Importance and Utility of ISPM 15 Stamp
ISPM 15 Stamp is an internationally recognized stamp that is used to identify wooden packaging material that has been treated and certified to be free of pests. This stamp is important because it helps to prevent the spread of pests and diseases around the world. ISPM 15 Stamp is also useful because it helps businesses comply with international shipping regulations.
The Importance ISPM 15 Stamp, Requirements, and Exemptions
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) established the "International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15" (ISPM-15) to regulate the international transportation of solid wood commodities. The major goal of ISPM-15 is to prevent pests from spreading and causing harm to plants and ecosystems as a result of solid wood packaging utilised in international shipments. The standard applies not just to vessels, aircraft, cars, containers, storage areas, soil, and other materials and objects that can transport pests but also to items such as bags with moving insects inside them.
Green packaging, like wood pallets and packaging created from recycling - are all great options if you're looking for a way to ship your items without risking quarantine, take advantage of these options. You may save time and money by avoiding the hassles and expenses of having your goods quarantined at the international ports of entry by checking in and declaring your goods upon arrival at the border as required.
Applicable and Exempt Products Under ISPM-15
The ISO/TC169-2 standard is focused on wood. Wood packaging goods such as dunnage, reels, crates, pallets, collars, or other wooden items such as bracing. Alternative materials such as plastic, paper, metal, and engineered wood products are not covered by the standard. Additionally, remember that items entering a nation are exempt from ISPM-15.
IPPC's PMO15 is only relevant to countries that follow IPPC standards.
ISPM-15 Stamp Requirements
ISPM-15 requires disinfection of solid wood and wood packaging materials (WPM) with a thickness of more than 6 mm for export, such as wooden pallets and dunnage. WPM must be heated to a minimum of 56 degrees Celsius inside for 30 minutes in the heat treatment procedure. This is the most effective and environmentally friendly approach to eradicate pests contained in wood by means of heat treatment.
While many insects are still susceptible to fumigation, others, such as dielectric or microwave heating, steaming, and vacuuming, are being investigated as alternatives. Overall, heat treatment remains the standard industry practice.
The treated wood is then stamped or branded with the internationally recognized IPPC seal. The sign also specifies the treatment procedure and country of origin of WPM. Participants must work with an authorised third-party inspection agency to fulfil ISPM-15 requirements.
ISPM-15 Compliance Services
There are a variety of organisations that may assist businesses in ensuring that the wood packaging they use to export meets current ISPM-15 requirements. These groups may offer inspection services, regulation information as well as lists to connect people working in the sector.
The Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers' Association (NEMLA) offers certification, verification, and stamping of wood packaging sent abroad as part of export shipments. Since 1933, NELMA has been performing lumber grading quality control and compliance inspections. A directory for locating suppliers, wholesalers, goods and services, and mills; a library of information resources; and a list of inspection programs are all available through the association's website.
Wooden Crates Organisation (WCO) is a website that offers domestic and worldwide listings of businesses engaged in the export wood business. WCO also teaches firms about current laws as well as safe packaging methods for internal and international shipping.
ISPM-15 and the United States, Canada and Australia
Australia, Canada and the United States are IPPC members, and they have implemented ISPM-15 rules to fulfil international obligations. As a result, IPPC-marked WPM must be treated and labelled in order to comply with international regulations.
At present, businesses in North America are concerned that ISPM-15 will eventually come into force for Canadian-U.S. cross-border pallet transfers. While it was expected that the exemption would be lifted in 2016 or 2017, the passage of ISPM-15 between Canada and the United States has remained delayed.
Why Is ISPM 15 So Important?
There are several benefits to using ISPM 15 Stamp, they include:
It keeps pests at bay.
It prevents the loss of species richness.
It protects plants and species in other countries from illnesses that might affect them.
It prevents ecosystems and forests from being destroyed.
You should implement ISPM 15 into your business and inform your employees about it, even if you haven't already. More than 100 countries have implemented ISPM 15 standards, and more will follow in the future.
If you send wood packing materials internationally, you must comply with ISPM 15. This set of rules maintains pest and disease levels at an acceptable level.