ISPM 15: What Does it Mean For your Packaging And Shipping Choices?

NICKLIN were the first manufacturer of timber transit packaging companies in Europe to be registered under the UK Wood Material Marking Programme. They provide a range of ISPM 15 compliant wooden pallets, creates and packing cases and can provide up to date, extensive knowledge on the standards. For more information or to view their range of products please visit the Nicklin website.

These standards are enforced across much of the world, with an up to date list of countries who apply ISPM 15 to their imported packaging available on the Timcon website.

All ISPM 15 compliant packaging must feature a stamp that shows what country it comes from, the NPPO’s unique certification number, how it has been treated – i.e. HT will denote that the packaging has been heat treated – and any other relevant information.

In order to become compliant, timber must be heat treated to a minimum core temperature of 56oC for a minimum period of 30 minutes.

ISPM 15 standards are designed to reduce the risk of transferring foreign pests or wood diseases from one country to another via unprocessed raw wood. Problems include funguses that can attack and destroy native species of plants and trees and beetle larvae that can be easily transported in timber packaging, which will not only do damage to other trees but may also harm animals and human beings.

All wooden materials used to transport goods between countries will need to comply with these standards. This includes timber pallets, wooden crates and boxes, made from both softwood and hardwood.