Plant Pests
Heat treatment or fumigation of solid wood packaging helps prevent the transport of plant pests from one country to another.
Heat Treatment
The heating process must achieve a minimum wood core temperature of 56° Celsius (greater than 130°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Fumigation
Fumigation of pallets and crates using methyl bromide is also an acceptable practice, but not as widely used as heat treatment.
Requirements
Treated pallets must display the IPPC mark. Some countries require extra paperwork or bark treatment in addition to treating.
Delays for Exempt Materials
Plywood and OSB are exempt and do not require IPPC stamps. Sounds great until an import inspector doesn't recognize the material as exempt. Our experts help you avoid the pitfalls of exporting all wood materials.
Talk to a Pallet ProISPM-15 Current Requirements
Something as small as not having IPPC stencils on both sides of your wood pallet or crate can hold up your export shipment. Wood dunnage has special requirements.
ISPM-15 is the international standard requiring pallet heat treatment or fumigation.
Treated pallets are marked in a visible location with a legible and permanent mark approved by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). This mark certifies that the wood pallets meet approved treatment standards.
Exporters are always at the mercy of inspectors at the receiving country, even with proper treatment or exempt materials.
To avoid solid wood packaging export issues, familiarize yourself with requirements and always work with a reputable pallet supplier.
Resources
ISPM-15 Exempt Plastic Export Pallets
Plastic pallets have guaranteed acceptance at all ports. Use for one-way shipping or as part of our return program.
Emerald Ash Borer
Native to China and eastern Asia, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring beetle that targets ash trees. It is believed the beetle hitched a ride into North America hidden in wood packing materials. The EAB poses a significant risk to agriculture and forests.
The EAB is a very small but very destructive beetle. Metallic green in color, its slender body measures 1/2 inch in length and 1/8 inch wide. The average adult beetle can easily fit on a penny.
It was first detected in July 2002 in southeastern Michigan and has since been found in 30 US states. All 16 native ash species are susceptible to attack. In Virginia, ash nursery stock with EAB exit holes and galleries was discovered but no actual lifestage was found. The trees were removed and the area monitored.
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