The regulations, known worldwide as ISPM 15 and recognised by the World Trade Organisation, are intended to prevent the spread of pests and diseases throughout the world.

ISPM 15 originated from the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) which is a multilateral treaty aiming to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products – and to promote appropriate measures for their control. The ISPM 15 standard requires softwood and hardwood packaging to be heat treated or fumigated to kill insects or fungus prior to export.

All shipments using any species of solid sawn wood packaging must be heat treated (or fumigated if allowed) by the final assembler and stamped with the approved stamp before being allowed entry to or crossing through a participating country. Shipments going to any of the listed countries after their implementation dates can be stopped at the border if they do not have the proper stamps on the unit.

The stamps show customs that all solid wood packaging material has been treated to meet the new global ISPM 15 requirements. Non compliance can be a serious problem. Many customs have said they can turn back, repackage or destroy items that do not meet the standards. Delays and costs will be the responsibility of the shipper of record.

For example, the United States standard requires immediate re-export of non-compliant products with no exceptions.

The regulations break down into two key areas – export and treatment documents. Exactly how many documents are required varies from country to country and you can find out the precise requirements by clicking on your chosen country from the country guide.

The export document is known as the Phytosanitary Certificate and is governed under the International Plant Protection Convention.