ISPM-15 Heat-Treated Pallets: What U.S. Exporters Need to Know
ISPM-15 compliance is required for wood pallets crossing international borders. Here's how heat-treated (HT) pallets work, what to check on the stamp, and when you need them.
What ISPM-15 actually requires
ISPM-15 is the International Plant Protection Convention's standard for solid wood packaging in international trade. It mandates either heat treatment (HT) to a core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes or methyl bromide fumigation (MB) — though MB is being phased out globally.
Compliant pallets carry a stamp showing the IPPC logo, ISO country code, an issuing-agency-assigned producer number, and the treatment code (HT or MB).
When you need heat-treated pallets
Any international shipment containing solid wood packaging requires ISPM-15. Pure domestic U.S. freight does not — but many food, pharma, and aerospace buyers require HT pallets domestically for cleanliness assurance.
Common high-demand sectors: ocean export, pharmaceutical distribution, food-grade cold storage, and medical device manufacturing.
How to source compliant pallets
Only buy from suppliers who can provide their IPPC producer number on request. The Pallet King's supplier network is vetted for ISPM-15 compliance — request a quote and specify HT in the notes.
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