ISPM 15: Heat Treatment for Export Pallets

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a global standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), a body of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). It was introduced after several high-profile invasive species events caused billions of dollars of damage worldwide — most notably the spread of the Asian longhorn beetle and pine wood nematode via timber packaging.

The standard requires that timber packaging material (WPM) be treated to eliminate all life stages of insects and prevent the spread of plant diseases across international borders.

Heat Treatment Requirements

The primary approved treatment method is heat treatment (HT). The requirement is that the wood core temperature reaches 56°C and is maintained for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This must be measured with calibrated thermocouples placed at the coolest point in the timber load during the treatment cycle.

Treatment records must be retained and the process conducted by an accredited provider authorised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) in Australia.

The ISPM 15 Mark

Compliant pallets must carry a permanent branded mark (not painted, printed or stickered) on at least two opposing sides. The mark contains:

• The IPPC wheat symbol — the international mark of compliance
• AU — the ISO country code
• Producer/treatment provider number — assigned by DAFF
• HT — indicating heat treatment (or MB for methyl bromide)

Example: 🌾 AU-0123 HT

Methyl Bromide (MB) — Being Phased Out

Methyl bromide (MB) fumigation was the alternative treatment method. It is being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties. Many importing countries no longer accept MB-treated material. Heat treatment (HT) is the recommended method for all new pallet procurement.

Who Administers ISPM 15 in Australia?

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) administers the ISPM 15 program in Australia. Accredited providers are listed on the DAFF website. Re-treatment of existing pallets is permitted but must also be performed by an accredited provider and the original mark must be updated or removed.

Which Materials Are Exempt?

Plastic pallets, metal pallets and plywood (made from thin layers of wood with adhesive) are exempt from ISPM 15 requirements as they don't provide habitat for wood-boring insects. Plastic pallets are often preferred for export precisely because they avoid ISPM 15 compliance costs.