New International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures
Frequently Asked Questions
(For guidance purposes only - for exact import requirments please contact the National Plant Protection Service of the importing country or contact the Forest Service for further advice)
Last Updated: 2 June 2004
What is an ISPM ?
International Standards for phytosanitary measures (ISPMs) are prepared by the Secretariat of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) as part of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organizations global programme of policy and technical assistance in plant quarantine. The IPPC is an international treaty relating to plant health to which approximately 124 governments currently adhere. The purpose of the IPPC is to secure common and effective action to prevent the spread and introduction of pests of plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control.
What is ISPM 15 ?
ISPM No 15 Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade (PDF 72KB) (pdf 70Kb), describes phytosanitary measures to reduce the risk of introduction and/or spread of quarantine pests associated with wood packaging material (including dunnage), made of coniferous and non-coniferous raw wood, in use in international trade.
The standard was adopted in March 2002 by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM), which directs the objectives of the IPPC, but its implementation was suspended until mid 2003 as a result of issues concerning the legal protection of the associated wood packaging mark.
The approved measures are heat treatment (a phytosanitary treatment which is different to kiln drying) to achieve a minimum wood core temperature of 56 degrees Centigrade for 30 minutes or fumigation to a prescribed specification with methyl bromide. A key provision of the standard is the use of an approved mark for the certification of the approved treatment measures.
What does ISPM 15 mean in practice?
In practice all wood packaging (pallets, crates, boxes etc.) made from unprocessed raw wood and used in supporting, protecting or carrying a commodity, must be heat treated or fumigated in a specified manner and the packaging must be stamped on at least two sides with the officially approved mark verifying the treatment and incorporating the registration number of the producer of the packaging.
Does ISPM 15 apply to manufactured processed wood packaging ?
ISPM 15 does not apply to packing material made exclusively from manufactured processed wood products such as plywood, chipboard, fibreboard, oriented strand board (OSB) and medium density fibreboard (MDF). These are products that are a composite of wood constructed using glue, heat and pressure, or any combination thereof.
Which countries currently require or will require ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging ?
In compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) procedures the following countries have notified their intention to implement ISPM 15 for imported wood packaging. This list will be updated if and when other countries notify the WTO.
| Canada: | Originally 2 January 2004 - See updates below |
| United States: | Originally 2 January 2004 See updates below |
| Mexico: | Originally 2 January 2004 See updates below |
| New Zealand's: | New Zealands existing wood packaging requirements or ISPM 15 |
| Korea: | Original date of entry into force, 1 June 2004. Now changed to 1 June 2005. |
| European Union: | (Imports from non-EU countries): Original proposed date of adoption, February 2004. Original proposed date of entry into force, 1 July 2004 - now likely to be 1 March 2005. |
| Peoples Republic of China: | Proposed date of adoption, 1 March 2004. Proposed date of entry into force, to be determined. See note below. |
| South Africa: | Proposed date of adoption, 1 November 2004. Proposed date of entry into force, 1 January 2005. |
| Australia: | Please refer to the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service update. WTO notification to be confirmed. |
| India: | India have notified the WTO concerning new phytosanitary requirements concerning wood packaging in Plant Quarantine (Regulation into India) (Amendment) Order, 2004. The original legislation did not specifically mention ISPM 15. Under Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India) Third Amendement Order 2004 (doc 32Kb), which will come into force on 1 November 2004, India will now accept ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging. |
Canada, the United States of America and Mexico, the three members of the North American Plant Protection Organization (NAPPO), originally announced through NAPPO that they would implement ISPM 15 on 2 January 2004. NAPPO has updated the position concerning the Implementation of ISPM No. 15 on Wood packing Materials in NAPPO Countries, including updates from each of the three individual countries. NAPPO have summarised the current position as follows, NAPPO countries are working towards a harmonized implementation date and are targeting the middle of 2005 for full implementation. In the meantime, NAPPO countries may issue notices to exporting countries informing them of incidents of non-compliance with ISPM No. 15 and the date of strict enforcement.
NAPPO countries are encouraging all exporting countries to meet the conditions of ISPM 15 which requires that all wood packaging material be appropriately treated and marked under an official program developed and overseen by the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) in the country of export. Until full implementation, NAPPO countries will enforce their current requirements for imported wood packaging material.
Please note that the Peoples Republic of China, under Announcement No. 2002/58, currently have specific wood packaging plant health requirements which are similar but which are also significantly different in terms of the treatment specifications and the requirement for a Phytosanitary Certificate. The current requirements will apply until further notice.
Who is responsible for implementing ISPM 15 in Ireland ?
In Ireland the Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and Food, is responsible for implementing ISPM 15 and for ensuring that systems for exports meet the requirements set out in this standard. In this respect the Forest Service with the assistance of the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) are developing a scheme to comply with ISPM 15 (similar to the current scheme in place for the Peoples Republic of China).
The schemes comprise the registration and auditing of kiln facilities, the registration of pallet and other wood packing manufacturers, the registration of fumigation companies, marking systems and compliance standards.
The Timber Certification Services section of NSAI are implementing the registration schemes on behalf of the Forest Service. The Forest Service will oversee and co-ordinate the overall implementation of the standard.
When will ISPM 15 compliant material be available ?
ISPM 15 compliant material has been available on the Irish market since November 2003.
Where can I source ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging ?
Exporters who wish to source ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging may contact the following (please click link):
Registered wood packaging producers, fumigation companies and kiln operators (Word 258KB) (doc 263Kb)
How can I register to supply ISPM 15 wood packaging ?
Wood packaging manufacturers, kiln operators and fumigation companies who wish to apply for registration for ISPM 15 should contact:
Timber Certification Services, NSAI, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Tel: 01 8073800
Where can I obtain further information or advice?
Please contact the Forest Service Inspectorate, Department of Agriculture and Food, Ireland at +353-1-6072651
