Why this matters
A pipe fitting shipment can sit at port for weeks — and even be re-exported at the importer's cost — because of one untreated wooden pallet. ISPM-15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15), published by the IPPC under the FAO, governs wood packaging in international trade. More than 130 countries enforce it, including all major destinations for Chinese pipe fittings: USA, Canada, Mexico, the EU, UK, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, and the GCC states. This guide explains ISPM-15 wood packing requirements, the stamp content, and what a buyer should write into the PO.
Understanding ISPM-15 wood packing requirements upfront prevents last-mile customs holds.
Method-by-method ISPM-15 compliance
1. Material scope. ISPM-15 applies to all coniferous and non-coniferous solid wood packaging > 6 mm thick: pallets, crates, boxes, dunnage, drums, spools. Excluded: plywood, OSB, particleboard, veneer (heat-processed during manufacture), and packaging entirely from wood ≤ 6 mm.
2. Debarking. All wood packaging must be debarked. Small wane is allowed (< 3 cm wide) per the ISPM-15 explanatory document.
3. Treatment options. Two approved treatments:
- Heat Treatment (HT): wood core temperature ≥ 56 °C for at least 30 continuous minutes.
