What Is the ISPM 15 Standard?

What Is the ISPM 15 Standard?

ISPM 15 is the phytosanitary standard published under the International Plant Protection Convention to reduce the risk of quarantine pests being carried between countries in raw wood packaging material used in international trade. Pallets, crates, cases, boxes, blocking, dunnage and bracing timber form the main scope of the standard.

Which materials does ISPM 15 cover?

Packaging materials made from solid or raw timber and used to carry, protect or secure a load are generally within scope. Wood-based products such as plywood, particle board, OSB and similar materials, which are manufactured using glue, heat or pressure in a way that substantially reduces the pest risk, may fall outside the scope under the conditions set out in the standard.

Core requirements

• The timber must be debarked in accordance with the standard
• It must undergo an approved phytosanitary treatment
• The treatment must be carried out by an authorised facility
• A legible mark bearing the IPPC symbol together with the relevant country, facility and treatment codes must be applied
• The mark must be permanent, visible and used in a way that is not misleading

What does the ISPM 15 mark tell you?

The mark shows that the packaging was prepared in a particular country, by a defined authorised facility, and according to an approved treatment code. The mark is not a certificate of quality or durability; it is an indicator of phytosanitary treatment and traceability. For marked wood packaging material that complies with the requirements of the standard, the principle is that no separate phytosanitary certificate should be requested unless the importing country imposes an additional condition.

Does the treatment protect the packaging forever?

No. ISPM 15 treatment reduces the risk from target pests at the time of application; it does not guarantee that the packaging will not become reinfested later. Treated wood packaging material must be stored clean, dry and in conditions that protect it from pest infestation. Specific rules apply where packaging is repaired, remanufactured or where the mark is damaged.

Pre-export checks

Before shipment, the exporter should check the packaging for the legibility of the mark, the cleanliness of the timber, any bark or signs of live pests, and the current requirements of the destination country.

Sources: Official sources of the IPPC (ISPM 15, ISPM 43), the Republic of Turkiye Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the UNEP Ozone Secretariat, the US EPA, Australia's DAFF and New Zealand's MPI have been used as the basis for this content.