The Ultimate Guide to ISPM15 Regulations

In this blog we will provide the ultimate guide to ISPM15 regulations.

A and M Pallets Ltd is an established and respected supplier and producer of a wide array of pallets. Our services are designed to provide many industries with safe, strong and superior pallets of many varieties. 

Our solutions are sure to help those in need of pallets for all sorts of logistical needs. We provide full pallet delivery and collection services in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Avon. 

What are ISPM15 Regulations?

The international standards for phytosanitary measures – No.15 (ISPM15) is a series of regulations that were developed by the IPPC (International plant Protection Convention). This is administered by the FAO (food and agriculture organisation) of the United Nations. 

These regulations apply to all solid wood packaging material used in international trade that is thicker than 6 mm. This includes:

  • Pallets
  • Crates
  • Boxes
  • Dunnage (loose wood used to brace or support cargo)
  • Cable drums
  • Spools/reels

ISPM15 regulations exists primarily to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that are known to live within untreated wood packaging materials. If left undetected, these pests have the potential to devastate native plant life, and ecosystems. 

How are wooden pallets made compliant for ISPM15?

To be ISPM 15 compliant, solid wood packaging material must undergo specific treatments and then be marked. The main requirements are:

  1. Debarking: 

The wood must be debarked before treatment. Small, visually separate pieces of bark (less than 3cm wide or with a total area less than 50 sq cm) are permitted to remain. This prevents re-infestation after treatment.

      2. Approved treatment: 

The wood must be treated using one of the approved methods:

  • Heat Treatment (HT): The most common and widely accepted method. The wood’s core temperature must reach at least 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This effectively kills most pests. This is done via kiln’s/ ovens.
  • Methyl Bromide (MB) Fumigation: The wood is treated with methyl bromide gas. This method is highly restricted and banned in many regions (like the EU and UK) due to environmental concerns.
  • Dielectric Heating (DH): Uses electromagnetic waves (like microwaves) to heat the wood.

Once treated, the wood packaging must be permanently and legibly marked with an internationally recognised stamp. This stamp includes:

  • The IPPC logo (a stylized ear of corn).
  • A two-letter country code (e.g., GB for Great Britain, US for United States).
  • A unique registration number for the treatment provider.
  • The treatment code (e.g., “HT” for heat treatment, “MB” for methyl bromide).

What are common mistakes with ISPM 15 compliance?

What are common mistakes with ISPM 15 compliance?

  1. Assuming all wood is already treated:

Many people mistakenly believe that any wooden pallet, especially if it looks new or appears sturdy, is automatically ISPM 15 compliant. This is false. Pallets made for domestic use often aren’t treated.

Always confirm with your supplier that the pallets are explicitly ISPM 15 compliant. Don’t assume.

      2. Missing or illegible markings:

Shipping pallets internationally with no ISPM 15 stamp, or with a stamp that is faded, partially covered, painted over, or otherwise unreadable, will be rejected by customs officials. 

Before shipping, visually inspect every wooden pallet and all wooden packaging/dunnage. Ensure the ISPM 15 stamp is clearly visible, legible, and includes all required components.

      3. Using untreated dunnage:

Remembering to use ISPM 15 compliant pallets, but forgetting that all loose wood used for bracing, blocking, or supporting cargo (called dunnage) must also be ISPM 15 compliant. This is a very common oversight.

Treat dunnage with the same scrutiny as pallets. Only use ISPM 15 marked wood for all internal bracing and supports within a shipment if it’s going internationally.

      4. Improper repair or re-use of pallets:

Repairing an ISPM 15 marked pallet with untreated wood, or salvaging wood from old, unmarked pallets to create a “new” one, and then shipping it internationally. If any untreated wood is added, the entire pallet becomes non-compliant unless it’s entirely re-treated and re-marked by a certified facility. 

Also, failing to remove old or incorrect marks when reusing or repairing.

