Given its abundance and functionality, international trade frequently uses wood as a packaging material for various goods. However, this common practice can present significant phytosanitary problems. Insects and fungi can proliferate in the wood, threatening the ecosystems in which these goods arrive.

Wood not adequately processed or certified for packing can be a vehicle for bacteria and cause serious health problems when imported into another country. This concern led to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures  ISPM 15 in 2002. This rule was considered to minimize the danger of introducing and spreading quarantine pests associated with wood packaging materials in international trade.

But what do these regulations imply, and what is their importance? We will address these issues in detail throughout this article. With this, we seek to provide a deeper understanding of the worldwide standards that govern the use of wood in packaging and how they contribute to intercontinental health protection.

Wood packaging certificates: what is ISPM 15?

When discussing wood packaging certificates, we must talk about ISPM 15. As we already mentioned, these acronyms represent the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures. It is a series of general standards that establish guiding principle for the treatment of wood used in packaging to avoid the spread of pests and diseases.

It describes the phytosanitary measures with which the risk of introducing or spreading wood-related pests can be reduced. It is where its importance lies since poorly processed wood could cause the spread of problems such as the pine beetle or the Asian wood weevil, which can have severe consequences for local ecosystems in a country.

What are the main points of ISPM 15?

The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM 15) establish critical guidelines for the management of wood used in packaging, focusing on three key aspects to minimize the risk of spreading pests globally:

• ● Phytosanitary Treatment: Any wood used for packaging must be subjected to relevant treatments such as heat or an appropriate insecticide to eradicate all pests. These methods ensure that the wood is safe for use and transport.
• ● Official Marking: Wood treated by ISPM 15 must be marked with an official stamp. This stamp validates that the wood has undergone the necessary treatment procedures, providing fast and reliable recognition of its compliance.
• ● Documentation: Maintaining detailed documentation proving that the wood has been treated correctly is essential. This documentation is concrete evidence for the competent authorities, ensuring traceability and transparency.

This set of rules is designed to facilitate international trade while allowing the protection of local ecosystems against potentially harmful pests. Its compliance is a legal responsibility and a commitment to global sustainability.

What packaging is regulated by the ISPM 15 standard?

The ISPM 15 standard should apply to packaging that, in whole or in part, is made from wood that has not been sufficiently treated to kill all pests, often referred to as “raw wood.”

This type of wood can carry harmful organisms that could be introduced and spread in the destination country. The types of packaging regulated by the ISPM 15 standard include:

• Storage containers (bins)
• Support structures (grills)
• pallets
• Transport boxes (cages)
• Frames
• Reinforced plastic boxes (crates)
• Drawers
• Loading platforms (pallets)
• Large capacity containers (tote bins)
• Reels for cables or wires
• Wood stacking (stowage)

There are also other types of packaging, such as boxes, which are regulated by this standard. However, these are the most common cases. It should be noted that certain types of wood, such as wood processed to the point of being pest free (for example, plywood), are exempt from ISPM 15.

Ultimately, it is up to the trader and the competent bodies to verify the compliance of the packaging with the standard.

Compliance with international wood packaging standards

To ensure compliance with international wood packaging standards, it is essential to adhere to ISPM 15..

Wood treatment can include thermal and chemical methods. Thermal methods involve heating the wood to 56°C for half an hour, effectively killing many harmful organisms.

Chemical methods, on the other hand, involve the use of environmentally friendly and human-safe chemicals to treat the wood and eliminate any potential pests.

In addition to these treatments, it is essential that the wood is fully debarked and that any holes in the wood do not exceed 3mm in diameter. These additional steps help ensure that no harmful organisms remain in the wood after treatment.

Key considerations and requirements for exporting wood packaging products to international markets

Traders need to be prepared before they start exporting wood packaging products. To certify this type of packaging and comply with ISPM 15, they must ensure that it has been treated with one of the following processes:

• Conventional heat treatment (code HT)
• Dielectric heating (DH)
• Approved alternative methods that do not involve methyl bromide, according to each country’s specific regulations.

In addition, detailed records of fumigation and other treatment operations must be kept for at least five years. These records must include information about the treatment operators, the concentrations used, and the corresponding temperatures, guaranteeing the traceability of the product.

Heat treatments are carried out in specialized facilities, which may vary in design and technology, but all must comply with ISPM 15 standards to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is important to note that obtaining a wood packaging certification can greatly facilitate shipping processes, as it provides verifiable proof that the packaging meets international standards. An essential part of this test is a recognizable mark, which indicates that the product has undergone the necessary treatments and complies with international standards.

Create an adequate supply chain: work with certified suppliers

The success of wood products needs to have a proper supply chain backed by a wood packaging certificate. This certificate is crucial as it ensures that the wooden packaging complies with international safety and quality standards.

Wood packaging certification not only adds credibility to your product but also makes logistics work easier. Planning each shipment for flawless execution and optimal control becomes more accessible with a trusted certificate.

Furthermore, without this certificate, your product may be held for examination for a long time, causing a loss of time and money. In logistics, Wooden packaging is essential to condition, preserve the merchandise, and protect it from external factors, a necessary element in international trade.

The importance of sustainable wood packaging to meet the demands of the global market

One of the main advantages of wooden packaging is its reusing and recycling ability. Wood is one of the most used elements in international trade thanks to its versatility.

Thanks to the above, it is essential to use sustainable wood to meet global demand. In many countries, some regulations prevent deforestation on a large scale as a form of environmental protection.

Wood offers excellent and varied options, as it is one of the most sustainable materials, but why? Due to its origin, little transformation to be used, its recycling as sawdust, and the manufacture of new packaging.

Best Practices for Obtaining and Maintaining Wood Packaging Certificates

To obtain these certificates, you must meet specific requirements, each of which depends on the corresponding body of the country of origin. To apply for the treatment and stamping of wooden packaging for export, you must be registered with said body.

In Spain, for example, the competent body is the Food Information and Control Agency, part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. By the way, it is mandatory to comply with ISPM 15 regulations for international exports.

Don’t let borders stop your supplies

Do you need a packaging supplier that meets everything we have mentioned? Then you should contact DMD Custom Crates & Boxes, which gives you access to the best prices and certified wood according to ISPM-15 standards.