What On Earth Is ISPM-15?

Is Your Wooden Packaging Compliant With The ISPM-15?

The increase of international trade has led to the distribution of non-autochthonous animal and plant materials around the world. Such organisms in wood packaging can be parasitic, causing diseases in plants and plant products. 

A photo of the IPPC seal on a wine shipping crate (Source: Wikipedia)

How does parasite come about in wood packaging? Wood packagings are made out of raw wood, thus are prone to fungus infestations. Having a biological composition, moisture and temperature can make raw wood a breeding ground for microorganisms. These infestations can cause damage to other plant life.

Hence, the ISPM-15 (International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) regulations were set in place with the goal to prevent the spread of parasites across borders.

WHO IS BEHIND THE ISPM-15?

International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is the organisation behind the ISPM-15. As an agency for the United Nations, its main goal is to achieve food security for all. And, through the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)—an international plant health agreement, aiming to protect both cultivated and wild plants by preventing the introduction and spread of pests—the ISPM-15 was developed. 

FAO – Food and Agriculture Organisation (source: wikipedia.com)

 As part of the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation, the International Plant Protection Convention controls the regulations in order to keep a balance in nature.

WHAT IS THE COMMON SOLUTION?

Since 2015, heat treatment has been the common solution for wood packaging materials. Wood packaging must be heated to a minimum temperature of 56°C for a minimum duration of 30 minutes. The heat treatment can be done using various methods such as kiln-drying, heat-enabled chemical pressure impregnation, microwave, and more, as long as it meets the heat treatment parameters. It is important to note that the heat treatment method imposes additional cost along with the wood pallet—including both labour and operational costs into the final price of a wood packaging. 

Forklift truck in wood factory before undergoes heat treatment (source: 123rf.com)

ARE THERE EXEMPTIONS?

Yes, there are exemptions. They are…

✓ Presswood pallet made from sawdust, wood shavings, recycled wood, and wood wool.

✓ Plastic Mondipal pallets as they are free of any ISPM-15 regulations.

✓ Wood packaging material made entirely from wood with a thickness of 6 mm or less.

✓ Wood packaging made of processed wood material such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board, or veneer, that has been manufactured with glue, heat, or pressure, or a combination thereof.

✓ Wood fiber export pallet blocks as they are 100% ISPM-15 proof.

✓ Barrels for alcohol that were heated during the manufacturing process.

✓ Sawdust, wood shavings, and wood wool.

✓ Any wood components that are permanently attached to freight vehicles or containers.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND COMPLIANT PACKAGING IN MALAYSIA?

At Finopeous, we stand behind the mission to protect the environment. Thus, all of our wood pallets are compliant with the ISPM-15 laws and regulations. In addition, we have also developed our very own Oriented Strand Board pallet which is exempted from fumigation and is compliant with the ISPM-15 laws and regulations. As it is a processed wood material, our Oriented Strand Board will not require heat treatment⁠—a cost saving and environmentally friendly alternative in the market.

Finopeous products are 100% recyclable, weather resistant, fumigation free, and RoHS compliant.  (source: finopeous.com)

So feel free to get in touch with us should you require a free sample of our offerings. We look forward to partnering with anyone and everyone who wishes to make the world a better place.