At a glance

• ISPM 15 prevents pest spread through wood packaging in international trade.
• Heat treatment, dielectric heating, and fumigation are approved pest control methods.
• ISPM 15-certified pallets must have a visible, standardised mark with treatment details.
• Non-compliance can lead to fines, shipment rejection, or trade restrictions.
• Australia enforces strict biosecurity measures under the AWPCS certification system.

If your business relies on wooden pallets for shipping and storage, compliance with ISPM 15 is essential, especially for international trade.

It’s because without proper treatments, your wooden pallets could be carrying pests that threaten ecosystems. The last thing you want is for your shipment to be rejected at the border. Or worse, face costly fines.

The ISPM 15 standard is a global regulation initiative to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging materials.

So, let’s break down what ISPM 15 means, why it matters, and how your business can stay ahead of potential risks.

What is ISPM 15 Standard?

ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15) is a globally recognised standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Its main objective is to manage the risk of pest movement through wood packaging materials (WPM), including Wooden Pallets, using NPPO-approved treatments.

In Australia, manufacturers and suppliers must comply with this standard to ensure that wooden pallets used for international trade meet strict biosecurity standards.

What are the standard requirements of ISPM 15 for Wooden Pallets?

Over 70 countries, including Australia, the US, Canada, and the EU, have adopted ISPM 15 to protect their ecosystems from invasive species. If your wooden pallets don’t meet these standards, your shipments could face customs rejection, penalties, or mandatory fumigation at your expense.

In Australia, the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) that is developed by the Department of Agriculture, allows the Australian treatment providers to produce wooden pallets that meet ISPM 15 requirements. Then, under this scheme, those who meet the standards are authorised to apply an internationally recognised mark to their products.

You must submit your application to accredited certification bodies like AsureQuality, AUS-QUAL, Global-Mark, BSI, EWPAA, International Standards Certifications, SGS, and SAI Global. These certification bodies conduct assessments and onsite audits before granting approval.

To obtain the ISPM 15 certification for wooden pallets in Australia, you must meet the following requirements.

• Woods must be debarked.
• Verified pest treatments must be used as per ISPM 15 guidelines.
• All treatments must comply with the AWPCS regulations.
• Comply with safety codes and legislation according to the state where the treatment is performed.
• All treated pallets must have ISPM 15 stamps marked correctly.

Approved Treatment of ISPM 15 Standard

Wood is naturally susceptible to pest infestations, which can pose significant risks. That’s why, to control the spread of such pests, ISPM 15 standard adopts the internationally accepted phytosanitary measures for treatment. Usually, the process of wood pallets is treating, manufacturing, and marking.

There are three approved treatments that successfully eliminate pests present in wood like Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, Siricidae, Scolytidae, Lyctidae, Bostrichidae Buprestidae, Cerambycidae, Curculionidae, Isoptera etc. Let’s explore them below.

Heat Treatment (HT)

Heat Treatment involves heating pallets for at least 30 minutes at a minimum temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) to eliminate the pests. This process is carried out using conventional heat chamber technology or kiln-drying steam, which has been approved by the NPPO (National Plant Protection Organization).

Compared to other techniques, heat treatment is more environmentally friendly because it does not involve any chemicals. That’s why the wooden pallets that use this treatment are ideal for industries like food, pharmacies, agriculture, and many more.

At Waterstone Holdings, our wooden pallets are heat-treated and fully compliant with ISPM 15 standards.

Dielectric Heating

Next, dielectric heating is also a kind of heat treatment that avoids pest infestation using electromagnetic waves. Here, microwaves or radio waves heat the wood for one continuous minute at a minimum temperature of 60°C.

Dielectric heating is specifically more useful for smaller and irregularly shaped woods because it heats the wood evenly. Plus, you can achieve a 100% pest kill rate without compromising the wood’s structural integrity.

Methyl Bromide Fumigation (MB)

Methyl Bromide Fumigation (MB) is a chemical used to treat pests in wooden pallets. Woods are placed in an airtight container, administering the methyl bromide gas of 48 grams per cubic for 24 hours. The gas penetrates the wood and kills pests of all life stages. After treatment, the wood is aerated to remove the residual gas to make it safe to use.

While MB fumigation is effective in eliminating pests, it raises environmental concerns like ozone depletion. That’s why some regions have even discontinued this treatment. Also, wooden pallets treated with this approach might not be safe to use for food and pharmaceutical industries due to the potential chemical residues.

ISPM 15 Marking Standard for Wooden Pallet

Once you meet the ISPM 15 standard requirements, you can mark the certification on the wooden pallets. But, keep in mind that you must stamp the mark in a visible location, in a rectangular shape, and surrounded by the border lines with vertical lines separating the IPPC logo from country information. Also, refrain from using hand-drawn marks or other information within the border. Make sure it’s permanently affixed to the wood.

Internationally recognised certification marks should contain information like:

• IPPC symbol: Certification symbol on the left side that shows the compliance of ISPM 15
• Country code: Two-letter code that represents the country where the treatment was performed. Example (AU for Australia)
• Unique certification number: Traceable identification number assigned by the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO)
• Treatment code: Treatment methods used include MT (Methyl Bromide Fumigation), HT (Heat Treatment), DT (Dielectric Heating), etc.

For Instance, IPCC | AU – 1234 – HT

Consequences of Non-Compliance of ISPM 15

Failing to comply with ISPM 15 can result in severe consequences like hefty fines and penalties. As per Biosecurity Import Conditions (BICON), Australia requires all packaging to be free from biosecurity risk material.  If your packaging shows signs of pest infestation, authorities may order for treatment, export or destruction.

Moreover, non-compliance can cause supply chain disruptions as the products may be detained at borders. Even worse, the government may impose trade bans, which could lead to significant financial and operational losses.

Buy Wooden Pallets at Waterstone Holdings

Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to your wooden pallets. If you’re in search of premium wooden pallets, we offer ISPM-certified pallets at Waterstone Holdings that meet international standards. Choose from Euro, Racking, Custom, or Export Pallets—all built to last and designed for your specific needs. Get in touch with us now to place your order!