Browse our most commonly asked questions, find out what countries require ISPM-15 certification, or visit the website for American Lumber Standard Committee. Still have questions? We’d love to help! Contact one of our knowledgeable, friendly staff today to get the answers to your questions!

Does my wood packaging material need to be completed before I can have it stamped through an Export Stamping Service?

Yes, we cannot stamp in process material.

Can I use my IPPC stamps to mark material for another entity?

No, you can only IPPC mark what you build.

Can I just purchase IPPC stamps without being qualified into the program?

No, IPPC marks are not for sale outside of qualification in the ISPM-15 program under an accredited agency 

My wood doesn’t have HT stamps on it, but my supplier gave me a document that says it was heat-treated. Is that OK?

No, each full-sized piece used in the program must have an HT or KDHT mark issued by an agency accredited or recognized by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) on it, regardless of documentation

I bought pressure-treated wood. Is it acceptable in the export program?

The program doesn’t recognize pressure-treated wood, but it can be used IF it has HT marks from the producer of the lumber, like any other acceptable wood.

I used HT-marked wood for building my package and marked it with my export stamp, but none of the original HT marks show on the package. Is that OK?

Yes, the original HT marks do not have to show on the package, provided the full-length pieces did have the marks and the IPPC mark is clearly marked on two opposite sides of the package.

Can I place my IPPC mark next to other markings on my packaging?

No, the IPPC mark must be at least 6 inches from any other mark.

Who is ALSC?

ALSC stands for the American Lumber Standard Committee and they monitor agency and producer activities to ensure heat-treated material is produced in accordance with the IPPC guidelines. 

How far must my heat-treated and non heat-treated material be separated?

There is no official guidance on the degree of separation; however, the separation must be readily identifiable. 

What are the time and temperature requirements for heat treating?

Loads must be treated at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 consecutive minutes. 

Is plywood exempt from ISPM-15 requirements?

Yes, plywood is exempt and does not require the IPPC mark.

Do I need to IPPC mark my wood packaging material that is going to Canada?

No, the United States and Canada currently have an open trade agreement that does not require the IPPC mark between the two countries. 

WHY HEAT TREAT?

As International trade has increased over the years, so has the spread of pests associated with wood products. Infestations of foreign insects, blights, and other organisms have destroyed timber resources in this country and others. Our native chestnut and its relatives are essentially gone, and elm populations have also been devastated by imported killers. Currently, ash trees and other hardwoods in some US states are being destroyed by beetles from other parts of the world, and millions of dollars are being spent to eradicate these foreign threats.
Similar destructive agents are hurting the native species in many other nations. Sterilization of wood products which enter international trade is the best-known way to prevent the spread of many of these destructive hitchhikers. Heat treating is the most economical method of sterilization for most wood products. An International heat-treating standard has been agreed upon by most nations involved in trade with other countries.

WHAT IS ISPM-15?

ISPM-15, formally known as the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures, Number 15, is a program developed by the International Plant Protection Committee (IPPC). These measures were first adopted in March of 2002, and since, have been executed in many countries worldwide. The purpose of this initiative is to prevent the spread of harmful microscopic organisms in wood packaging material (WPM), such as pallets, crates, or wooden boxes between nations of trade. Without the protective measures of the ISPM-15, nations of trade were experiencing catastrophic damages to natural resources.
Each country of origin that participates in the ISPM-15 program has an oversight agency. In the United States, the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Service (APHIS), a sub-department of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is the ultimate legal authority in issues pertaining to ISPM-15; however, the USDA has elected the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC) to carry out the day-to-day dealings of ISPM-15.
Lee Global, Inc., is accredited through ALSC to provide ISPM-15 services to manufacturers and producers nationwide. This accreditation allows Lee Global to qualify clients in the ISPM-15 program, allowing company-specific IPPC marking of wood packaging material. Our services include qualification and training for the ISPM-15 program, monthly inspection services as required by the ISPM-15, and one-time stamping services for producers who export very low volumes of material.
Currently, over one hundred and eighty countries participate in the ISPM-15 program. Without ISPM-15 compliance, manufacturers and producers are prohibited from exporting their wood packaging material into the worldwide marketplace. Shipments held at ports of entry can cause costly and timely delays. Don’t let your shipments be held up- contact Lee Global today to find out how we can partner with your company to ensure export shipping success!
For more information on the IPPC, or ISPM-15 measures, please visit https://www.ippc.int/en

What are the bark requirements for the ISPM-15 Program?

Irrespective of the type of treatment applied (heat-treatment or fumigation), wood packaging material must be made of debarked wood. Bark found on WPM must be less than 3cm in width (regardless of length). If the bark is greater than 3cm in width, the total surface area must be less than 50 square cm (about the size of a credit card).

If you have additional questions or concerns, call Lee Global at 866–327-1899 or email us for prompt, knowledgeable answers.

How do heat treating programs work?

Producers who wish to participate in the programs enter a contract with an agency like Lee Global which has been accredited by the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC). The ALSC monitors agency and producer activities to make sure heat-treated material is produced in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) Guidelines For Regulating Wood Packaging Material In International Trade.
Each agency is responsible for making sure all producers under contract meet the same IPPC and ALSC requirements. Each producer is responsible for making sure that every unit of product meets these standards and is then permitted to use the official agency stamp which indicates compliance of the material marked. The agency is required to inspect the facility and records of each producer at least 12 times per year, and an ALSC representative may visit the producer and/or the agency at any time to determine ongoing compliance with the standards and other requirements.

Countries requiring ISPM-15:

Link to Countries that Require ISPM-15 Compliant Wood Packaging | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (usda.gov)

Helpful Links

Link to https://www.alsc.org

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