The international transport of wood packaging material is regulated by the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) which is a subdivision of FAQ (Food & Agriculture Organization) of The United Nations. The IPPC issues regulations known as ISPM’s (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures) and the one specific to wood packaging is ISPM-15.
Countries that choose to participate in the ISPM-15 program only accept and export properly treated and marked wood packaging. When moving goods within Canada or within continental USA, the ISPM-15 program is exempt.
Wood pallets designated for export outside of Canada & continental USA must bear the accredited IPPC stamp confirming certifiable heat treatment with facility number.
ISPM 15 stipulates treatment & protocols that are necessary to reduce risk of introduction & spread of invasive quarantine pests that results from the usage of wood packaging for shipping items across the globe. Under ISPM 15, there is no paperwork assigned to confirm treatment; instead, a stamp is applied to the wood packaging to signify treatment.