Export · Rules
What is ISPM 15, and why does export wood packing need it?
Most countries will not accept raw wood boxes and pallets unless they are treated and stamped. Here is what the rule says, in plain words.
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ISPM 15 is an international standard for wood packaging used in trade between countries. Its purpose is simple: raw wood can carry insects and plant diseases, and the standard stops them from travelling across borders inside boxes, crates and pallets.
What it covers
- Boxes, crates, pallets, skids, dunnage and cable drums made of solid (raw) wood.
- It does not cover packing made fully of processed wood such as plywood, particle board or veneer, because the glue, heat and pressure used to make them already deal with the risk. A plywood box with solid-wood battens or frames still has wood that needs treatment.
The two approved treatments
- Heat treatment (HT): the centre of the wood is heated to at least 56 °C and held there for at least 30 minutes without a break.
- Fumigation (MB): treatment with methyl bromide. Some buyers and countries prefer or insist on heat treatment, so check with your buyer first.
The stamp on the wood
Treated wood carries a permanent mark that shows the IPPC symbol, the country code, the number of the treatment provider and the treatment code (HT or MB). The wood must also be free of bark. Customs officers look for this mark.
What happens without it
A shipment in untreated or unmarked wood can be held, treated again at the port or sent back, and the cost and delay fall on the exporter. For the sake of a few extra rupees per box, it is not worth the risk.
What to do
Tell us the destination country and what you are shipping. We make the box to size, arrange the ISPM 15 treatment and marking, and tell you which wood suits the job.
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Wooden boxes
Pine, plywood or rubber wood: which box should you choose?
The three woods behave differently. Picking the right one saves money without risking your goods.
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All three are used for export boxes. The right choice depends on how heavy the goods are, how far they travel, how they will be handled and what you want to spend.
Pine and silver wood
- Light, easy to cut and nail, and the most economical.
- A good fit for light and medium loads, for sea and air shipment.
- Solid wood, so it needs ISPM 15 treatment for export.
Plywood
- Flat, even panels that give a neat, clean box and are easy to repeat in numbers.
- Good for light and medium goods that need a smooth finish inside.
- Fully plywood panels do not need ISPM 15 treatment, but any solid-wood frame or batten on the box does.
Rubber wood
- A dense hardwood that is stronger and takes heavy loads.
- Used for interlock boxes that are framed like a cupboard and made to a drawing, for long routes and rough handling.
- Popular for forging, automobile, pump and valve, and engineering goods.
A quick way to decide
- Light goods, short route, tight budget: pine or plywood.
- Heavy machine or component, long sea route: rubber wood interlock box.
- Not sure: send us the size, weight and a photo, and we will suggest one.
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Planning
Wooden box or pallet: which does your shipment need?
A pallet moves goods. A box protects them. Many shipments need one, the other, or both.
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When a pallet is enough
- The goods are sturdy and stack well, such as bagged, boxed or drummed items.
- They will be moved by forklift or pallet truck.
- Stretch wrap and lashing belts hold the load tight on the pallet.
When you need a box or crate
- The goods are valuable, fragile or an awkward shape.
- They need protection from knocks, weight stacked on top, dust and weather.
- A long sea or road journey with several handlings is involved.
Both together
Heavy machinery is often fixed on a base pallet or skid, then closed in a box or crate. Folding pallet frames with aluminium hinges are useful when you ship the same item repeatedly, because they can be reused and folded flat when empty.
Do not forget moisture
Containers sweat during long sea voyages. For metal parts, add a foil cover with silica gel, or VCI film to protect against rust, and use a tarpaulin over open loads. These cost little compared with a rusted consignment.
Not sure what you need?
Send us the size, weight and a photo. Consultancy on the right packing is free.
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