Wood Packaging Inspection
NELMA is pleased to offer IPPC ISPM 15 certification inspection services to facilities that produce wood packaging materials (WPM) such as boxes, crates, skids, pallets, etc. destined for use in exporting goods to the numerous countries that have implemented the International Standard for Wood Packaging.
The International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM) – Guidelines for Regulating Wood Packaging Material in International Trade, Publication Number 15 is the official name of the international standard for wood packaging, otherwise known as ISPM 15. The standard was developed as a means to greatly reduce the phytosanitary concerns related to growing global trade and the significant spread of pests through wood packaging materials (WPM). Numerous examples exist around the world of environmental and economic harm associated with the introduction of a non-native invasive species to a country, traced back to non-heat treated or non-fumigated wood packaging materials.
In the U.S. alone, the introduction of the Asian Longhorned Beetle, the Emerald Ash Borer, and likely the Dutch Elm Disease , can be traced back to shipments received that contained these forest destructive pests.
ISPM 15 was adopted by more than 150 countries at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) in March 2002, with each country allowed to choose their own date for actual implementation of the standard. The IPPC ISPM 15 standard prescribes two types of treatments for wood packaging materials, (a) heat treatment, and (b) fumigation with methyl bromide. These treatments must be applied to all solid wood components of the wood packaging materials, both hardwood and softwood species of wood.
Meeting the requirements of ISPM 15 is a two-step process. There are several different scenarios, dependent upon the operation type. Here's a basic example for a company that purchased lumber to manufacture finished wood packaging items (pallets, skids, boxes, crates, etc.), either for sale or for their own use in exporting goods:
Step 1: Purchase and use heat treated lumber or components, with each piece required to be stamped with an "HT" mark and an ALSC-accredited agency logo. This signifies that the material was heated to a minimum of 56 degrees C (133 degrees F) for 30 minutes at the core of each piece. Typically only one "HT" mark will be ink-stamped on each piece.Step 2: Once the facility is certified by an ALSC-accredited agency, such as NELMA, the "HT"-stamped lumber may be cut for use in manufacturing the finished wood packaging item without regard to an "HT" mark on each cut piece. The finished pallet, skid, crate, or box would be marked on a minimum of two opposite sides by the certifed facility's "IPPC" stamp that includes the International IPPC logo, the facility's unique number, and the certifying agency's logo. This signifies to the custom agents in export countries that the wood packaging meets IPPC's ISPM 15 Standard and is part of the US's verification program.
NELMA provides services to other operation senarios that require certification and verification for materials used in export wood packaging, such as:
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A facility that heat treats the finished wood packaging item (pallet, skid, crate, box, etc.) via a hot box, oven, or conventional dry kiln. This scenario requires the facilty to apply their IPPC-stamp to each heat treated item.
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An operation that buys "HT" stamped lumber then re-manufactures it into components to be sold to a wood packaging facility that produces the finished wood packaging item ( pallet, skid, crate, box, etc..) In this scenario, the re-manufacturer would be required to apply their operation's "HT" mark to each component.
For complete details of the NELMA's certification program for the various types of operations, please see the NELMA Facility Certification Program and Compliance Procedures for Heat Treatment (HT) and Wood Packaging Materials (WPM), which may be viewed and downloaded by clicking here (revised 9/08).
Please note that "manufactured" composite wood products such as plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board, and veneer are exempt from this standard due to the fact that high temperatures are utilized in their manufacturing process.
Preservatively-treated (pressure-treated) wood does not meet the standard, unless the wood was heat-treated and stamped HT prior to preservative treatment.
Fumigation certification is not provided by NELMA at this time.
NELMA's signature service includes extensive up-to-date communications regarding the global implementation of the International Standard (ISPM 15). An easy reference summary of the latest information, in table format for each country, is provided on a regular basis and available online 24/7 to our customers. This valuable information tool is also available by subscription to others interested in staying abreast with the latest global wood packaging requirements. See a 2-page sample of the Table here. Full subscription details are available by clicking here.
Please contact us by phone at 207-829-6901 or email us at info@nelma.org for any questions that you may have about the program or to inquire about our fee schedule. In addition, the NELMA staff is available upon request to present the details of the IPPC ISPM 15 International Wood Packaging Standard and the NELMA Inspection Program to company personnel as a valuable service to potential customers or industry groups.
A brief powerpoint overview presentation of the program may be accessed here.
To apply for HT and/or WPM inspection services from NELMA, you may download an application form, complete the requested information, and return via fax (207-829-4293) or email (info@nelma.org)
