Wood Heat Treatment (HT) and ISPM 15

27.11.25

If you plan to export goods packed in wooden pallets or crates, ISPM 15 and HT (Heat Treatment) are terms you definitely need to know. These standards are essential to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in international trade.

We offer an excellent solution for performing ISPM 15/HT https://kalte.lv/en/drying-kilns/container-kiln

What is ISPM 15?
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No.15) is an international phytosanitary standard developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It sets requirements for wood packaging materials crossing national borders, such as:

Pallets
Crates
Dunnage
The purpose of the standard: to prevent the spread of pests and diseases that could threaten ecosystems and agriculture.

HT – Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment (HT) is the most commonly used method to comply with ISPM 15 requirements. The process:

Wood is heated to 56°C throughout its cross-section for at least 30 minutes.
The treatment destroys pests and their eggs, ensuring safe transport.
Why choose HT?
Environmentally friendly alternative to fumigation.
Provides long-term protection against pests.
Mandatory for exports to countries that follow ISPM 15.

Marking and Certification
After heat treatment, wood packaging is marked with the ISPM 15 stamp, which includes:

Treatment type (HT)
Country code
Certified manufacturer’s number
In Latvia (for example), certification is supervised by the State Plant Protection Service (VAAD), and heat treatment can only be performed by companies registered in the official marking register.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is ISPM 15 and why is it important?
ISPM 15 is an international standard that sets requirements for wooden packaging materials to prevent pest spread in global trade. Without this standard, goods may be detained or returned.

2. Is heat treatment (HT) mandatory?
Yes, if you export goods to countries that follow ISPM 15, wooden packaging must be treated with HT or fumigation. HT is more eco-friendly and widely preferred.

3. How is HT treatment done?
Wood is heated to 56°C for at least 30 minutes throughout its cross-section to eliminate pests and their eggs.

4. What does the ISPM 15 mark look like?
It is a rectangular stamp with the IPPC logo, country code, manufacturer’s number, and treatment type (HT).

 

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