It means that if you are a freight forwarder or the owner, of goods that are packed into wooden crates or packed onto wooden pallets, you alone are now held responsible, for ensuring that the wooden materials used to make the crates and pallets, are free from bark and insect infestation.

What is ISPM 15?

Recognised by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), ISPM 15 are regulations that are aimed to prevent and in part destroy wood based pests and diseases throughout the world.

Originating from the International Plant Organisation (QTO), ISPM 15 regulations require wooden packing materials (softwood/hardwood) to be either Fumigated or Heat treated in order to destroy any insects or fungi before exportation.

This now means that all wooden or part wooden crates / pallets / packaging must be fumigated with Methyl Bromide or heat treated, this process is to be ensured by the final exporter and all materials treated should bare the approved 'Registered Stencil Mark' of the exporting country (this would be applied by 'Predator' on two sides of any treated crate / pallet), a process that is essential prior to any goods being allowed entry to a participating country.

Please be sure to read the current updates for your country of export, as any goods that arrive after a countries date of implementation may well be turned back if not suitably treated or stamped.

Click here for Latest news on ISPM15

On checking the current regulations for any country you may be exporting too, please check to see what other documentation you may require to further ensure entry into that country.

Some countries require in addition to all wood packaging materials being Fumigated and Stencil marked, to apply for a 'Phytonsanitary Certificate' which is only issued by the Forestry Commission, for further information on these certificates please contact the Forestry Commission on -
Tel: 0131 314 6414, Fax: 0131 314 6148.

Predator would also provide you with a separate 'in house' Fumigation Certificate, which would further verify the dates of any treatment. Finally we would provide you with a copy of a Forestry Commission recognised 'Completion Certificate'. Predator would also retain a copy, these documents should be kept in a marked folder, which may well be inspected by a Forestry / Assessment Agency, during one of their 6 monthly audits.

LATEST NEWS - Details of a large fumigation project carried out by Predator are available to view by clicking here.