If you ship goods internationally on wood pallets, ISPM-15 compliance is not optional — it is mandatory in virtually every country that participates in international trade. Non-compliance can result in shipment rejection at the border, costly quarantine and treatment charges, cargo delays measured in weeks, and potential fines. This comprehensive guide explains what ISPM-15 is, why it exists, how treatment works, and how to ensure your pallets meet the standard.
What is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a regulation created by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a treaty organization under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. The standard was first adopted in 2002 and has been revised several times since. It applies to all wood packaging materials (WPM) used in international trade, including pallets, crates, dunnage, and other wood supports.
The standard requires that wood packaging materials be treated to eliminate pests, then marked with an official stamp indicating compliance. The treatment must be performed by a certified facility operating under the supervision of the national plant protection organization (in the United States, this is APHIS — the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service).
Why Does It Matter?
Untreated wood can harbor destructive pests like the Asian longhorned beetle, pine wood nematode, emerald ash borer, and dozens of other invasive species. These organisms have caused billions of dollars in damage to forests worldwide and threaten biodiversity, timber industries, and ecosystem health on every continent.
The Asian longhorned beetle alone has caused over $889 million in damage and eradication costs in the United States since its discovery in 1996. The pine wood nematode has devastated pine forests across Asia and Europe. ISPM-15 was created specifically to prevent the international spread of these and similar organisms through wood packaging in trade shipments.
What Happens If You Ship Non-Compliant Pallets?
- Shipment may be refused entry at the destination port
- Cargo may be quarantined at your expense (storage fees of $100-500+ per day)
- Non-compliant pallets may be destroyed or treated at port (additional costs)
- Your company may be flagged for increased inspection on future shipments
- Fines can range from $250 to $10,000+ depending on the country and severity
- Delivery delays can damage customer relationships and trigger contract penalties
- Repeat violations may result in suspension of import/export privileges
Heat Treatment Process
The most common ISPM-15 treatment method is heat treatment (HT), which uses elevated temperatures to kill all life stages of pests in the wood. The process is straightforward, effective, and environmentally sound (no chemicals are used):
- Wood packaging is placed in a certified, temperature-monitored kiln
- The core temperature of the wood is raised to at least 56 degrees C (132.8 degrees F)
- This temperature is maintained for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes throughout the wood profile
- Multiple temperature sensors placed at the coolest points verify compliance throughout the treatment
- After treatment, pallets receive the official IPPC stamp with the HT mark, facility number, and country code
- Treatment records are maintained for audit purposes by the certifying agency
The IPPC Stamp Explained
The official ISPM-15 stamp contains several pieces of information: the IPPC wheat-stalk logo, the two-letter country code (US for United States), a unique producer/treatment facility number assigned by APHIS, and the treatment code (HT for heat treatment, DH for dielectric heating, or SF for sulfuryl fluoride fumigation). This stamp must be legible, permanent, and placed on at least two opposite sides of the pallet.
Which Countries Require It?
Nearly all countries that participate in international trade require ISPM-15 compliance. The standard has been adopted by over 180 countries. If you are shipping wood pallets internationally, assume compliance is required unless you have confirmed otherwise with the specific destination country.
- European Union (all 27 member states)
- Canada and Mexico (USMCA partners)
- China, Japan, South Korea, and all of Asia-Pacific
- Australia and New Zealand (among the strictest enforcement)
- United Kingdom (post-Brexit, same requirements as EU)
- India, Brazil, and all major emerging markets
- Middle East and Africa (increasingly enforced)
- All Central and South American countries
Alternatives to Heat Treatment
While heat treatment is the most common method, ISPM-15 also approves dielectric heating (using microwave or radio frequency energy to heat the wood) and sulfuryl fluoride fumigation. Additionally, materials that are exempt from ISPM-15 requirements include processed wood products like plywood, particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), and presswood pallets — because the manufacturing process itself eliminates pests.
Cost of ISPM-15 Treatment
Heat treatment typically adds $1.50-$4.00 per pallet to the cost, depending on volume, pallet size, and turnaround time requirements. For businesses shipping internationally regularly, maintaining a supply of pre-treated pallets is the most cost-effective approach. Buying pre-treated pallets from a supplier like Pallet Wichita eliminates the need to coordinate treatment separately.
Getting Your Pallets Treated
At Pallet Wichita, we operate a certified ISPM-15 heat treatment facility. We can treat your existing pallets, provide pre-treated pallets from our inventory, or supply new heat-treated pallets built to your specifications. Our treatment facility is inspected and certified by APHIS, and we maintain complete treatment records for audit compliance. Contact us for more information about our heat treatment services and current pricing.