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ISPM 15 fumigation service for wood packing compliance

Over 170 governments adhere to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), an international treaty which promotes control measures to prevent the spread of pests and plant products. ISPM 15 fumigation plays an important role in helping companies comply with the treaty.

What is ISPM 15?

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) Revision Number 15 regulates wood packaging material used in international trade to reduce the possibility for foreign pests to be introduced into new areas. It was developed by the IPPC to help reduce the spread of pests and diseases through international trade.  

This regulation applies specifically to wood packaging materials used in global shipping, such as pallets, crates, and dunnage. Presto-X provides ISPM 15-compliant fumigation services throughout the central United States and globally as part of the Rentokil group.

The importance of ISPM 15 compliance

Complying with ISPM 15 helps prevent the international movement of invasive species that can harm forests, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Without proper compliance, shipments may be delayed, rejected, or destroyed, leading to costly disruptions. Following this standard supports global efforts to reduce pest-related risks while helping to maintain smooth trade operations.

Wood materials covered by ISPM 15

Wood packaging materials included in the ISPM 15 regulation are:

  • Crates
  • Boxes
  • Packing cases
  • Dunnage
  • Pallets
  • Cable drums
  • Spools
  • Reels

Approved treatment methods

ISPM 15 outlines two main treatment methods to help reduce the risk of pest transfer. We will work with you to identify the best treatment method for your operations. Approved treatments of wood packaging materials under ISPM 15 include:

  • Heat treatment
  • Methyl bromide treatment

Heat treatment (HT)

Wood must be heated until the core reaches at least 133°F for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Methyl bromide (MB) fumigation

Although less commonly used due to environmental concerns, this method is still recognized under the standard.

Marking requirements for ISPM 15

 Treated wood must display a specific stamp to show compliance. This mark includes:

  • The IPPC symbol
  • A country code
  • A unique manufacturer code
  • The treatment method (HT or MB)

No additional paperwork is needed when the stamp is clearly visible and accurate, but proper application is critical to avoid shipment issues.

 Presto-X’s expert ISPM 15 services

Our technicians are familiar with the requirements of ISPM 15 and we regularly work with importers and exporters to ensure compliance with the standard. To learn more about our fumigation services that help support ISPM 15 compliance, visit our fumigation services page or contact us today for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Wood packaging materials used for international exports must comply with ISPM 15 regulations, regardless of the U.S. state of origin. The standard has been adopted by over 70 countries across the globe.  Always check the importing country's requirements before shipping.

ISPM 15-compliant packaging will be treated using an approved method—typically heat treatment or methyl bromide fumigation—and clearly marked with the official ISPM 15 stamp. This stamp includes the IPPC symbol, country code, a unique producer code, and treatment type. If your wood packaging doesn't have this mark, it likely isn’t compliant.

The ISPM 15 mark shows that the wood packaging material has been treated to reduce the risk of pest movement across borders. It includes:

  • The IPPC symbol
  • Country code (e.g., US for United States)
  • A unique number identifying the facility that applied the treatment
  • An abbreviation for the treatment type (HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide)

While the treatment process is effective at the time of application, ISPM 15 compliance is only valid as long as the packaging remains unaltered. If the wood is repaired or modified, it may need to be retreated and restamped to maintain compliance.

No, ISPM 15 fumigation is not required for domestic shipments within the United States. However, if you're using wood packaging materials for international exports, those materials must meet ISPM 15 standards.

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