirements before dispatch.

What Is the Difference Between an IPPC Mark and a Fumigation Certificate?

IPPC / ISPM 15 Mark

A Mark on Wood Packaging indicating that it has undergone measures under ISPM 15 within an authorized system.

Fumigation Certificate

A document confirming that Fumigation was carried out according to the details stated by the service provider.

However, ISPM 15 does not require every item of Wood Packaging to undergo Fumigation or to have a Fumigation Certificate.

If the treatment is HT, it is not Fumigation in the first place.

Before requesting documents, ask the right question:

Do we need ISPM 15 Compliance, or does the destination country specifically require an additional Fumigation Certificate?

Does Wooden Packaging Need a Phytosanitary Certificate?

For Wood Packaging that complies with ISPM 15, the Mark is generally designed to remove the need for a Phytosanitary Certificate for that WPM.

However, this must be distinguished from the product itself.

If the cargo is:

• Plant
• Seed
• Fresh Produce
• Agricultural Commodity

the product itself may still require a Phytosanitary Certificate under the destination country's laws.

Therefore:

The pallet does not need a Phytosanitary Certificate

does not mean that

the agricultural goods on the pallet do not need one.

Which Countries Use ISPM 15?

Many countries around the world have implemented ISPM 15 to regulate Wood Packaging in International Trade.

However, implementation and inspection practices can differ.

Before shipping to:

• USA
• EU
• Australia
• New Zealand
• China
• Japan
• ASEAN
• Other countries

check the destination's current import requirements.

This is particularly important for countries with strict biosecurity measures.

Is ISPM 15 Required for Domestic Shipments?

ISPM 15 was designed for Wood Packaging Material moved in international trade.

Domestic transportation should therefore not automatically be assumed to fall under ISPM 15.

However, businesses may choose to use treated pallets in order to:

• Prepare for Export
• Maintain Packing Standards
• Reduce Re-packing

Is ISPM 15 Required for Air Freight Exports?

ISPM 15 requirements do not primarily depend on whether the shipment uses:

• Air
• Sea
• Road

The key question is:

Does the shipment contain Wood Packaging within the scope, and is it entering a country that applies the requirement?

Therefore, Air Cargo placed on a Solid Wood Pallet may also need to meet ISPM 15.

The standard is not limited to Sea Freight.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Air Freight? What Types of Goods Are Suitable for Air Transportation?

Is ISPM 15 Required for Sea Freight?

If Raw Wood Packaging within the scope is used and the destination applies ISPM 15, compliance must be checked.

Wood Packaging is commonly used in Sea Freight for:

• Pallet
• Crate
• Dunnage
• Blocking / Bracing

Sea Freight shipments therefore require careful inspection of wooden materials.

Must ISPM 15 Be Checked for Cross-border Road Freight?

Yes, it may be required.

Cross-border shipments using:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Dunnage

may need to comply with ISPM 15 when entering a country that applies the requirement.

Do not assume that the standard is irrelevant simply because the goods are not shipped by sea.

Suggested Internal Link: What Is Cross-border Transportation? Which Goods Are Suitable for Cross-border Road Freight?

How Should a Wooden Crate for Machinery Be Prepared?

Machinery is often shipped in wooden crates because it may:

• Be heavy
• Have high value
• Require base support
• Need Impact Protection
• Require Forklift / Crane handling

Before manufacturing the crate, gather:

• Machine Dimension
• Gross Weight
• Center of Gravity
• Lifting Point
• Forklift Entry
• Moisture Sensitivity
• Destination Country

Then design the following appropriately:

• Base
• Blocking
• Bracing
• Crate
• ISPM 15 Material

Can ISPM 15 Treatment Be Done After the Crate Is Built?

This depends on the treatment method and the provider's process.

However, from a planning perspective, do not wait until all Packing is complete before asking about ISPM 15.

You may discover that:

• The material does not meet the requirements
• The crate manufacturer is not authorized to use the Mark
• The wood must be replaced
• The wood must undergo treatment again
• The cargo is ready, but the Packaging is not ready for export

Set the requirements when ordering the Packaging.

Can Wood That Has Already Been Treated under ISPM 15 Be Used to Make a New Crate?

Caution is needed.

