A general guide to heat treatment for wood pallets and the HT mark used on export pallets. Heat-treated, stamped pallets can be requested through partner suppliers; availability varies.
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ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international standard for wood packaging material. It calls for wood packaging to be treated and marked to reduce the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases between countries.
Core temperature of 56 °C held for 30 minutes
IPPC stamp with the HT treatment code
Ask the supplier which documents are available
Wood is checked for damage and debris
Pallets are loaded into a heat chamber
Core reaches 56 °C and holds for 30 minutes
The HT mark is applied to the pallet
This is general information. Tacoma Pallets does not treat or stamp pallets; heat-treated pallets can be requested through partner suppliers.
Many countries apply ISPM-15 to wood packaging that arrives with imports. Examples of export markets that have wood packaging rules include the following. Rules change, so check the destination's current requirements before you ship.
Heat treatment uses heat rather than a chemical fumigant. Methyl bromide fumigation is the other treatment recognized under ISPM-15, and its use is restricted in some places. If your destination has a preference, confirm it before you order pallets.
ISPM-15 heat treatment means the core of the wood reaches 56 °C (133 °F) and stays there for at least 30 continuous minutes. The target is the core of the wood, not the air temperature around it, which is why treatment is done in a controlled chamber.
The IPPC mark includes the IPPC symbol, a country code, a producer or treatment provider number, and the treatment code (HT for heat treatment). It is generally expected on at least two opposite sides of the pallet. Missing or hard-to-read marks can cause problems at the border, so check the stamp before shipping.
ISPM-15 applies to solid wood packaging such as pallets, crates, skids and dunnage. Processed wood products such as plywood and similar panels are generally treated differently, and very thin wood is typically exempt. Rules can vary by destination, so check current requirements for your shipment.
A repaired pallet may need to be re-treated and re-marked, depending on how much wood was replaced and the rules that apply. A pallet that is damaged, contaminated or has an unreadable stamp should not be assumed fit for export. Ask the supplier how repairs affect the mark.
Pricing for heat-treated pallets comes by quote from partner suppliers. When you request a quote, mention the pallet size, the quantity and whether you need new or used pallets. For regular export shipments, ask whether pre-treated, stamped pallets are available so you can plan your packing.
Timing depends on the partner supplier, so share your shipping date when you send your request. Build in time to check the marks on the pallets you receive and to confirm any destination paperwork. Planning early gives you room to fix a problem before the shipment leaves.
Ask the supplier which records or paperwork they can provide for heat-treated pallets, and keep what you receive with your shipping files. Some countries require documents beyond the HT mark. Check the destination country's current rules and confirm the stamp and any destination requirements before shipping.
Send a free, no-obligation quote request and a partner supplier follows up. Availability varies by supplier.
Request a QuoteISPM 15 is an international standard for wood packaging. Heat treatment brings the wood to a core temperature of 56 °C for 30 minutes, and the pallet is then marked with an HT stamp.
Heat-treated, stamped pallets can be requested through partner suppliers. Confirm the stamp and any destination rules before shipping.
Wood packaging going to many export destinations typically needs heat treatment and a stamp. Rules differ by country, so check current regulations for your destination.
No. Heat treatment uses heat rather than chemical fumigation to treat the wood.
Ask the partner supplier. Availability depends on the supplier and on the pallet's condition and size.
Say in the quote request that you need heat-treated, stamped pallets, along with quantity, size and destination.