ISPM 15 Requirements in Turkiye

ISPM 15 Requirements in Turkiye

Preparing and marking raw wood packaging material in line with ISPM 15 is critical for exports from Turkiye, both for compliance with international plant health rules and for acceptance of the consignment in the destination country. The national framework for this practice was updated by the regulation published in Official Gazette No. 32613 of 26 July 2024.

Which types of packaging does it matter for?

Solid wood items used in export shipments, such as pallets, crates, cases, boxes, dunnage, blocks, cable drums and reels, may fall within scope. Whether processed wood-based materials such as plywood and OSB are covered is determined by the exemption conditions set out in the standard.

Authority to treat and to mark

The ISPM 15 mark is not a logo that anyone may apply. Heat treatment and marking activities are carried out through facilities authorised and audited by the Ministry. Unauthorised marking, allowing another business to use the mark, or marking material that has not been treated all constitute serious non-compliance.

The main approach of the 2024 regulation

• Stronger traceability in treatment and marking activities
• Retention of treatment reports and records
• Defined responsibilities for authorised facilities, suppliers and users
• Controls on the reuse of wood packaging arriving with imports
• Mechanisms for inspection, suspension and withdrawal of authorisation

What the exporter should do

The exporter should source wood packaging from a reliable and documented supplier, check that the mark is legible and correct, and keep invoices and related records. Used packaging bearing a foreign mark, of unclear origin or without supporting documentation can create risk when re-exported.

Since the destination country may have additional requirements beyond ISPM 15 for cleanliness, bark-free condition, declarations or pre-shipment treatment, the mark alone should not be relied upon.

A note on currency of information

Because national implementation details and transitional provisions may change, the current regulation and the lists of authorised facilities published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry should be checked before treatment or procurement.

Sources: official publications of the IPPC (ISPM 15, ISPM 43), the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the UNEP Ozone Secretariat, the US EPA, DAFF Australia and MPI New Zealand have been used as the basis.