What Is ISPM-15?
The International Standard for Wood Packaging
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a phytosanitary standard issued by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) governing wood packaging material (WPM) used in international trade. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases across borders via wood packaging.
Most countries participating in international trade — including the United States, EU member states, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, Australia, and most others — require ISPM-15 compliant wood packaging for imported goods. Customs authorities can and will hold or reject non-compliant shipments.
Legal Requirement
Required for Most International Shipments
180+
Countries participating in ISPM-15 compliance
HT
Heat Treatment — the dominant compliant method
56°C
Core temperature for 30 continuous minutes
IPPC
Official stamp applied to certified packaging
Certification
The IPPC Stamp
Heat treated wood packaging receives the official IPPC mark stamped directly onto the wood. The mark includes: country code (US), producer/treatment provider number, and the HT (heat treatment) code. This stamp is the documentation customs inspectors look for at ports of entry.
UWP supplies heat treated pallets and crates with the IPPC stamp applied — providing verifiable compliance for your international shipments without requiring additional treatment on your end.
Available Products
What We Can Heat Treat
ISPM-15 heat treating is available for the following UWP products:
Frequently Asked Questions
ISPM-15 Heat Treatment FAQs
What is ISPM-15 and when is it required?
ISPM-15 is the international phytosanitary standard for solid wood packaging used in export. It is legally required for most wood pallets, crates, and dunnage crossing international borders. Non-compliant wood packaging can be rejected or destroyed at customs.
How are pallets heat treated to ISPM-15?
The wood is heated until its core reaches a minimum of 56C (132.8F) for at least 30 continuous minutes, killing insects and pathogens. UWP then applies the official IPPC wheat-stamp mark, providing verifiable compliance documentation for your shipments.
Can recycled or reconditioned pallets be heat treated?
Yes. Both new and reconditioned wood pallets can be heat treated and stamped to ISPM-15 as long as the wood is sound. UWP can certify your existing pallet type for export rather than requiring you to buy new pallets solely for compliance.
Does heat treatment use chemicals?
No. ISPM-15 heat treatment is purely thermal, using controlled heat rather than chemical fumigation. This keeps heat-treated pallets safe for food, pharmaceutical, and general cargo, and it is the most common ISPM-15 method used for wood packaging worldwide.
How quickly can you provide ISPM-15 certified pallets?
Lead time depends on quantity and whether pallets are new or treated from your existing stock, with standard sizes moving fastest. Contact UWP at (330) 629-6060 with your volume and shipment date and we will confirm turnaround on your quote.
Need ISPM-15 Certified Packaging?
Tell us what you need and your destination.