ISPM-15 Standard
The ISPM-15 Standard specifically regulates wood packaging used in international trade. The approved phytosanitary measures described in this standard consist of phytosanitary procedures including treatments and marking of the wood packaging material. The application of the mark renders the use of a phytosanitary certificate unnecessary as it indicates that the internationally accepted phytosanitary measures have been applied.
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is an international treaty involving 170+ countries that aims to secure coordinated, effective action to prevent and to control the introduction and spread of pests of plants and plant products.
The IPPC develops International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) for safeguarding plant resources. Pests associated with wood packaging material are known to have negative impacts on forest health and biodiversity. Implementation of this standard is considered to reduce significantly the spread of pests and subsequently their negative impacts.
The American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) in coordination with United States Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and the wood packaging industry has developed an heat treatment program for the official labeling of heat treated WPM to signify compliance with the ISPM-15 standard.
The ALSC administers the heat treatment program which requires wood packaging material (WPM) producers to enroll with an inspection agency accredited by the ALSC.
