ISPM 15 Regulations And What They Are

The use of wooden pallets and crates as a means of transporting heavy cargo across the country, and the world, is a highly reliable and low-impact approach. Here at ABC Crates we are proud to deal in wooden Australian boxes and cases but are also aware of some of the risks involved with shipping wood packaging. In order to meet our own high standards for international trade, we work carefully to meet ISPM 15 regulations, to ensure we have done all we can to prevent the spread of timber-based pests and diseases.

What does ISPM 15 mean?

ISPM 15 regulations are a set of codes to prevent the spread of diseases and pets through wood packaging that could have a negative impact on local ecosystems. ISPM 15 stands for the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15 and lays out clear guidelines for the use of wood packing in international trade. This might mean pallets, drums, dunnage, etc, just like our Australian boxes and cases. While ISPM 15 is not compulsory, we believe it is our responsibility to follow this astute set of codes in order to keep international trade safe and secure, just like many international countries including the United Kingdom, the United States, New Zealand, and of course here in Australia.

Wood packaging is affected by ISPM 15

The guidelines laid out in ISPM 15 specifically relate to timber-based diseases and pests that can grow anywhere wood is used, including both softwoods and hardwoods. When preparing our Australian boxes and cases we follow these codes to the letter, and treat all of our wood accordingly while ensuring thorough final checks are carried out before our pallets and other wood products are shipped out. Some wood packaging is, however, exempt because they’re considered low risk; wood shavings and sawdust, processed wood materials, wood packing that is only 6mm thick or less, and heat-treated barrels containing spirits or wine.

What are the regulations?

The specifics of the ISPM 15 regulations focus on how to correctly treat wood materials before and after they are transformed into our Australian boxes and crates, in order to expel pests or diseases they could be hiding. A business also has to be approved by an accredited inspection organisation before it can apply the quality treatment mark after the wood has been treated correctly. ISPM 15 states all wood packaging (that is not exempt) should either be fumigated with methyl bromide, or heat-treated for 30 minutes at 56 degrees celsius. This needs to be done after the wood is debarked to stop a possible re-infestation before and after it is manufactured into packaging.

Australian boxes and Cases

Here at ABC Crates we strive to reach the highest standards for international trade, and take pride in the fact we are certified for all overseas trade through the ISPM 15 regulations. Our many return customers know they can trust our Australian boxes and cases, and have seen how we are adept at following the required processes efficiently in order to deliver the best product on a prompt schedule. For more information about how we follow the ISOM 15 regulations, or for any queries about our Australian boxes and cases, simply get in touch today.