ISPM-15 Compliance: What You Need to Know for International Shipping

If you're shipping goods across international borders on wood pallets, ISPM-15 isn't optional — it's mandatory. Failing to comply can mean your shipment gets rejected at customs, quarantined, or destroyed. Here's everything you need to know.

What Is ISPM-15?

ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It's a set of guidelines developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases through wood packaging materials.

The standard applies to all wood packaging used in international trade, including pallets, crates, dunnage, and skids.

What Does It Require?

All wood packaging must be treated using one of the approved methods:

After treatment, pallets must be stamped with the IPPC mark, which includes:

Which Countries Require It?

Virtually all countries that participate in international trade now enforce ISPM-15. This includes the EU, Canada, Mexico, China, Australia, Japan, and the rest of the major trading nations. If you're shipping on wood pallets internationally, assume compliance is required.

Used Pallets and ISPM-15

Used pallets can be ISPM-15 compliant — they just need to have been properly treated and stamped. When buying used pallets for export use, always verify that the IPPC stamp is present and legible. At Stockton Pallet Co., our Grade A pallets are inspected for ISPM-15 markings, and we clearly label which inventory is export-ready.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Shipping on non-compliant pallets can result in:

Staying Compliant

The easiest way to stay compliant is to source your pallets from a supplier who understands the requirements and can guarantee ISPM-15 treated inventory. Ask for documentation, check the stamps, and keep records of your pallet purchases as part of your export documentation.