When we talk about exports, every detail matters. Documentation, transportation, customs, packaging… and of course, the wooden pallets that support and protect the goods.
If your company exports or is planning to do so, there is one term you need to know well: ISPM 15.
At Palets Castillo, we work daily with clients who need to comply with international regulations in order to ship their products outside the European Union. That is why we want to clearly and accurately explain what the ISPM 15 heat treatment is, why it is mandatory, and how to make sure your pallets comply with current regulations.
What is the ISPM 15 regulation?
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international standard developed by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations).
Its objective is very clear:
To prevent the spread of pests and harmful organisms through wood packaging used in international trade.
Untreated wood can host insects, larvae, fungi, or microorganisms that, when transported from one country to another, may become invasive pests with significant environmental and economic impacts.
For this reason, many countries require that any wood packaging — including pallets, boxes, crates, or industrial packaging — be treated according to ISPM 15 before crossing their borders.
What products are affected by ISPM 15?
The regulation applies to:
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Wooden pallets
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Wooden boxes and crates
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Industrial wood packaging and cages
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Wooden supports and wedges
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Dunnage wood
In general, it affects packaging made from solid wood thicker than 6 mm.
It does not apply to:
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Processed wood (OSB board, plywood, particle board)
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Pressed wood
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Wood-based materials that have undergone industrial processes eliminating biological risk
However, when we talk about traditional wooden pallets used for export, compliance with ISPM 15 is practically essential.
What does the ISPM 15 heat treatment consist of?
The most widely used and internationally accepted method today is heat treatment (HT – Heat Treatment).
At Palets Castillo, we exclusively use this system because it is:
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Safe
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Effective
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Environmentally friendly
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Internationally accepted
How does heat treatment work?
The process consists of:
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Placing the wood or the finished pallet inside a drying or treatment chamber.
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Heating it to a minimum temperature of 56°C at the core of the wood.
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Maintaining that temperature for at least 30 continuous minutes.
This procedure guarantees the elimination of insects, larvae, and harmful organisms present in the wood.
It is important to highlight that it is not enough to heat the surface of the wood. The temperature must be reached inside the core, which requires technical control and verified records.
Why is chemical treatment no longer used?
In the past, methyl bromide (MB) was used — a chemical fumigant highly effective against pests.
However:
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It is highly polluting
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It damages the ozone layer
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It is restricted under the Montreal Protocol
For this reason, in the European Union and most developed countries, heat treatment has almost completely replaced chemical treatment.
Today, when we talk about ISPM 15 pallets in Spain, we are almost always referring to heat-treated pallets (HT).
The mandatory marking: how to identify an ISPM 15 pallet
A pallet that complies with the regulation must carry an official stamp marked on the wood, clearly visible.
This marking includes:
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The IPPC symbol (wheat ear logo)
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The country code (for example, ES for Spain)
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The registration number of the manufacturer or treatment facility
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The type of treatment applied (HT)
An example marking would be:
IPPC
ES-XX-0000
HT
This stamp is essential. Without it, the pallet may be rejected at customs, even if it has been properly treated.
At Palets Castillo, we are registered as authorized operators, which allows us to apply both the heat treatment and the official marking in accordance with current regulations.
What happens if you export without certified pallets?
The consequences can be significant:
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Goods held at customs
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Fines or penalties
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Re-export or destruction of the packaging
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Delivery delays
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Additional logistics costs
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Reputational damage with the client
In international operations, regulatory compliance is not optional. It is a guarantee of smooth trade operations.
Which countries require ISPM 15 for exports?
The ISPM 15 regulation has been adopted by most countries worldwide.
It is mandatory for exports to:
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United States
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Canada
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China
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Australia
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Mexico
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Japan
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Brazil
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United Kingdom (after Brexit)
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And practically all countries outside the EU
Within the European Union, it is not mandatory between member states, but it is required when exporting outside the EU.
If your company exports regularly, the safest option is to always work with certified pallets to avoid risks.
Does heat treatment affect pallet strength?
This is a common question.
Heat treatment:
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Does not structurally weaken the wood if the process is properly controlled
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May slightly reduce the moisture content
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Improves the pallet’s dimensional stability
A professional process ensures that the pallet maintains its load capacity and durability.
That is why it is essential to rely on specialized and authorized manufacturers.
Control, traceability, and responsibility
ISPM 15 treatment is not simply about “heating wood.” It involves:
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Official registration with phytosanitary authorities
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Periodic control
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Audits
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Document traceability
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Process supervision
At Palets Castillo, we operate under these standards because we understand that our clients need legal and technical security in their export operations.
Ventajas de trabajar con pallets tratados correctamente
Cuando utilizas pallets ISPM 15 certificados:
- Evitas bloqueos aduaneros
- Cumples con la normativa internacional
- Proteges el medio ambiente
- Transmites profesionalidad
- Aseguras continuidad operativa
En el comercio internacional, la prevención siempre es más económica que la corrección.
Advantages of working with properly treated pallets
When you use certified ISPM 15 pallets:
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You avoid customs blockages
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You comply with international regulations
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You protect the environment
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You project professionalism
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You ensure operational continuity
In international trade, prevention is always cheaper than correction.
When should you request heat-treated pallets?
We recommend doing so when:
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You export outside the EU
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You are unsure of the final destination
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You work with international distributors
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Your client requires regulatory compliance
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You operate in industrial or agri-food sectors
When in doubt, the safest decision is to use certified pallets.
Our commitment at Palets Castillo
At Palets Castillo, we manufacture and treat wooden pallets in compliance with ISPM 15 regulations, guaranteeing:
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Technical compliance
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Official marking
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Quality control
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Traceability
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Personalized advice
We know that behind every pallet there is a complete logistics chain and goods that must reach their destination without incident.
That is why we do more than manufacture pallets. We support our clients throughout their export process, ensuring that the packaging meets all legal and technical requirements.
It is not just another procedure
The ISPM 15 heat treatment is not just another formality. It is a key element in international trade.
Complying with the regulation:
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Protects ecosystems
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Prevents the spread of pests
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Ensures smooth customs clearance
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Strengthens the security of your logistics chain
If your company exports or is planning to do so, it is essential to work with certified pallets and specialized suppliers.
At Palets Castillo, we are ready to help you export with complete peace of mind, ensuring that every pallet meets the required international standards.