Understanding ISPM 15 Regulations for Irish Exporters

For Irish exporters using wooden packaging, understanding ISPM 15 regulations is essential to avoid costly delays, rejected shipments, or fines at international borders. ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) sets out global requirements for treating and marking solid wood packaging material to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through international trade.

What Is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is an internationally recognised standard developed to control the movement of harmful organisms carried in untreated wood. It applies to solid wood packaging such as crates, pallets, cases, dunnage, and timber bracing used in export shipments. The regulation requires that wood packaging be treated and clearly marked before crossing borders.

Why ISPM 15 Matters for Irish Exporters

Ireland exports goods worldwide, often using timber packaging for protection during long-distance transport. Countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and China strictly enforce ISPM 15. Non-compliant packaging can result in shipments being held, re-exported, destroyed, or subject to additional charges—creating delays and damaging customer relationships.

With increased customs checks post-Brexit, ISPM 15 compliance is now more important than ever for Irish companies trading outside the EU.

Approved ISPM 15 Treatments

To meet ISPM 15 requirements, wooden packaging must undergo one of the following approved treatments:

• Heat Treatment (HT) – Wood is heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30 minutes. This is the most common and widely accepted method.
• Dielectric Heating (DH) – Uses microwave or radio frequency energy to treat the wood.

Chemical treatments such as methyl bromide fumigation are largely phased out or restricted in many regions due to environmental concerns.

ISPM 15 Marking Requirements

Once treated, wood packaging must display a permanent and legible ISPM 15 mark. This stamp includes:

• The IPPC symbol
• The country code (e.g. IE for Ireland)
• A unique producer or treatment provider number
• The treatment code (HT or DH)

Missing or incorrect markings are one of the most common reasons shipments fail inspections.

What Packaging Is Exempt?

Not all wood-based materials require ISPM 15 treatment. Exempt items include:

• Plywood, OSB, and MDF
• Corrugated cardboard
• Particle board and other engineered wood products

However, any solid wood components used alongside these materials must still comply.

Best Practices for Irish Exporters

To ensure compliance and reduce risk:

• Work with packaging suppliers that provide fully certified ISPM 15 such as CrateTec heat-treated crates and cases
• Confirm markings are visible and correct before dispatch
• Avoid reusing old pallets or crates unless their compliance can be verified
• Factor ISPM 15 requirements into export planning early to prevent delays

ISPM 15 compliance is not just a regulatory requirement, it’s a critical part of protecting your supply chain and ensuring smooth international trade. For Irish exporters, using correctly treated and marked wooden packaging helps safeguard shipments, maintain customer confidence, and avoid unnecessary costs at borders.

If your business exports goods internationally, making ISPM 15 compliance a standard part of your packaging process is a smart, future-proof decision.

Frequently asked questions