ISPM15 Wood Packing

A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF ISPM15

ISPM15 governs the use of Solid Wood Packing Materials used in international trade and was adopted to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of wood damaging insects entering countries within solid wood packaging materials and dunnage.

REQUIREMENTS OF ISPM15

Compliance with ISPM-15 for wood packaging materials allows for two treatment options:

Heat Treatment (HT): Wood packaging material should be heated in a schedule that achieves a minimum core temperature of 56ºC for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Methyl Bromide (MB) Fumigation: The wood packaging material should be fumigated with methyl bromide. Treatments vary in accordance with the ambient temperature.

Either method is equal to the other.

Further, each package must be marked with the Internationally Recognized “IPPC Leaf Stamp” showing the registry of the packager. The HT stamp on the lumber is not sufficient by itself.

NOTE: ISPM 15 requirements apply to all species of coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood).

ISPM 15 requirements do not apply to packages made entirely of plywood, OSB, or other engineered wood products. It also does not apply to corrugated or plastic packaging.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Many Countries additionally require solid wood packing materials to be de-barked in addition to the above requirements.