International shipping on wood pallets requires compliance with a patchwork of regulations that vary by country. While ISPM-15 provides a baseline standard adopted by most nations, many countries layer additional requirements on top, including specific documentation, inspection protocols, treatment preferences, and material restrictions. Failing to comply can result in shipment refusal, quarantine, destruction of goods, fines, and damage to your business reputation. This guide covers the key regulatory landscape for the most important trading regions.
ISPM-15: The Global Baseline
As covered in our ISPM-15 deep dive article, this international standard requires that wood packaging materials be treated (usually heat treatment) and marked with an official IPPC stamp before crossing international borders. Over 180 countries have adopted ISPM-15, making it the universal starting point for compliance. However, adoption and enforcement vary significantly by country.
United States
The United States enforces ISPM-15 through APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). All incoming wood packaging must bear a valid ISPM-15 mark. CBP (Customs and Border Protection) inspects incoming shipments and can order fumigation, destruction, or re-export of non-compliant materials. The US also participates in bilateral agreements with Canada and Mexico under USMCA that harmonize phytosanitary requirements across North America.
- ISPM-15 compliance mandatory for all incoming wood packaging
- APHIS oversees domestic treatment facility certification
- No additional requirements beyond ISPM-15 for most shipments
- Domestic shipments within the US do not require ISPM-15 treatment
- Hawaii and Puerto Rico have additional plant quarantine requirements for some wood products
European Union
The EU enforces ISPM-15 uniformly across all 27 member states through the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Enforcement is generally thorough and consistent. The EU also has additional regulations around wood packaging that contacts food products and specific treatment requirements for pallets used in certain pharmaceutical applications.
- ISPM-15 compliance mandatory and strictly enforced at all ports of entry
- Methyl bromide fumigation NOT accepted — only heat treatment (HT) and dielectric heating (DH)
- EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) may apply to new wood pallets (traceability requirements)
- Food-contact wood packaging must comply with EU Regulation 1935/2004
- Post-Brexit, the UK maintains equivalent but separate requirements
China
China enforces ISPM-15 through the General Administration of Customs (GACC). Chinese authorities are known for rigorous inspection of incoming wood packaging, particularly from countries with known pest concerns. Non-compliant shipments are frequently quarantined or returned, and repeat violators may face enhanced scrutiny on future shipments.
- Strict enforcement of ISPM-15 with frequent inspections
- Additional phytosanitary certificates may be required for some product categories
- Non-compliant pallets will be fumigated at the importer expense or re-exported
- Live insect findings can trigger enhanced inspection protocols for the shipper
- Methyl bromide fumigation is still accepted but heat treatment is preferred
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand have some of the strictest biosecurity controls in the world, owing to their unique ecosystems and island biogeography. Their requirements go beyond standard ISPM-15 in several important ways.
- ISPM-15 compliance is mandatory and vigorously enforced
- Australia additionally requires pallets to be free of bark, soil, and any visible contamination
- Random fumigation may be required at the port even for ISPM-15 compliant pallets
- New Zealand Biosecurity Act imposes strict penalties for non-compliance (fines up to NZ$100,000)
- Both countries require pre-arrival documentation and may conduct physical inspections on 100% of shipments from certain origins
- Container cleanliness requirements extend to the pallet and all wood packaging within
Canada and Mexico
Canada and Mexico both enforce ISPM-15 through their respective plant protection agencies (CFIA in Canada, SENASICA in Mexico). The USMCA trade agreement harmonizes many requirements, but some differences remain. Both countries are generally considered moderate in enforcement intensity compared to Australia or China.
Japan and South Korea
Both Japan and South Korea enforce ISPM-15 through their respective agriculture ministries. Japan in particular has a detailed inspection protocol and may require additional fumigation for shipments from certain origins. South Korea has been increasing enforcement in recent years and now inspects a higher percentage of incoming wood packaging than in the past.
Compliance Best Practices for Exporters
- Always use ISPM-15 certified pallets for international shipments — no exceptions
- Verify the IPPC stamp is legible and placed on at least two opposite sides of each pallet
- Keep treatment certificates and documentation for every shipment
- Work with a certified treatment provider like Pallet Wichita who maintains audit-ready records
- Research destination-specific requirements BEFORE shipping — do not assume ISPM-15 alone is sufficient
- For high-risk destinations (Australia, New Zealand, China), consider using processed wood products (plywood, OSB) that are ISPM-15 exempt
- Photograph pallets and stamps before loading containers as evidence of compliance
- Maintain a compliance checklist for each destination country you ship to regularly
Getting Compliant Pallets
At Pallet Wichita, we provide ISPM-15 certified heat-treated pallets that comply with the requirements of every country listed in this guide. Our treatment facility is APHIS-certified, we maintain complete treatment records for audit purposes, and we stamp every treated pallet per IPPC specifications. Whether you need a few dozen pallets for a one-time export shipment or a recurring supply of treated pallets for ongoing international trade, we have you covered. Contact us for current pricing and availability.