Heat Treatment (ISPM-15)
ISPM-15 heat-treated and stamped pallets for international shipments, available on request through partner suppliers in our network.
Request Heat-Treated Pallets
Tell us the quantity, sizes, destination country, and timeline. We will pass your request to a partner supplier who can supply ISPM-15 stamped pallets, and they will follow up with pricing.
What Is ISPM-15 and Why Does It Matter?
ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, a set of guidelines developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) and administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It establishes the international standard for treating wood packaging material used in global trade.
The purpose of ISPM-15 is straightforward: prevent the international spread of wood-boring insects and plant diseases that could devastate forests and agricultural systems in importing countries. Raw, untreated wood can harbor insects such as the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Pine Wood Nematode, and Emerald Ash Borer, all of which cause massive ecological and economic damage when introduced to new environments.
If you ship goods internationally on wood pallets, crates, or dunnage, ISPM-15 compliance is not optional. Most countries that import goods on wood packaging require it, and customs authorities enforce it. Shipments arriving on non-compliant wood packaging can be refused at the border, quarantined, or destroyed, resulting in costly delays, reshipping fees, and potential loss of goods.
Why Heat Treatment Is Required for Exports
ISPM-15 recognizes two approved treatment methods for wood packaging material: heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB). Methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance and its use is restricted in many countries, which makes heat treatment the more widely used method.
Heat treatment works because the sustained high temperature kills all life stages of wood-boring insects and pathogens, including eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults. Unlike chemical treatments, heat treatment leaves no chemical residue and generally does not affect the wood's structural properties.
Countries that require ISPM-15 compliance include the European Union member states, Canada, Mexico, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, and the United States also requires incoming wood packaging to be ISPM-15 compliant. Rules change, so check current regulations for your destination.
The Heat Treatment Process
Kiln Loading
Pallets are loaded into a heat treatment kiln with spacing that allows air to circulate and heat to reach the whole load evenly.
Core Temperature Heating
The kiln heats the wood until the core temperature of every piece reaches a minimum of 56 degrees Celsius (132.8 degrees Fahrenheit). This is not the ambient air temperature; it is the temperature at the center of the thickest piece of wood in the load, measured by embedded probes.
30-Minute Hold
Once the core reaches 56 degrees Celsius, the temperature is maintained for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This sustained exposure is what kills all insect life stages and pathogens within the wood.
Cooling and Stamping
After treatment, pallets are cooled and stamped with the official IPPC mark that includes the treating facility's identification number, the country code, and the HT treatment designation. This stamp is what customs inspectors look for.
Treatment Specifications
- Minimum Core Temperature
- 56°C (132.8°F)
- Minimum Hold Time
- 30 continuous minutes
- Treatment Code
- HT (Heat Treatment)
- Standard
- ISPM-15 / IPPC
- Monitoring
- Core temperature probes
- Documentation
- IPPC mark on the wood
The IPPC Stamp
After heat treatment, pallets receive the official IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) mark. This stamp is recognized by customs authorities worldwide and serves as proof that the wood packaging material has been treated in accordance with ISPM-15 requirements.
The mark includes several key pieces of information: the IPPC logo (a wheat sheaf symbol), the two-letter country code (US for United States), a unique identification number assigned to the treating facility by its accredited agency, and the treatment code HT indicating heat treatment was applied.
The stamp is typically applied to at least two opposite sides of the pallet and must be legible, permanent, and not capable of being transferred to another piece of packaging. Treaters use stenciling or hot branding so stamps stay readable through the pallet's service life.
Some treaters can also provide treatment documentation on request. It is worth asking for if you ship to countries with strict inspection regimes, but the stamp on the wood is what inspectors check first.
International Compliance
ISPM-15 compliance extends beyond just the pallets themselves. The standard applies to all wood packaging material in international trade, including crates, boxes, dunnage, and any sawn wood thicker than 6mm used to support or contain cargo.
Partner suppliers in our network can supply new heat-treated pallets, heat-treated custom pallets, and crating for oversized or specialty shipments. Some can also treat existing pallets, dunnage, or blocking material. Ask in your request.
If your business exports regularly, ask the partner supplier whether they can keep treated pallets in your sizes ready for delivery, which can shorten your lead time. For more on pallet grades, sizes, and markings, see our Pallet Standards page.
Lead Times
Lead time depends on the supplier. Pallets already treated and in stock can move quickly, while new builds need time for manufacturing plus a kiln cycle.
Include your ship date in your request so a partner supplier can tell you what is realistic. If you export often, planning ahead or keeping a small stock of treated pallets helps avoid last-minute delays.
Pricing
Heat-treated pallets usually cost somewhat more than untreated pallets of the same size and grade, because of the kiln time and stamping involved. Larger batches often cost less per pallet.
