ISPM 15 – Wood Packaging

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international phytosanitary standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that regulates wood packaging material used in international trade. The standard aims to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases that can threaten forest resources and native ecosystems in importing countries.

What Wood Packaging Materials Are Covered?

ISPM 15 applies to all coniferous (softwood) and non-coniferous (hardwood) raw wood packaging material thicker than 6mm, including:

  • Pallets and skids
  • Crates and boxes
  • Packing blocks and drums
  • Dunnage (loose wood used to protect or support cargo)
  • Cable reels and spools

Note: The standard excludes processed wood materials such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board, and veneer.

Treatment Requirements

All wood packaging material must be debarked and treated using one of the following approved methods:

  • Heat Treatment (HT): Wood core temperature must reach a minimum of 56°C for at least 30 minutes
  • Methyl Bromide Fumigation (MB): Applied according to specifications in ISPM 15 (note: many countries are phasing out this treatment)

ISPM 15 Marking and Certification

Treated wood packaging must display the internationally recognized IPPC certification mark, which includes:

  • The IPPC logo
  • Country code (e.g., ZA for South Africa)
  • Producer/treatment facility registration number
  • Treatment code (HT or MB)

Example Mark: [IPPC Logo] ZA-XXX HT

South African Compliance Requirements

In South Africa, wood packaging material for export must be:

  • Treated and marked in accordance with ISPM 15 requirements by service providers registered with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) Directorate of Inspection Services
  • Inspected and certified before export

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ISPM 15 standards can result in:

  • Rejection for export certification
  • Interception and rejection by importing countries
  • Consignment returned to country of origin at exporter’s expense
  • Treatment costs in the destination country
  • Potential loss of export markets

Contact Us for ISPM 15 Guidance

For assistance with ISPM 15 compliance for your export shipments, contact our exports team:

Email: exports@pca.co.za
Phone: +27 11 571 0800

Additional Resources

For more information on ISPM 15 requirements:

Important Notes

The DALRRD (Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development) maintains an official database of registered service providers that is regularly updated due to changes in registration status. Exporters are strongly encouraged to verify their service provider’s current registration status before using their services to ensure compliance.

For the most current official list and to verify registration status, contact:

DALRRD Directorate: Inspection Services

  • Tel: 012 309 8753 / 011 971 5117