Resources
Solid Wood Packaging Material
Resources
Solid Wood Packaging Material
Solid Wood Packaging Material Compliance
Keep Your Cargo Moving With ISPM 15-Compliant Wood Packaging
SWPM FAQ's
What is Solid Wood Packaging Materials?
Solid wood packaging material, often referred to as WPM, is wood used to support, protect, secure, or transport cargo.
Common examples include:
- Wood pallets and pallet collars
Wooden crates, cases, boxes, and bins
Skids
Wood reels and drums
Load boards
Blocking and bracing
Dunnage used to secure cargo inside a container
When this packaging is used in international trade, it may need to comply with International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, commonly known as ISPM 15.
Why is ISPM 15 Required?
Untreated solid wood can contain insects, larvae, and other pests capable of spreading into forests and agricultural environments in another country.
ISPM 15 establishes internationally recognized treatment and marking requirements intended to reduce that risk.
Compliance is not determined by the commodity being shipped. Even if the product itself is not agricultural, the wood used to package or secure it can still be regulated.
What Does Compliant Wood Packaging Require?
For regulated wood packaging entering the United States, the material generally must be:
Debarked
Wood packaging must meet ISPM 15 requirements regarding the removal of bark.
Properly Treated
The wood must undergo an approved phytosanitary treatment.
One of the most common methods is heat treatment (HT), in which the wood reaches the required core temperature for the specified amount of time.
Other approved treatments may be available depending on the country and treatment facility.
Properly Marked
After treatment, compliant wood packaging must display the official ISPM 15/IPPC mark applied by an authorized facility.
The mark identifies information including:
- The IPPC symbol
- Country of treatment
- Authorized producer or treatment provider
- Treatment method, such as HT
The mark should be clearly visible and legible on the packaging.
What Should an ISPM 15 Mark Look Like?
A compliant mark normally contains the IPPC symbol along with a code similar to:
US-00000 HT
Where:
US — Country code
00000 — Registered producer or treatment facility
HT — Heat treated
The exact number and layout will vary depending on the country and certified facility.
An ISPM 15 mark cannot simply be printed, painted, or added by the shipper. It must be applied under an authorized certification program.
Before Your Shipment Moves
The best time to address wood packaging compliance is before the cargo is packed or loaded.
We recommend that international shippers:
1. Identify All Wood Packaging
Check pallets, crates, skids, blocking, bracing, dunnage, and any other solid wood used with the shipment.
2. Confirm ISPM 15 Requirements
Requirements can vary depending on the destination country. Confirm what applies before preparing the shipment.
3. Use an Accredited Provider
Purchase compliant packaging from an authorized supplier or arrange treatment through an approved treatment facility.
4. Inspect the Packaging
Verify that required ISPM 15 marks are present, visible, and legible.
Also inspect the wood for signs of pests, excessive bark, insect holes, sawdust-like residue, or other evidence of infestation.
5. Verify Before Loading
Do not wait until the container has arrived at the port or cargo has reached the destination to discover a packaging problem.
Taking a few minutes to verify the packaging beforehand can prevent considerably more expensive problems later.
What Happens If the Wood Packging Is Not Compliant?
Noncompliant solid wood packaging can cause significant disruption to an international shipment.
Depending on the circumstances and instructions from regulatory authorities, corrective action may include:
- Additional inspection
- Safeguarding or treatment
- Removal and destruction of the wood packaging
- Repacking or replacement
- Storage and handling charges
- Shipment delays
- Re-exportation of the shipment
For cargo entering the United States, USDA APHIS and U.S. Customs and Border Protection may issue an Emergency Action Notification (EAN) when wood packaging fails to meet applicable requirements.
Addressing the packaging at origin is almost always easier than correcting the problem after arrival.
Not All Packaging Is Regulated
Several engineered or non-wood packaging materials generally fall outside the solid wood packaging requirements.
Alternatives may include:
- Plywood
- Pressboard
- Oriented strand board (OSB)
- Hardboard
- Laminated or engineered wood products
- Plastic pallets
- Metal frames
- Synthetic foam
- Inflatable dunnage
For businesses that regularly experience wood packaging compliance issues, changing packaging materials may sometimes provide a simpler long-term solution.
How Earth Services Can Help
Solid wood packaging problems often involve more than simply finding a stamp on a pallet. Our team can help you review your shipment before it moves and determine what steps may be necessary to reduce the risk of delays or regulatory issues.
We can assist with:
Packaging Requirement Review
Determine whether the wood packaging associated with your shipment may be subject to ISPM 15 or destination-country requirements.
Pre-Shipment Compliance Guidance
Review packaging plans and help identify potential compliance issues before cargo is loaded.
Treatment & Packaging Coordination
Assist in identifying appropriate treatment, replacement, repacking, or compliant packaging options when necessary.
Import & Export Support
Coordinate wood packaging requirements alongside your customs clearance and international freight arrangements.
Noncompliance Assistance
If a shipment encounters a wood packaging issue, Earth Services can help coordinate with the parties involved to determine available corrective options and next steps.
Avoid a Packaging Problem Before It Becomes a Shipping Problem
If your international shipment uses wood pallets, crates, blocking, bracing, skids, or dunnage, confirm compliance before the cargo moves.
Send Earth Services your origin, destination, commodity, and type of packaging, and our team can help you determine the next steps.
Have questions about your wood packaging?
Contact Earth Services before shipping and let us help you identify potential compliance issues early.
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