For repairs, use only ISPM 15 compliant wood. If a significant repair or remanufacturing takes place, ensure the pallet is sent to a certified facility for re-treatment and re-marking. Any old marks must be obliterated.

      5. Cross-contamination after treatment:

Storing treated wooden pallets or packaging in direct contact with untreated wood or in areas where pests from untreated wood could easily re-infest the treated material.

To avoid this, maintain clear segregation between treated and untreated wood packaging materials in your warehouse or storage areas. Ensure treated wood is stored in a clean environment.

      6. Using restricted treatment methods (e.g., Methyl Bromide in the UK/EU):

Attempting to source or use methyl bromide (MB) fumigated pallets from a country where that’s still an option, and then shipping them to regions like the EU or UK where MB treatment for ISPM 15 is largely prohibited.

For international shipments, especially to/from the UK, EU, and many other major trading partners, always specify Heat Treatment (HT). It is the universally accepted and preferred method.

      7. Not checking country-specific requirements:

Assuming ISPM 15 is applied identically everywhere. While the core standard is global, some countries might have slight variations or additional requirements that need checking.

While rare for standard ISPM 15, it’s always good practice to check with your freight forwarder or the importing country’s customs/agricultural authority for any unique or updated wood packaging requirements for your specific destination.

      8. Relying on unaccredited suppliers:

Purchasing from a supplier who claims to offer “treated” wood but isn’t officially registered with their national wood packaging marking program (e.g., the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme).

Always verify that your pallet supplier is certified to produce and mark ISPM 15 compliant WPM. They should be able to provide details of their registration.

What are the consequences of non-Compliance?

  • Your goods can be held at customs.
  • Penalties can be levied against the shipper or importer.
  • The goods or pallets might be quarantined, requiring costly treatment or destruction.
  • The entire shipment could be refused entry and sent back to the origin, incurring massive shipping costs.
  • In severe cases of infestation, the entire shipment, including the goods, might be destroyed.
  • Repeated non-compliance can harm your business’s reputation with customs authorities and trading partners.

Where to find ISPM15 approved pallets?

Where to find ISPM15 approved pallets?

Need reliable, certified heat treated pallets? Contact A and M Pallets Limited for fully ISPM15-compliant solutions delivered across the UK.

As the South West’s largest independent producer and supplier of new and reconditioned pallets, we at A and M Pallets Ltd pride ourselves on providing unrivalled services and the best possible pallets since 1989. 

Our hard work, in addition to our loyal and ever-expanding customer base, has allowed us to provide comprehensive coverage through the South West and further afield though our four sites in St. Austell, Tavistock, Launceston and Willand. 

Producing over 45,000 pallets a month, you can be sure we will have what you are looking for, whether it is used pallets, new pallets, plastic pallets or ISPM15 heat treated pallets, we are here to help.

In this blog, we hope to have provided the ultimate guide to ISPM15 regulations. Whilst providing helpful additional information, including our unparalleled services. Our expert team is here to help you on each step of your journey with us, for more information, you can contact us here, or find us below at:

Head Office:

  • Unit One Northcott Hamlet 
  • Launceston 
  • Cornwall 
  • PL15 9RQ
  • T: 01409 211386
  • E: admin@aandmpallets.co.uk
  • Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm

ST. Austell Office:

  • Brighton Cross 
  • Grampound Road 
  • Truro 
  • Cornwall 
  • TR2 4HD
  • T: 01726 882122
  • E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
  • Mon – Fri: 8am to 5pm

Tavistock Office:

  • Haye Down Ind. Est. 
  • Chillaton 
  • Tavistock 
  • Devon 
  • PL19 0NN
  • T: 01822 860456
  • E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
  • Mon – Fri: 7am to 5pm

Willand Office:

  • 5 Willand Rd Bus. Park
  •  Willand Road 
  • Willand 
  • Devon 
  • EX15 2RF
  • T: 01884 841942
  • E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
  • Mon – Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm