180+
countries enforce ISPM 15 on solid wood packaging
132°F / 56°C
minimum core temperature for 30 minutes under HT standard
2-4 weeks
lead time for new treatment certification in North America
Approved Treatment Methods
Heat Treatment (HT)
Standard HT requires heating wood to 56°C (132°F) for at least 30 consecutive minutes at the core.
- Automatic data logging must confirm temperature/time parameters.
- Kiln charts retained for minimum of 3 years for auditing.
- Moisture content ideally below 20% to prevent mold growth.
Dielectric Heating (DH)
Microwave or radio-frequency heating to 60°C (140°F) throughout the cross-section for 1 minute.
- Approved mostly for processed lumber components; equipment capital-intensive.
- Real-time sensors must verify both temperature and exposure timing.
Chemical Treatments
Methyl bromide (MB) no longer permitted in most regions due to Montreal Protocol restrictions.
- Canada and the United States phased out MB fumigation for routine packaging.
- Only use when destination country explicitly allows and applicator holds valid EPA certification.
Compliance Program Checklist
Certification steps
- 1Enroll with a national plant protection organization (e.g., APHIS in the U.S., CFIA in Canada) or accredited third-party agency.
- 2Implement documented heat-treatment process with calibrated sensors and automated data capture.
- 3Designate an internal compliance lead responsible for recordkeeping and facility access during inspections.
- 4Apply ISPM 15 mark immediately after treatment, ensuring codes match facility, country, and treatment type.
- 5Retain treatment logs, kiln charts, and batch traceability documents for a minimum of 24-36 months.
Inspection cadence
- Initial certification audit validating kiln calibration, markings, and documentation.
- Quarterly or bi-monthly unannounced inspections depending on agency risk rating.
- Annual recertification confirming calibration, employee training, and program updates.
ISPM 15 marking rules
- Mark must include country code, producer/treatment provider number, and treatment type (HT or DH).
- Place mark on at least two opposite sides of each pallet or crate, clearly visible even when load is stacked.
- Do not use red or orange ink (reserved for hazardous goods). Black or blue inks are preferred.
- Repaired pallets require removal or obliteration of old marks and re-treatment before re-stamping.
Country-Specific Considerations
China
Requires pest-free certification and may visually inspect for bark or mold. Rejects pallets with excessive surface mold even if HT compliant.
Australia
Demands pre-arrival reporting. Pallets with surface bark >3 cm² can be rejected. Fumigation certificates must reflect AQIS format.
European Union
Strict on legible stamps; partial impressions may lead to rejection. Repairs must use HT-marked components only.
Mexico & Brazil
Random cross-border inspections; prefer pallets manufactured within 90 days of shipment to minimize mold.
Documentation & Recordkeeping
Maintain a secure digital archive with role-based access. Retain the following documents to pass compliance audits and respond quickly to customs inquiries.
- Treatment certificates per batch, including date, kiln ID, duration, and temperature logs.
- Facility accreditation letter and current registration number.
- Inbound lumber supplier affidavits verifying debarked material and absence of blue stain fungi.
- Training records for kiln operators and stamp custodians.
- Corrective action reports for any failed inspections in the last 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do composite wood products need ISPM 15 treatment?
No. Engineered wood (plywood, OSB, particleboard) is exempt because manufacturing temperatures exceed pest-kill thresholds. Only solid wood components require treatment.
How long does the ISPM 15 certification remain valid?
The ISPM 15 mark does not expire, but pallets stored outdoors in humid environments may develop mold. Many importers require shipment within 6 months of treatment to avoid quality disputes.
Can I self-stamp repaired pallets?
Only facilities enrolled in an approved program can apply or reapply ISPM 15 marks. Repairs must use treated lumber, and the pallet must be re-treated if more than one-third of components are replaced.
What happens if customs discovers non-compliant pallets?
Customs agencies can order immediate re-export, fumigation at importer expense, or destruction. Costs often exceed $5,000 per container plus downtime. Maintaining pristine compliance documentation mitigates risk.
Need turnkey export-compliant pallets?
Repackify sources ISPM 15-certified pallets, coordinates heat treatment capacity across North America, and maintains digital traceability to satisfy customs audits. Tap into our network to avoid shipment delays.