What is ISPM15 and why do you need it?
Many countries require timber transit packaging to conform to a set standard known as International Standards for Phytosanitary Manufacturing 15 (or ISPM15). The implication of this is that if you are exporting to those countries you will need to conform. Because the countries using ISPM15 are many, it makes total sense to conform to this standard. The reason for ISPM15 is a useful one. The effect of disease or particular insects being spread internationally was not fully realised in the past, and many ecological systems were badly affected, sometimes even eradicated as a result of foreign wildlife or plant life coming into a country. Timber is an easy transport medium for any flora or fauna and was found to be responsible for the spread of impactful organisms. Treating the timber in a way that ensures it is free of such organisms therefore makes total sense. ISPM15 ensures that the treatment is suitable and of a high enough standard.
How can the timber be treated?
What is helpful about ISPM15 is that there are a range of treatments that can be used to meet the standard. For example, there are several ways of treating the timber with heat that will ensure compliance with the standard. These include kiln-dried mobile heat treatment, which, having our own kiln is what we use at Nicklin, steady heat treatment, fast container connector and portable chamber process. All of these methods ensure that the core of the timber reaches 54 degrees for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Get Nicklin Packaging’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
How do you display that your timber transit packaging conforms to ISPM15?
To ensure it is clear that your packaging does conform to this standard the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) has devised a certification symbol which includes information about the country of origin and a unique number for the particular regulating agency overseeing that manufacturer, a unique number for the treatment provider, and a code for the type of treatment applied. This symbol may be prominently stamped onto the timber.
Who can help with ISPM15?
Written by the Forestry Commission, the UK Wood Packaging Material Marking Programme is designed to assist timber transit packaging manufacturers with the process of applying for and meeting the standard required for ISPM15. It provides details about how to register, the fees required, and the general process. The ISPM15 is fully monitored to ensure international adherence and this booklet provides information on the monitoring process in the UK.
If you would like to know more about timber transit, and how we conform to this International Standard then visit our website at Nicklin.
