FAQ's for Heat Treatment

What does ISPM15 stand for?

Where can I check current ISPM standards for specific countries

Do I need any form of certification to accompany Heat treated pallets?

What does Heat Treatment mean?

IS ISPM 15 treatment of a timber pallet permanent?

Do other countries follow the ISPM 15 treatment standards?

What does ISPM15 stand for?

ISPM15 stands for International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures number 15.

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Where can I check current ISPM standards for specific countries

Further information is available on the ISPM pages of this website.

Timcon, the Timber Packaging and Pallet Confederation, has created a Global guide to ISPM implementation and import regulations for wood packaging materials.

View the current ISPM regulations.

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Do I need any form of certification to accompany Heat treated pallets?

For the majority of countries no, the Heat treated stamp (see below) is sufficient. However China and Australia do request the back-up certificate (phytosanitary note) for pallets entering into the country.

SAMPLE MARK	Country Code
		Unique UKWPMMP Registration No Leading zeros are optional if printing space is limited
		Forestry Commission logo The inclusion of the words'Forestry Commission' is optional if printing space is limited
IPPC logo	Treatment code (as appropriate)

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What does Heat Treatment mean?

The Heat Treatment stamp on a pallet ensures that the timber has been heat treated to a core temperature of 56 ۫C for a minimum of 30 minutes – which is the ISPM15 standard

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IS ISPM 15 treatment of a timber pallet permanent?

Heat or fumigation treatment to ISPM 15 is a one time permanent treatment

A used pallet properly treated and marked does not have to be re-treated.

Pallets can be supplied either untreated, but bark free, for use within the UK or EU countries' borders or treated to meet ISPM 15 requirements. Pallets treated in the UK to ISPM 15 requirements are marked with the unique number of the registrant of the Forestry Commission wood marking programme to ensure traceability.

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Do other countries follow the ISPM 15 treatment standards?

Many countries operate a treatment and marking programme similar to the UK

Many countries operate a treatment and marking programme similar to the UK whereby each pallet can be traced back to a particular country and manufacturer.