ISPM 15 for Wood Packaging- What you need to know

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures 15 was developed to prevent the transport of disease and insects through wood packaging materials (WPM) shipped between countries. It affects wood packaging materials, including dunnage, pallets, and crates. The wood must be debarked, heat-treated or fumigated, and then stamped or branded with a mark of compliance.

If you are shipping outside the domestic USA, including Canada and Mexico, you will need to use ISPM 15 compliant packaging

ISPM 15 materials must be correctly marked to show compliance, and all marks must be fully legible and identifiable. In addition, companies must obtain formal 3rd party certification, proving their ISPM 15 compliance, in order to obtain the stamp necessary to make these markings.

There are three marks used for ISPM 15:

HT Mark

This mark is used on individual pieces of lumber or lumber components. The three elements of the mark include the facility number, the agency trademark, and the letters “HT.” 100% of the pieces must bear the mark in at least one spot (although special provisions are made for small pieces.) The HT mark establishes a connection between the site treating the raw materials and the facility that will certify finished WPM. It does not replace the IPPC mark.

IPPC Mark

This is the mark you’ll find on multi-component WPM, like boxes, pallets, and crates. It includes all three elements of the HT mark as well as a country code and the IPPC “wheat” symbol. This mark needs to be applied a minimum of two times – placed on opposite sides of the WPM. Customs must easily see it if inspected. This is what the ISPM states about a mix of wood materials:

“Where various components are integrated into a unit of wood packaging material, the resultant composite unit should be considered as a single unit for marking purposes. On a composite unit of wood packaging material made of both treated wood and processed wood material (where the processed component does not require treatment), it may be appropriate for the mark to appear on the processed wood material components to ensure that the mark is in a visible location and is of a sufficient size.”

IMMC DUN (Dunnage) Mark

As the name suggests, this mark is found on wood pieces used for blocking or bracing. In addition to the five elements of the IPPC mark, it bears the term “DUN” or “Dunnage” on it. Each piece of dunnage must visibly bear the mark; if dunnage is transported to another facility where it is cut and used again, the newly cut piece should include the mark on it.

In addition to the rules and regulations of WPM, remember that the right packaging improves handling, minimizes/eliminates damage, and reduces your overall costs.

Packnet is certified to provide ISPM 15 compliant crates, pallets, and wood other packaging – contact us today to learn more about options and how we can support your packaging needs.