ISPM 15 includes provisions concerning:

• Reused Wood Packaging
• Repaired Wood Packaging
• Remanufactured Wood Packaging

Reusing old Wood Packaging by:

• Cutting it
• Repairing it
• Replacing wooden components
• Reassembling it

may affect its compliance status and Mark.

Do not assume that an old IPPC Mark remains valid automatically after the marked wood is used to assemble a new crate.

Have an authorized provider inspect or process the Packaging under the applicable system.

Can a Pallet with an IPPC Mark Be Reused?

Compliant Wood Packaging may be reused if:

• It has not undergone repairs that invalidate its compliance status
• There is no evidence of pest infestation
• The Mark remains valid and legible
• The Packaging continues to meet the requirements

However, the destination country may inspect the goods.

If authorities find:

• Pests
• Bark exceeding the permitted limits
• An invalid Mark
• Wood Packaging that does not comply with the standard

they may take action regarding the Packaging.

Is It a Problem if the IPPC Mark Has Faded or Is Illegible?

It presents a risk.

The Mark must be verifiable.

If it is:

• Faded
• Cut off
• Obstructed
• Missing a readable Country Code
• Missing a readable Treatment Code

destination authorities may have difficulty verifying compliance.

Before Loading, check the Mark on every relevant:

• Pallet
• Crate
• Dunnage item

Can a Pallet with an IPPC Mark Still Be Used if There Are Insects in the Wood?

It should not be.

ISPM 15 treatment reduces pest risk, but it does not guarantee that Wood Packaging will remain free from contamination or reinfestation indefinitely.

If you find:

• Insects
• Larvae
• Signs of pest activity
• Contamination

do not continue using the Packaging simply because it has a Mark.

Have it inspected by a specialist and replace the Packaging if necessary.

What Do Destination Authorities Inspect on Wooden Packaging?

They may inspect:

• IPPC Mark
• Treatment Code
• Bark
• Pests
• Soil / Contamination
• Condition of Packaging
• Mark Authenticity

If the Packaging is non-compliant, measures may include:

• Treatment
• Removal
• Re-export
• Destruction
• Hold

depending on the law and the decision of the destination authority.

If a Pallet Does Not Meet the Standard, Will the Entire Shipment Be Returned?

This cannot be assumed in every case.

The action taken depends on:

• Country
• Type of Non-compliance
• Pest Risk
• Cargo
• Whether the Packaging can be separated from the goods

Authorities may choose to:

• Treat the Packaging
• Remove the Packaging
• Replace the Packaging
• Re-export the shipment
• Destroy the affected materials

according to the country's rules.

Any of these actions may cause:

• Delay
• Storage
• Additional Cost

for the Shipment.

It is therefore best to prevent non-compliance at origin.

Does ISPM 15 Apply to Wooden Products Themselves?

This standard focuses on Wood Packaging Material.

ISPM 15 should not be used as a substitute for import rules covering the wooden products themselves, such as:

• Lumber
• Timber
• Wooden Furniture
• Wooden Product

Those products may have their own Phytosanitary or Import Requirements.

For example, Wooden Furniture may be subject to different requirements from a Wooden Pallet used to support cargo.

Is ISPM 15 the Same as Fumigation for Agricultural Products?

No.

Fumigation can be used for:

• Wood Packaging
• Agricultural Commodity
• Container
• Cargo

in different contexts.

ISPM 15 specifically addresses pest risk associated with Wood Packaging Material in International Trade.

Agricultural products may be subject to a separate set of treatment requirements under:

• Import Permit
• Phytosanitary Requirement
• Commodity Protocol

Do not use a Fumigation Certificate for a Wooden Pallet as a substitute for the treatment requirements applicable to the product itself.

Does ISPM 15 Apply to Containers?

The metal Shipping Container itself is not within the same scope as Raw Wood Packaging.

However, the container may contain:

• Pallet
• Dunnage
• Wooden Blocking
• Bracing

which may fall within the scope.

Therefore, even if the cargo is not packed in a Wooden Crate, check whether raw wood is used to secure the cargo inside the container.

What Is Dunnage?

Dunnage is material used to:

• Support
• Brace
• Secure
• Prevent cargo from moving

during transportation.

If Dunnage is made from Raw Wood, it may be subject to ISPM 15.

