ISPM-15 Certified Export Pallets

ISPM 15 applies to coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material. This includes dunnage, crating, packing blocks, drums, spools, cases, load boards, pallet collars, skids, pallets and other wood units used to secure cargo or a commodity.

The standard does not apply to wood packaging made wholly of wood-based products. This includes plywood, MDF, HDF, chipboard, particle board, oriented strand board, medium density fibre board, mouldings, decor or products created using glue, heat and pressure or a combination of these.

Note: Importing countries may apply specific conditions to wood-based products. Exporters are advised to confirm importing country requirements relating to these commodities prior to export.

Many member countries of the IPPC, including Australia, have implemented ISPM 15.

Wood packaging that has been either heat-treated or fumigated with methyl bromide and bears the internationally recognised certification mark.

Only certified treatment providers and/or wood packaging manufacturers can apply the internationally recognised certification mark.

If wood packaging material is exported to countries that have implemented ISPM 15 and it is not marked appropriately or it shows signs of infestation, the importing country may order the wood packaging material to be treated or disposed of, or the consignment may be refused entry.

Only companies, Including CMTP that are certified under the Australian Wood Packaging Scheme for Exports (AWPCS) can produce ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging.

ISPM 15 specifies that the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of the exporting country is responsible for ensuring procedures and systems are in place prior to export to verify that the requirements set out in the standard have been met.

The AWPCS is a certification scheme developed by AQIS to enable Australian treatment providers and/or wood packaging manufacturers to produce wood packaging material that meets the requirements of ISPM 15. Under this scheme, certified wood packaging manufacturers and/or treatment providers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 are authorised by AQIS to apply an internationally recognised mark to wood packaging material.

The internationally recognised certification mark that is applied to wood packaging verifies that it has been treated and is compliant with the ISPM 15 standard.

Note: Some countries do require documentation confirming that the wood packaging used in a consignment is ISPM 15 compliant. Documentation may include packing declarations, packing lists or invoices. Treatment certificates are not required and it is the responsibility of the exporter to provide this documentation.

All wood packaging that bears an ISPM 15 compliant certification mark that originates from Australia or another country may be re-exported, provided no alterations are made to the wood packaging.

Heat Treated Pallets (HT) are typically better than chemically treated ones as the heat treatment eliminates insects and insect larvae, reducing moisture levels and making it ideal for pallet handling.

The treatment is considered to be effective against the members of the regulated pest groups (listed in Appendix 1 of the AWPCS) for the entire life of the treated article.

Note: The ISPM 15 standard does not address the issue of re-infestation. If signs of infestation are detected on arrival, the infested wood packaging may be directed for treatment or destroyed.

HT means heat treated. The timber has been heated until its core reaches at least 56°C for 30 continuous minutes, which kills pests and larvae without chemicals. The stamp also shows the IPPC symbol, the country code (AU for Australia) and the certified producer’s number. If a pallet has no stamp, assume it isn’t cleared for export.

Both meet ISPM 15. Heat treatment uses heat alone and leaves no chemical residue. Fumigation uses methyl bromide gas, which is being phased down worldwide because it damages the ozone layer, and many importers now ask for heat treatment instead. For food, wine and most export work, heat treatment is the cleaner, safer choice.

A pallet is heat treated in a kiln. Temperature probes go into the thickest pieces of timber, and the kiln keeps heating until the core of that timber holds at least 56°C for 30 continuous minutes, with the whole cycle recorded. Only then is the pallet stamped with the ISPM 15 mark. At CMTP, that’s done under our certification with the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme.