Heat Treatment (ISPM-15)
Certified heat treatment for international shipping compliance. Protect your exports from customs delays.
Request Heat Treatment
Tell us about your pallets and shipping needs.
What Is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a regulation by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) requiring that all wood packaging materials used in international trade be treated to eliminate wood pests.
The most common treatment method is heat treatment (HT), where the core temperature of the wood must reach 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This thermal threshold is proven to kill all known wood-boring insects, larvae, and pathogens that could otherwise spread invasive species across international borders.
Non-compliance can result in shipment rejection, fines, and destruction of packaging at the port of entry. If you ship goods internationally on wood pallets, ISPM-15 compliance is mandatory. Customs authorities worldwide actively inspect wood packaging materials, and violations can cause costly delays in addition to the direct penalties.
Bakersfield Pallet Co. operates an on-site certified heat treatment kiln at our facility on 3240 Patton Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308. We are registered with the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) and authorized to apply the official IPPC compliance stamp to treated wood packaging materials.
Our HT Process
Pallets are inspected for suitability. Damaged pallets are repaired before treatment to ensure the treatment is applied to a structurally sound product. We verify that all wood components are solid wood (not plywood, OSB, or engineered wood, which are exempt from ISPM-15).
Pallets are loaded into our certified heat treatment kiln with proper spacing for air circulation. Correct spacing is critical — it ensures that hot air reaches the core of every piece of wood in the batch. Our kiln operators follow a standardized loading pattern that has been validated for consistent results.
Core temperature is raised to 56 degrees Celsius and maintained for 30+ continuous minutes. Real-time monitoring ensures compliance. Multiple temperature probes placed at the coldest points in the kiln (typically the center of the load) confirm that every piece of wood reaches the required threshold.
Temperature logs are recorded and archived for every batch. Each batch receives a treatment certificate showing the date, duration, peak temperature, and probe readings. We retain these records for a minimum of two years, and copies are available to customers for their shipping documentation.
Treated pallets receive the official IPPC stamp with our facility code, confirming HT compliance. The stamp includes the country code (US), our unique facility registration number, the treatment code (HT), and the IPPC logo. This stamp is recognized by customs authorities worldwide.
Do You Need Heat Treatment?
You DO Need HT If:
- ✓ Shipping on raw wood pallets internationally
- ✓ Using wood crates or dunnage for export
- ✓ Your buyer or country of destination requires it
- ✓ Using standard softwood or hardwood pallets
You Do NOT Need HT If:
- ✗ Using plastic or metal pallets
- ✗ Using plywood, OSB, or particle board pallets
- ✗ Shipping domestically within the US
- ✗ Using presswood or composite pallets
Want to learn more about ISPM-15 regulations?
Read our detailed ISPM-15 article →Heat Treatment Process: Step by Step
Our heat treatment process follows strict protocols to ensure every pallet meets the ISPM-15 standard. Here is a detailed walkthrough of exactly what happens from the moment your pallets arrive at our facility to the moment they are ready for international shipping.
Step 1: Receiving & Assessment
Your pallets arrive at our facility via delivery or drop-off. Each pallet is assessed for structural integrity. Pallets with damage that could compromise treatment effectiveness (large cracks that would allow premature heat penetration reporting, loose components that could shift during kiln loading) are flagged for repair before treatment. We verify that all wood in the load is solid wood, as ISPM-15 only applies to solid wood products thicker than 6mm.
Step 2: Repair (If Needed)
Pallets that require repair before treatment are moved to our repair line. This is an optional step, but we recommend it because treating a damaged pallet wastes kiln capacity. After repair, the pallets are returned to the heat treatment queue. Repair and treatment can be bundled into a single service order for convenience and cost savings.
Step 3: Kiln Preparation
Before loading, our kiln undergoes a readiness check. Temperature probes are calibrated, the kiln interior is inspected for obstructions or damage, and the data logging system is tested. We use a forced-air convection kiln that circulates heated air uniformly throughout the chamber, ensuring consistent temperature distribution across the entire load.
Step 4: Loading
Pallets are loaded into the kiln on racks with standardized spacing. The spacing between pallets is critical — it must allow heated air to circulate freely around every surface of every piece of wood. Our loading pattern has been validated through extensive testing with temperature probes placed at the coldest points (center of the load, thickest wood sections) to confirm that even the most thermally insulated areas reach the required 56 degrees Celsius.
Step 5: Heat Ramp-Up
The kiln is sealed and the heating cycle begins. Air temperature inside the kiln rises gradually to approximately 70-80 degrees Celsius (158-176 degrees Fahrenheit). This elevated air temperature is necessary because it must drive the core temperature of the thickest wood section to 56 degrees Celsius. The ramp-up phase typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the load, the thickness of the wood, and the starting moisture content.
Step 6: Core Temperature Hold
Once the temperature probes at the coldest points in the load register 56 degrees Celsius, the 30-minute hold period begins. The ISPM-15 standard requires that the core temperature remain at or above 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. We typically hold for 45-60 minutes to provide an extra margin of safety. During this phase, all probe readings are logged every 60 seconds.
Step 7: Cool-Down
After the hold period is complete, the kiln is opened and pallets begin cooling naturally. We do not use forced cooling (water spray, cold air) because rapid cooling can cause wood to crack or warp. The cool-down period typically takes 4-8 hours depending on ambient temperature and load size. Pallets must cool to a temperature safe for handling before they are unloaded.
Step 8: Stamping & Certification
Cooled pallets are unloaded from the kiln and each one receives the official IPPC compliance stamp. The stamp is applied using a branding iron or ink stamp on a visible surface — typically on at least two sides of the pallet. We then generate a treatment certificate for the batch that includes the date, treatment duration, peak temperatures from all probes, our facility registration number, and the number of units treated.
Temperature Requirements
The ISPM-15 heat treatment standard specifies precise temperature and duration requirements. Here are the exact parameters we follow and why each matters.
The temperature measured at the coldest point in the core of the thickest piece of wood. This is the critical measurement — surface temperature alone is not sufficient.
The core temperature must remain at or above 56°C for at least 30 continuous minutes. We typically hold for 45-60 minutes for an extra safety margin.
The ambient air temperature must be significantly higher than the target core temperature to drive heat into the center of the wood within a reasonable timeframe.
Temperature probes record readings every minute throughout the treatment cycle. This data is logged automatically and archived for each batch.
At least three temperature probes are placed at the coldest anticipated points in the load: center of the stack, thickest wood section, and point farthest from the heat source.
All temperature logs and treatment certificates are archived for a minimum of two years. We can provide copies for customs disputes or compliance audits at any time.
Our Treatment Chamber
Our heat treatment kiln is purpose-built for wood packaging treatment and located on-site at our 3240 Patton Way facility. Here are the key specifications of our treatment chamber.
Kiln Specifications
Certification & Registration
Our heat treatment facility is registered with the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC), the body authorized by USDA APHIS to accredit ISPM-15 treatment providers in the United States. Our registration is subject to regular audits to verify that our equipment, procedures, and record-keeping meet all applicable standards.
- ✓ ALSC-registered treatment facility
- ✓ USDA APHIS compliant
- ✓ Subject to regular third-party audits
- ✓ Authorized to apply the official IPPC mark
- ✓ Unique facility code included on every stamp
The IPPC Mark: What It Means
After heat treatment, every pallet receives the official IPPC compliance mark. This stamp is recognized worldwide and is your proof of treatment. Here is what each element of the stamp means and why it matters at customs.
IPPC Logo
The wheat sheaf symbol of the International Plant Protection Convention. This identifies the mark as an official phytosanitary treatment stamp recognized by all IPPC member nations.
Country Code (US)
The two-letter ISO country code indicating where the treatment was performed. For our facility, this is always "US" (United States).
Facility Number
Our unique registration number assigned by ALSC. This links the stamp directly to our registered facility, our treatment records, and our audit history. Customs authorities can verify our registration using this number.
Treatment Code (HT)
The two-letter code identifying the treatment method. "HT" stands for heat treatment. Other codes exist (MB for methyl bromide, DH for dielectric heating), but HT is the most common and the method we use.
Stamp Placement & Visibility
The ISPM-15 standard requires that the IPPC mark be clearly visible on at least two opposite sides of each pallet. We apply the stamp using a heat branding iron (for permanent marking) or industrial ink stamp (for situations where branding is not appropriate). The mark must be legible and durable enough to remain readable throughout the pallet's service life.
If a previously treated pallet is later repaired with replacement wood, the repaired pallet must be re-treated and re-stamped, because the new wood has not been through the heat cycle. We handle this routinely for customers who need repaired pallets brought back into ISPM-15 compliance.
Countries Requiring ISPM-15 Heat Treatment
ISPM-15 is endorsed by nearly every major trading nation in the world. As of today, over 180 countries have adopted the standard. Here are some of the major trading partners and regions where ISPM-15 compliance is mandatory for wood packaging imports. If your destination country is not listed, contact us — chances are it still requires treatment.
North America
- Canada
- Mexico
ISPM-15 is required for all wood packaging entering Canada and Mexico from the US, despite NAFTA/USMCA trade agreements.
European Union
- All 27 EU member states
- United Kingdom
- Norway
- Switzerland
The EU enforces ISPM-15 rigorously. Non-compliant shipments are routinely intercepted and destroyed at European ports.
Asia-Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
- New Zealand
- India
Asia-Pacific nations are among the strictest enforcers. Australia and New Zealand have additional biosecurity requirements beyond ISPM-15.
Americas & Others
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Chile
- Colombia
- South Africa
- Nigeria
Virtually all major economies in South America, Africa, and the Middle East require ISPM-15 compliance.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Shipping goods internationally on non-compliant wood packaging can have serious consequences. Understanding the risks underscores why proper heat treatment is a non-negotiable step in your export process.
Shipment Rejection
Customs authorities may refuse entry to your entire shipment until compliant packaging is provided. This means your goods sit at port, incurring storage and demurrage fees.
Fines & Penalties
Monetary penalties for non-compliance vary by country but can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties.
Destruction of Packaging
In some countries, non-compliant wood packaging is confiscated and destroyed at the importer's expense. Your goods must then be repacked on compliant pallets before release.
Relationship Damage
Delivery delays caused by customs holds damage your relationship with your buyer. In competitive export markets, reliability is a key differentiator, and compliance failures erode trust.
Turnaround Times
We understand that export shipments operate on tight timelines. Our heat treatment operation is designed for fast, predictable turnaround without compromising the quality or documentation of the treatment.
Small batches can often be added to the next available kiln cycle. Treatment is typically completed within 24 hours of receiving your pallets.
Medium batches may require a dedicated kiln cycle. We schedule these within 1-2 business days of receiving your pallets.
Large batches may require multiple kiln cycles. We batch them efficiently and provide a completion timeline at the time of scheduling.
For urgent export deadlines, we offer rush heat treatment. Your pallets are loaded into the next available kiln cycle — or a dedicated emergency cycle if necessary. Rush service carries a premium charge.
For exporters with ongoing needs, we set up standing treatment schedules with guaranteed weekly processing windows. Your pallets are treated on the same day each week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you treat pallets I bring from another supplier?
Yes. We treat any solid wood pallets regardless of where they were purchased. Bring them to our facility or arrange a pickup, and we will treat and return them.
Do you treat wood crates and dunnage, not just pallets?
Yes. ISPM-15 applies to all solid wood packaging materials used in international trade, including crates, boxes, dunnage, and blocking/bracing. We treat all of these.
How long does the ISPM-15 stamp remain valid?
The stamp does not expire. Once treated and stamped, the pallet remains compliant as long as it is not repaired with untreated wood. If new wood is added during repairs, the pallet must be re-treated.
Can I get a certificate of treatment for customs?
Yes. Every batch receives a treatment certificate showing the date, duration, temperatures, and our facility registration number. We provide copies for your customs documentation.
Do you offer combined repair and heat treatment?
Yes, and this is one of our most popular service combinations. We repair your pallets first, then heat-treat them in the same workflow. This saves time and ensures you receive fully compliant, structurally sound pallets.
What if my previously treated pallets need re-stamping?
If the stamps have faded or become illegible but the pallets have not been modified with new wood, we can re-stamp them after verifying treatment history. If new wood was added, re-treatment is required.
Can you supply new heat-treated pallets?
Absolutely. We can build new pallets to your specifications and heat-treat them as part of the manufacturing process. You receive brand-new, ISPM-15 compliant pallets ready for export.
Ship With Confidence
Do not let non-compliant pallets delay your international shipments. Our certified heat treatment service ensures your wood packaging meets ISPM-15 standards worldwide. Use the form above or visit us at 3240 Patton Way, Bakersfield, CA 93308.
Contact Us Today