This is often overlooked.

A Shipper may use treated pallets, but the stuffing team may add ordinary raw wood to brace the cargo inside the Container.

As a result, the Shipment may still contain non-compliant Wood Packaging.

Why Must Dunnage Be Checked Before Closing the Container?

Because making corrections becomes much more difficult after the Container has been sealed.

Before closing it, check that:

• Pallet is Compliant
• Crate is Compliant
• Wooden Block is Compliant
• Dunnage is Compliant
• IPPC Mark is legible

Do not inspect only the main pallets.

How Does ISPM 15 Affect Oversize Cargo?

Oversize Cargo and Machinery often require large amounts of:

• Wooden Skid
• Crate
• Blocking
• Bracing
• Dunnage

This increases the likelihood that several raw wood components will be included in the Shipment.

If shipping by:

• Flat Rack
• Open Top
• Breakbulk

the wooden securing materials must still be checked against the applicable requirements.

Suggested Internal Link: What Types of Shipping Containers Are Available? Learn About 20’, 40’, 40’HC, and Special Containers Before Shipping

Does Wooden Packaging Affect Freight Costs?

Yes.

Wooden crates and pallets increase:

• Gross Weight
• Dimension
• CBM

For Air Freight in particular, freight charges may increase because of Volumetric Weight.

For Sea LCL, charges may increase based on CBM.

Therefore, request a quote using the dimensions after Packing, not the product dimensions before crating.

Suggested Internal Link: What Determines International Shipping Costs? What Are Actual Weight, Volumetric Weight, and CBM?

Does Crating Always Make Cargo Safer?

It can help when the crate is properly designed.

However, crates that are unnecessarily large or heavy can:

• Increase Freight
• Make Handling More Difficult
• Increase Weight
• Make Cargo More Difficult to Lift

Packaging Design should balance:

Protection + Weight + Volume + Handling

For Machinery, Blocking and Bracing should be designed in relation to the weight and Center of Gravity.

Suggested Internal Link: How Should You Pack Goods for International Shipping? 5 Ways to Reduce Damage During Transit

What Information Should Be Provided Before Building a Wooden Crate?

Prepare:

• Product Photo
• Product Dimension
• Gross / Net Weight
• Center of Gravity, as applicable
• Fragility
• Lifting Point
• Forklift Requirement
• Country of Destination
• Mode of Transport
• Container Type
• Stackable / Non-stackable
• Moisture Sensitivity

This information helps determine the appropriate:

• Pallet
• Crate
• Case
• Skid

and material.

Steps to Prepare Wooden Packaging for Export

Step 1: Check the Destination Country

Check whether the destination applies ISPM 15 and whether additional requirements apply.

Step 2: Select the Material

Consider:

• Raw Wood
• Plywood
• Engineered Wood

based on the cargo.

Step 3: Choose an Authorized Service Provider

If Raw Wood requiring ISPM 15 is used, select a provider that can perform treatment and marking under an authorized system.

Step 4: Design the Packaging

Consider:

• Weight
• Dimension
• Handling
• Lifting
• Securing

Step 5: Check the IPPC Mark

Before accepting the Packaging, verify that the Mark is:

• Present
• Clear
• Legible
• Correctly coded

Step 6: Inspect All Wood Components Before Loading

This includes:

• Pallet
• Crate
• Block
• Dunnage

Step 7: Keep Photographic Evidence

Take photos of:

• Packaging
• IPPC Mark
• Cargo before the crate is closed
• Cargo after Packing

These can support Shipping Records and Insurance Claims if a problem occurs.

Common Mistakes Related to ISPM 15 and Fumigation

• Assuming that every type of wooden pallet must be fumigated
• Assuming that ISPM 15 means Fumigation only
• Assuming that HT and Fumigation are the same
• Using untreated Raw Wood
• Using a marked pallet but unmarked Dunnage
• Using a Plywood Crate with an untreated Solid Wood Frame
• Requesting a Fumigation Certificate without checking the IPPC Mark
• Applying an IPPC Mark independently
• Reusing a Mark from old Packaging on new wood
• Checking destination requirements only after the crate has been built
• Assuming Air Freight does not require ISPM 15
• Assuming Cross-border shipments are not subject to ISPM 15
• Assuming all wooden products follow the same rules as Wood Packaging
• Assuming the pallet's IPPC Mark replaces the Phytosanitary Certificate for agricultural goods
• Failing to inspect Dunnage before sealing the Container

