All information regarding ISPM 15-compliant pallets

08 juli 2025

Worldwide, pallets and wooden packaging are widely used for transportation. Since wood is a natural material, it is subject to specific regulations. But how can you be sure your wooden packaging meets international shipping requirements? That’s where the ISPM 15 requirements come in. The explanation below outlines exactly what ISPM 15 (International Phytosanitary Measure) involves.

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is the international standard that ensures the safe use of wooden packaging in global transport. To prevent the spread of harmful organisms, many countries require wood to be Heat Treated (HT).

By using ISPM 15-certified wooden packaging or dunnage from a registered supplier, you can be confident that your shipments comply with international transport regulations. This helps prevent the unintentional spread of pests and reduces the risk of delays or refusals at border controls.

HT Treatment according to ISPM 15 guidelines

Dunnage and wooden packaging are heat-treated in special ovens in accordance with ISPM 15 regulations. During this treatment, the wood is heated until its core reaches a minimum temperature of 56 °C for at least 30 minutes. This eliminates all living pests, ensuring no harmful organisms can survive in the material. Most of Foresco’s production sites are equipped with ovens to dry and treat wood in full compliance with ISPM 15.

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How to recognise a registered supplier

Treated pallets or wooden crates are marked with the official IPPC stamp. This mark indicates the country of origin and the registered supplier.

It includes:

A countrycode
A 3-digitregistrationnumber of thetreatmentprovider
The treatment method: Heat Treatment (HT) or Dielectric Heating (DH) To prevent your shipment from being held, returned, or destroyed, it’s essential to check this mark carefully.

Good to know: since 2010, HT has been the standard treatment. Before that, the chemical methyl bromide (MB) was commonly used, but it is now banned. Foresco strictly enforces compliance with current regulations.

What makes foresco as a registered supplier unique?

A sustainable and innovative partner. All official producers of wooden packaging are registered with the Netherlands’ Foundation for Marking Wooden Packaging (SMHV). Given the strict regulations, most suppliers follow the same procedures.

Foresco stands out through its strong focus on sustainability. We are committed to a green future and have been investing in waste reduction for over 30 years. Our wooden products come from sustainably managed forests, and many of our facilities generate their own renewable energy.

When is ISPM 15 required?

More and more countries require ISPM 15-compliant wooden packaging upon import. Within the European Union, ISPM 15 is not mandatory, but it often is outside the EU. A full overview of the applicable rules per country can be found on the website of the Stichting Markering Houten Verpakkingen (SMHV). The site also features a short animation that explains the importance of ISPM 15.