Why ISPM-15 Matters More Than You Think
If you’re shipping products across borders, pallets are more than just a platform. They’re part of your compliance strategy. One overlooked detail can delay shipments, increase costs, or bring international deliveries to a halt. That’s where ISPM-15 comes in.
ISPM-15 is a global standard designed to protect supply chains from costly disruptions caused by non-compliant wood packaging. If your business ships internationally even occasionally, understanding ISPM-15 helps you avoid delays at ports, rejected shipments, and unnecessary risk.
For manufacturers, distributors, and logistics teams, compliance isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about keeping operations moving smoothly and protecting customer relationships. The right pallet partner can make that process simple and dependable, especially when export requirements are involved.
What Is ISPM-15?
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a global regulation created to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging materials used in international shipping.
Under ISPM-15 guidelines, solid wood pallets, crates, and dunnage used for export must be treated, typically through heat treatment, and stamped with the official ISPM-15 mark. This certification verifies that the wood meets international phytosanitary standards and is safe for cross-border transport.
It’s important to note that ISPM-15 applies only to solid wood packaging materials. Products like plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), and plastic pallets are exempt. However, any solid wood pallet used in international shipping must be compliant.
In short: If your shipment crosses borders and sits on a solid wood pallet, ISPM-15 certification isn’t optional, it’s required.
Who Needs ISPM-15 Certified Pallets?
ISPM-15 certification applies to a wide range of businesses involved in international shipping, not just large exporters. You likely need ISPM-15 certified pallets if you are:
A manufacturer exporting finished goods or components
A distributor shipping products internationally
A logistics or supply chain manager coordinating cross-border freight
A business shipping to countries that enforce ISPM-15 requirements, including Canada, the EU, Australia, China, and many others
Even companies that ship internationally only a few times per year are subject to these requirements. Using non-compliant pallets can result in delays, refused entry at ports, or destroyed shipments, all of which impact timelines, budgets, and customer trust.
Working with a pallet supplier that understands export compliance helps ensure your shipments are prepared correctly before they ever leave your facility.
Why ISPM-15 Compliance Matters for Your Supply Chain
ISPM-15 compliance plays a critical role in keeping international supply chains moving efficiently. When pallets don’t meet export standards, the consequences can extend far beyond a single shipment.
Non-compliant pallets may be held, rejected, or destroyed at the port of entry, resulting in unexpected delays, added costs, and missed delivery windows. In some cases, shipments can be quarantined for weeks, disrupting production schedules and straining customer relationships.
Beyond avoiding delays, ISPM-15 compliant pallets also help:
Protect products from contamination during long-distance transport
Meet the regulatory requirements enforced by major importing countries
Reduce risk when working with large partners, distributors, or Fortune 500 customers
Maintain consistency and reliability across international shipments
For logistics and operations teams, compliance isn’t just a regulatory concern. It’s a safeguard for timelines, budgets, and brand reputation.
ISPM-15 Certified Pallets vs. Non-Compliant Pallets
Not all pallets are created equal, and when it comes to export shipping, the difference between certified and non-compliant pallets is significant.
ISPM-15 Certified Pallets
Heat-treated or fumigated to eliminate pests
Marked with the official ISPM-15 stamp
Approved for international shipping
Accepted at ports and border inspections
Non-Compliant Pallets
Suitable for domestic shipping only
Not treated or properly marked
High risk for international use
Subject to rejection, quarantine, or destruction
If you’re unsure whether a pallet is compliant, check for the ISPM-15 stamp, typically located on the side stringer or block. Without this mark, pallets should not be used for export shipments.
Understanding this distinction helps businesses avoid costly mistakes before freight ever leaves the facility.
Do Recycled Pallets Need to Be ISPM-15 Certified?
Yes, recycled pallets used for international shipping must still meet ISPM-15 requirements.
While recycled pallets can be a cost-effective and sustainable option, they are subject to the same export regulations as new solid wood pallets. To be compliant, recycled pallets must be:
Properly heat-treated (or otherwise treated per ISPM-15 standards)
Inspected for compliance
Marked with a valid ISPM-15 stamp
Using uncertified recycled pallets for export carries the same risks as using any non-compliant pallet, including shipment delays or port rejection.
That’s why it’s important to work with a pallet supplier that understands both sustainability and compliance. When recycled pallets are sourced, treated, and inspected correctly, they can support international shipping while aligning with environmental goals.
How Hallwood Supports ISPM-15 Compliance
Export compliance is only as reliable as the supplier behind it. At Hallwood, ISPM-15 isn’t treated as an afterthought. It’s built into how pallets and crates are sourced, treated, and delivered. Hallwood Enterprises supports international shipping by:
Supplying ISPM-15 certified pallets and crates that meet global export standards
Ensuring pallets are properly treated, stamped, and traceable
Offering new, recycled, and custom export solutions based on your shipment requirements
Supporting businesses shipping nationwide and internationally with consistency and scale
This compliance-first approach helps prevent delays at ports, reduces risk during inspections, and ensures shipments move forward without costly interruptions.
For operations teams and logistics managers, having a trusted pallet partner simplifies export preparation and protects timelines before freight ever leaves the dock.
Frequently Asked Questions About ISPM-15
The following are common questions businesses ask when preparing pallets for international shipping:
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ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. It is a global regulation established by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging materials used in international shipping.
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ISPM-15 applies to most international shipments that use solid wood packaging materials, including pallets, crates, and dunnage. Requirements vary slightly by country, but the majority of importing nations enforce ISPM-15 standards. If your shipment crosses international borders and uses solid wood packaging, ISPM-15 compliance is typically required.
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Yes. Recycled pallets used for international shipping must still meet ISPM-15 requirements. Even though the pallets have been previously used, they must be properly treated, inspected, and stamped to confirm compliance before being used for export. Recycled pallets that are not certified should only be used for domestic shipments.
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No. ISPM-15 does not apply to domestic shipments within the same country. However, businesses that ship both domestically and internationally often choose to standardize on compliant pallets to reduce confusion and avoid accidental non-compliance when shipments change destinations.
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Non-compliant pallets can result in shipment delays, rejection at the port, quarantine, or destruction of the pallets by customs authorities. These issues can cause missed delivery deadlines, added costs, and disruptions throughout the supply chain. In some cases, entire shipments may be held until the issue is resolved.
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The ISPM-15 stamp is typically located on the side stringer or block of the pallet. The mark includes a country code, producer or treatment provider number, and the treatment method used (most commonly heat treatment). Pallets without a visible, valid stamp should not be used for export shipping.
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Yes. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM-15 because the regulation applies only to solid wood packaging materials. Engineered wood products such as plywood, OSB, and particleboard are also exempt, as they are manufactured using processes that eliminate pest risks.
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ISPM-15 is recognized and enforced by most countries worldwide, including Canada, Mexico, countries in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, China, and many others. Because requirements can change, it’s best to assume ISPM-15 compliance is necessary unless confirmed otherwise for a specific destination.
Simplify Export Shipping with the Right Partner
ISPM-15 compliance isn’t optional for international shipping, it’s essential. The right pallets protect your products, prevent delays, and keep your supply chain moving across borders without disruption.
By working with a pallet partner that understands export regulations, treatment standards, and real-world logistics challenges, businesses can reduce risk and focus on what matters most: delivering on time and meeting customer expectations.
Hallwood supports export-ready supply chains with ISPM-15 certified pallets and solutions built for performance, reliability, and scale.
Planning an international shipment?
Talk with Hallwood about ISPM-15 certified pallets designed to help your products move smoothly across borders.
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International shipment visual: containers, trucks, or pallets moving through a distribution or port environment
