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If your business ships goods internationally using wood pallets, understanding ISPM-15 is not optional — it is essential. Non-compliance can result in shipment delays, fines, and even the destruction of your pallets at the port of entry.
ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It is a regulation developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the international transport of invasive insects and diseases through wood packaging materials.
The standard requires that all wood packaging materials (WPM) used in international trade be treated using approved methods. The most common treatment is heat treatment (HT), where the core temperature of the wood must reach 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes.
After treatment, pallets must be stamped with the IPPC mark, which includes the country code, producer number, and treatment code (HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide, though MB is being phased out globally).
At Bakersfield Pallet Co., we operate a certified heat treatment facility that processes pallets to full ISPM-15 compliance. Our process includes core temperature monitoring with data logging to provide complete traceability.
Which pallets need ISPM-15 treatment? Any pallet made from raw wood (softwood or hardwood) that will cross an international border. This includes pallets, crates, dunnage, and other wood packaging. Processed wood products like plywood, particle board, and oriented strand board (OSB) are exempt.
Common mistakes businesses make include assuming all pallets are pre-treated, using non-certified suppliers, or failing to check for valid IPPC stamps before shipping. Any of these can result in a shipment being held at customs.
If you ship internationally from the Central Valley, Bakersfield Pallet Co. can heat-treat your pallets with fast turnaround times. Contact us to learn more about our ISPM-15 services.