ISPM 15 Heat Treatment

ICM UK offer heat treatment of wood packaging material (WPM) for compliance with ISPM 15 regulations.

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is one of 24 International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures.

It relates to the treatment of all WPM to be used in international shipments to prevent the spread of invasive insect species through infested timber to protect the world’s ecosystems.

Types of WPM include:

  • Packing cases
  • Boxes
  • Crates
  • Drums and similar containers
  • Pallets, box pallets, pallet collars and other load boards
  • Dunnage (loose wood used to protect goods and their packaging).

It is mandatory that all WPM is treated and stamped prior to use for overseas shipments. As of January 2021, this now includes the shipping of WPM between the UK and the EU.

Refurbished wood packaging materials such as fine art crates, which have had any part of their timber structure replaced, will require re-treatment and a new ISPM 15 stamp applied.

How is the Treatment Conducted?

Three methods are used across the world: heat treatment, kiln drying and fumigation – Methyl Bromide or Sulphuryl fluoride (the latter two are banned in the UK and EU).

For heat treatments, a temperature of 56°C needs to be achieved at the core of the timber for at least 30 minutes.

At ICM, we achieve this using the same sustainable, humidity-regulated warm air process that we use for museum and heritage objects and works of art.

The process is quick and efficient, with treatments completed and WPM stamped within 24 hours.

You can find out more about ISPM 15 regulations at:

www.timcon.org/ISPM15