Checklist Before Shipping Goods on Wooden Pallets or in Wooden Crates

Check all of the following:

• Does the destination country apply ISPM 15?
• What material is the Packaging made from?
• Does it contain Raw Wood?
• What type of Plywood / Processed Wood is used?
• Is there a Solid Wood Frame?
• What is the Treatment Method?
• Is the IPPC Mark present?
• Is the Country Code correct?
• Is the Treatment Provider Code present?
• Is the Treatment Code present?
• Is the Mark legible?
• Has every pallet been inspected?
• Has every crate been inspected?
• Has the Dunnage been inspected?
• Has the Wooden Blocking been inspected?
• What are the Cargo Dimensions after Packing?
• What is the Gross Weight after Packing?
• Does the destination require additional documents?
• Does the carrier have additional requirements?

Frequently Asked Questions About ISPM 15 and Fumigation (FAQ)

What Is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is a phytosanitary standard for Wood Packaging Material used in international trade to reduce the risk of spreading pests through raw wood.

Must Wooden Pallets for Export Always Be Fumigated?

No. ISPM 15 recognizes several treatment methods, including approved Heat Treatment, Dielectric Heating, and Fumigation. The required method depends on the Packaging and applicable requirements.

What Is HT?

HT stands for Heat Treatment. It uses heat on wood according to the parameters specified by ISPM 15 to manage pest risk.

What Is MB?

MB stands for Methyl Bromide Treatment, one Fumigation method approved under ISPM 15 according to the specified schedule.

Does Plywood Need ISPM 15?

Wood Packaging made entirely from qualifying processed wood, such as Plywood that meets the standard's criteria, may be exempt. However, check whether it contains other Solid Wood components.

Does MDF Need ISPM 15?

MDF is processed wood and may generally fall outside the scope of the standard. However, any Solid Wood Frame or other raw wood components in the Packaging must be checked separately.

If There Is an IPPC Mark, Is a Fumigation Certificate Also Required?

Not as a universal ISPM 15 rule, because the Mark serves as evidence that the Wood Packaging has undergone an approved measure. However, a Buyer or destination country may impose additional requirements, so check the actual Shipment.

Does a Wooden Pallet Used for Air Freight Need ISPM 15?

It may. The standard concerns Wood Packaging used in international trade and is not limited to Sea Freight.

Can an Old Pallet with an IPPC Mark Be Reused?

It may be reused if it remains compliant, the Mark is legible, and there is no pest evidence or repair that changes its status. Inspect its condition before use.

What Happens if a Pallet Does Not Comply with ISPM 15?

The destination country may require treatment, removal, re-export, or destruction under its laws and according to the risk involved. This can delay the Shipment and add costs.

Packing and International Transportation Services by CPL INTER

CPL INTER provides international transportation services, including:

• Air Cargo
• Sea Freight
• Road Freight
• Cross-border Transportation

It also provides related services, subject to service scope and shipment characteristics, such as:

• Packing
• Wooden Crate
• Pallet
• Shipping Documents
• Warehousing
• Customs Clearance
• Delivery

If your cargo requires:

• Wooden Pallet
• Wooden Crate
• Wooden Skid
• Dunnage
• Packing for Machinery

declare the destination country before the Packaging is manufactured so that ISPM 15 requirements can be checked and suitable materials selected.

Prepare the following information:

• Product name and photos
• Product Dimension
• Gross Weight
• Number of Packages
• Origin and destination countries
• Mode of Transport
• Container Type, as applicable
• Required Packing method
• Oversize Dimension, as applicable

The CPL INTER team can then help assess Packing and Transportation options before Booking.

Wood Packaging and import requirements may vary by country and can be updated. Always check the destination country's current requirements and the service provider's requirements before the actual Shipment.

Tel: 02-519-4426 / 091-519-4426
LINE: @cplinter

Written by: CPL Inter Logistics Operations Team, specialists in international transportation and customs clearance, with more than 15 years of experience and a quality management system certified to the international ISO 9001:2015 standard.