Pricing is set by the partner supplier who quotes your order and varies by supplier. Ordering treated pallets as part of a new pallet order is often simpler than treating pallets separately.
Requirements by Destination
ISPM-15 is a global standard, but inspection practice and additional requirements, such as bark-free wood or extra paperwork, vary by country and change over time. Check current regulations for your destination with your freight forwarder or the importing country's plant protection agency, and include the destination in your request.
Understanding the IPPC Certification Mark
The IPPC mark is the internationally recognized stamp that customs inspectors look for. Here is a breakdown of what each element means and where it appears on the pallet.
Mark Components (Left to Right)
IPPC Symbol
Wheat sheaf logo identifying the mark as an official IPPC-regulated stamp
Country Code
Two-letter ISO code for the country where treatment was performed
Facility ID
Unique number assigned to the treating facility
Treatment Code
HT = Heat Treatment. DB = Debarked (may appear alongside HT)
The mark is typically applied to at least two opposite sides of each treated pallet using stenciling or hot branding. Hot branding produces a long-lasting mark that resists fading. Stenciling is faster and equally acceptable under ISPM-15.
Stamps must be clearly legible, durable, and non-transferable. A common reason for customs rejection is stamps that have faded, been painted over, or are placed on removable components. Stamping directly on the stringer or main frame member helps keep the mark in place.
Common Mistakes Exporters Make with Wood Packaging
Using untreated pallets for export
The most common and costly mistake. Shipments are held at customs, quarantined, or destroyed. Always verify the HT stamp before loading export containers.
Repairing treated pallets with untreated lumber
If you replace boards on a heat-treated pallet with untreated wood, the entire pallet loses its ISPM-15 compliance. Replacement boards must also be heat treated.
Stamp placement on removable components
Stamps on deck boards that might be replaced during the pallet life cycle can render the mark invalid. Stamps should be on stringers or permanent frame members.
Assuming domestic pallets are export-ready
Standard recycled pallets used for domestic shipping are not heat treated unless specifically ordered that way. Never assume a pallet is compliant without verifying the stamp.
Forgetting about dunnage and blocking
ISPM-15 applies to ALL wood packaging material, not just pallets. Blocking, bracing, dunnage, and crating wood all require treatment if they are thicker than 6mm.
Relying on old treatment certificates
Inspectors check the IPPC mark on the wood itself. Paperwork alone does not replace a legible stamp on each piece of wood packaging.
Heat Treatment vs. Methyl Bromide Fumigation
Both methods are approved under ISPM-15, but they differ in environmental impact, handling, and acceptance.
| Factor | Heat Treatment (HT) | Methyl Bromide (MB) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Kiln heating to 56°C core for 30 min | Chemical gas fumigation |
| Environmental impact | No chemical residue | Ozone-depleting substance |
| Global acceptance | Widely accepted worldwide | Restricted in many countries; check current regulations |
| Worker safety | No chemical exposure risk | Toxic gas, requires PPE and ventilation |
Heat treatment is the safer and more widely accepted of the two methods, so HT-stamped pallets are the practical choice for export wood packaging. When you request export pallets through SD Re Pallet, ask for HT-stamped pallets.
Exporting From San Diego?
Make sure your wood packaging meets ISPM-15 requirements. Request heat-treated pallets and a partner supplier in our network will follow up.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get ISPM-15 compliant pallets through you?
Yes. Partner suppliers in our network can supply ISPM-15 heat-treated and stamped pallets on request. SD Re Pallet does not treat pallets itself.
Will I get a treatment certificate?
Some treaters provide treatment documentation on request. If your buyer or freight forwarder needs paperwork, mention it in your request so the supplier can confirm.
What sizes are available heat-treated?
Common sizes such as 48x40, 42x42, and 48x48 are usually available, and custom builds can often be treated too. Include your size in your request.
How long does it take to get heat-treated pallets?
It depends on whether the supplier has treated pallets in stock or needs to build and treat them. Mention your ship date and a partner supplier will follow up about timing.
Is fumigation used?
Heat treatment (HT) uses heat rather than chemicals. Ask for HT-stamped pallets, which are widely accepted; methyl bromide fumigation is being phased out in many countries.
Can my existing pallets be heat-treated and stamped?
Some treaters will treat customer-supplied pallets after checking they are in suitable condition. Ask in your request and we will pass it on.
Who is responsible for treatment records?
The facility that treats and stamps the pallets is responsible for its treatment records under its IPPC registration.
Does heat treatment affect pallet strength?
Heat treatment at ISPM-15 temperatures generally does not weaken pallets. Damaged pallets should still be repaired or replaced before use.
Can stenciling or labels be added?
Some suppliers can add stencils or labels. Make sure any added marking does not cover or obscure the IPPC stamp.
Can treated pallets be held until we need them?
Some suppliers can hold treated stock and deliver on call. Ask about this if you export on a regular schedule.