ISPM 15 exemptions for wood packaging

ISPM 15 applies to relevant raw-wood packaging in international trade. Section 2.1 excludes packaging made entirely from thin wood 6 mm or less thick, and packaging made wholly from processed wood such as plywood, particle board, OSB or veneer produced using glue, heat or pressure, or a combination.

The words entirely and wholly matter. A pallet with processed-wood blocks but solid-timber deck boards is not automatically exempt as a complete unit. Conventional used solid-wood pallets should be checked against the applicable treatment and marking requirements.

The IPPC standard also lists examples such as heated wine and spirit barrels, suitably processed gift boxes, sawdust, wood shavings and wood wool, and wood components permanently attached to freight vehicles and containers. These are regulatory examples, not additional products offered by Premier Pallets.

Do not extend an exemption from the goods to the pallet carrying them. The cargo, its pallet and any loose timber used to secure it can have different requirements.

An ordinary movement solely within Great Britain is not an international movement under ISPM 15; customer rules and other applicable plant-health controls should still be checked. Solid wood packaging moving from GB to the EU or Northern Ireland must meet the relevant ISPM 15 export requirements.

Ask the importing country’s national plant protection organisation, importer or forwarder about the actual route and materials. GOV.UK directs exporters to check destination acceptance and additional requirements; a general exemption summary is not a substitute for the shipment check.

Tell us if you are unsure whether a customer request concerns treatment, material or pallet size. We supply used wooden pallets, including already heat-treated and correctly marked used stock or treatment arranged through a registered partner, subject to specification, availability and destination requirements. Call 023 9239 7737 with your packing and destination brief.

Based on the IPPC ISPM 15 standard (sections 2.1, 4.3 and Annexes 1–2), GOV.UK Forestry Commission guidance and the Defra wood-packaging page, updated 16 September 2026. Follow the linked official sources and reconfirm requirements before shipment.