Confused about ISPM-15 regulations for international shipping? This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know, from what it is to compliant packaging options and cost-saving alternatives. Navigate international trade smoothly with expert advice!
What is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15, or the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15, aims to curb the spread of pests and diseases via wood in global trade packaging. These regulations specify criteria for using wood in various packaging forms like boxes, crates, pallets, and drums for international shipments.
The rules mandate that all non-exempt wood packaging, regardless of type (hardwood or softwood), undergo heat treatment and fumigation.
Only accredited businesses can apply the quality treatment mark. Wood for packaging must be debarked before treatment to prevent re-infestation while waiting for processing or after manufacture. Once treated and marked, further treatment is unnecessary unless the wood is repaired or re-infested.
Why is ISPM-15?
A growing concern emerged around the world regarding the spread of pests and diseases carried through wood packaging in international trade. These wood-borne threats posed a risk to plant life and ecosystems in various countries. In response to this concern, ISPM-15 was developed.
ISPM-15 stamp on wooden pallet.
While not a compulsory regulation, ISPM-15 has been widely adopted by leading countries involved in international trade, including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This set of guidelines aims to minimize the risk of these pests and diseases spreading by establishing protocols for wood packaging materials used in international shipping.
Popular ISPM-15 Exempt Material Handling Options
While ISPM-15 ensures pest-free wood packaging, there are some excellent exempt materials that offer cost-saving benefits.
Heat-Treated Lumber Pallets: If your pallets are constructed from lumber that has already undergone heat treatment, the finished product might be exempt from further treatment depending on the importing country's regulations. This eliminates the need for additional fumigation or heat treatment, streamlining the shipping process.
Eco-Pallets: like our 48x40 NetZero pallets are crafted from recycled agriculture waste, or other non-wood materials. Since they don't contain solid wood, they're typically exempt from ISPM-15. This translates to significant cost savings compared to traditional wooden pallets, as treatment fees are eliminated.
Plastic Pallets: These pallets are manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), offering a strong and durable alternative to wood. Since they're not made from solid wood, they generally fall under the ISPM-15 exemption category. This eliminates the need for fumigation or heat treatment, simplifying the shipping process and reducing costs.
Fully-circular of using coconut waste for making NetZero pallets.
Using eco pallets not only helps protect the environment, minimizing the number of trees cut down and the CO2 emissions produced, but also saves costs by eliminating the need for heat treatment and fumigation.
Which Wood Packaging Does ISPM-15 Impact?
ISPM-15 regulations apply to both hardwood (non-coniferous) and softwood (coniferous) wood packaging. However, certain materials are exempt due to their low-risk classification. These include:
Sawdust, wood wool, and wood shavings
Wood packaging made entirely from processed wood material
Wood packaging less than 6mm thick
Veneer peeler core
Gift boxes crafted from processed wood
Heat-treated barrels containing wine or spirits
Important Pallet ISPM-15 Treatment
Methyl Bromide Treatment
Methyl Bromide (highly toxic gas) fumigation is a common method for treating wooden crates. The maximum thickness of the treated wood cannot exceed 200 millimeters (mm).
The fumigation process typically involves placing wooden crates inside a sealed enclosure with gas-tight sheets. Strategically placed lines monitor gas concentration throughout the exposure period.
Methy Bromide is the highly toxic gas.
The required dosage of Methyl Bromide (48 grams per cubic meter) is administered based on the total volume of the enclosure. The fumigation is maintained for a 24-hour exposure period. Finally, the treated crates are marked with a legible ISPM-15 stamp for verification.
The process requires specialized facilities and expertise, leading to higher treatment fees compared to alternative methods like heat treatment. Additionally, some countries are phasing out Methyl Bromide due to environmental concerns, potentially limiting its availability and increasing costs in the future.
Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is an endorsed phytosanitary method under ISPM-15 guidelines for pest control in timber packing. Various goods are packed in wooden materials for shipment worldwide, but untreated timber packing can inadvertently spread pests between countries.
The facilities are specifically designed for heat treatment.
During heat treatment, wooden packing materials are placed in a chamber where hot air maintains a temperature of 56 degrees Celsius throughout the process. Approved heat treatment facilities offer services for exporters preferring this method, particularly favored by many European countries for imported wooden packing materials.
Heat treatment offers a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to Methyl Bromide fumigation. This method involves raising the core temperature of the wood to a specific level for a set time, effectively eliminating pests without the use of harsh chemicals.
Antifungal Treatment
Excessive moisture in packing wood can lead to fungus growth, especially if the wood's moisture content exceeds 18%. This can occur during transit and poses a risk when containers are opened at the destination port. Heavy fungus growth not only hampers cargo clearance but also poses health risks to port workers due to its unhygienic nature and strong odor.
Ordinary Methyl Bromide fumigation doesn't tackle fungus; it's only effective against live insects and pests. To prevent fungal growth, wooden packing materials should undergo antifungal treatment with suitable fungicides before shipment, or the wood should be kiln-dried.
Antifungal treatments applied to pallets help prevent the growth of mold and fungi, ensuring the integrity and safety of transported goods.
Rubberwood has a tendency to absorb moisture rapidly, making it prone to fungus. However, using other woods like pine or silver oak can reduce fungus issues, especially if they're kiln-dried. Kiln-dried pine wood is considered ideal for packing, while hardwood options like mango wood or jungle wood should also be kiln-dried and treated before use.
It's crucial to carefully source dried wood for making wooden crates to avoid moisture-related problems during transit.
NetZero Pallet ®
Singapore Office
Email: hi@airxcarbon.com
Location: 10 Anson Road, International Plaza, Singapore
Postal Code: 07990
Comments