A quick guide to ISPM 15 fumigation

Quick overview

• ISPM 15 is an international standard that regulates the treatment of wood packaging material.
• It applies to solid wood pallets, crates, dunnage, and similar packaging used in international trade.
• Compliant packaging must be stamped with the official IPPC mark.
• A fumigation certificate for export may be required by certain countries or importers.
• Non-compliant shipments can be refused entry, re-exported, or destroyed at the port of arrival.

Any business that ships goods using wooden pallets, crates, or dunnage, needs to have a good understanding of the ISPM 15 standard. It stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, and it sets the rules for how wood packaging material must be treated before it crosses international borders.

The goal is straightforward: to stop wood-boring insects and other quarantine pests from traveling between countries where they could cause serious ecological and economic damage. ISPM-compliant fumigation plays a key role in supporting this goal.

Today, more than 130 countries require ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging material (WPM), meaning this standard touches most major U.S. trading partners. Getting it wrong can mean costly delays, shipment rejection, or worse. 

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 was developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a body operating under the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It outlines phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of harmful pests spreading through wood packaging used in global trade.

In plain terms, if you're using solid wood packaging to ship goods internationally, that wood needs to be treated and certified. Most people recognize this requirement by the "IPPC mark" stamped onto compliant pallets and crates. The standard was adopted in the U.S. in 2005 and has been fully enforced since July 2006.

What counts as wood packaging material? 

Not everything wooden falls under ISPM 15, so it's worth knowing exactly what's regulated.

Regulated wood packaging material (WPM) includes:

• Pallets and skids
• Crates and boxes
• Dunnage (loose wood used to brace cargo)
• Reels and cable drums
• Bins made from solid wood

Exempt from ISPM 15:

• Plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard (processed using glue, heat, or pressure)
• Wood less than 6mm thick
• Sawdust and wood chips
• Certain finished wood products like wine barrels

If you're not sure whether your packaging qualifies, it's always better to check with a qualified provider before your shipment leaves. Contact Presto-X to discuss your requirements.

Approved treatment methods under ISPM 15 

To comply with ISPM 15, WPM must be treated using one of the IPPC-approved methods. The treatment code appears on the official mark stamped onto the wood.

The right method for your situation will depend on your destination country, the type of packaging involved, and operational requirements. A qualified fumigation provider like Presto-X can advise you on the most appropriate treatment method.

Understanding the IPPC mark  

Every piece of packaging treated to ISPM 15 standards must carry the official IPPC mark, stamped directly onto the wood itself. The mark includes:

• The IPPC symbol
• A two-letter country code (e.g., "US" for the United States)
• A unique facility or producer code
• The treatment type code (HT, MB, SF, or DH)

The mark must appear on at least two opposing sides of the packaging and must be permanent. Stickers or removable labels are not acceptable. U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspectors check WPM for the mark and signs of pest activity at the port of entry.

Do you need a fumigation certificate for export? 

Under ISPM 15, the IPPC mark itself serves as proof of treatment, meaning a separate phytosanitary certificate is generally not required for compliant wood packaging material. However, a fumigation certificate for export may still be requested by some destination countries, importers, or freight forwarders as supporting documentation. The company performing your treatment, provided they are accredited, can issue the relevant certificate of fumigation. 

Who needs to comply? 

Compliance with ISPM 15 falls on the exporter. If your business ships goods internationally using wood packaging materials, you are responsible for making sure it meets the standard. This applies to:

• Exporters in any industry using wooden pallets, crates, or dunnage in their supply chain
• Importers who need to ensure incoming WPM from overseas meets U.S. requirements
• Freight forwarders and logistics providers managing international shipments
• Manufacturers and distributors using wooden packaging in production or fulfillment

Industries including food processing, storage and distribution, and industrial manufacturing are particularly affected, given their heavy reliance on pallet-based logistics.

ISPM 15 fumigation services from Presto-X 

Presto-X provides certified ISPM 15 fumigation services for exporters across the U.S. Whether you need pallet fumigation for outbound shipments, container fumigation for sea freight, or in-transit fumigation for goods already on the move, our fumigation services team can help you meet compliance requirements and keep shipments on schedule.