IPPC ISPM-15 International Plant Protection Convention

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No 15

• IPPC created ISPM-15 to prevent the spread of potentially contaminated solid wood materials. Its primary focus is to prevent the spread of foreign insects and diseases into importing countries.
• ISPM-15 describes phytosanitary treatment measures required for solid, raw wood products being shipped internationally.
• This pertains to items such as pallets, boxes, skids, crates, packaging and dunnage.
• The most cost-effective measure is heat treatment. Heat treated wood packaging material must be heated until its internal temperature reaches 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes in addition to other criteria outlined in the treatment schedule.
• Once treatment is complete, it can be stamped with an IPPC, internationally recognized stamp.

CMSA provides 3rd party inspection to registered treatment facilities to oversee their ISPM-15 certification.

• Audits include:
  • review of treatment records
  • quality of wood packaging material
  • manufacturing process
  • use of the IPPC stamp
• If your facility needs to be registered in the HT program, CMSA will work quickly to have your facility certified.