ISPM 15 reuse, repair and remanufacture

ISPM 15 section 4.3.1 says an appropriately treated and marked unit that has not been repaired, remanufactured or otherwise altered does not require re-treatment or re-marking throughout its service life. GOV.UK describes reuse of undamaged and uninfested packaging in countries that accept ISPM 15.

Inspect the pallet as it is now: readable marks, sound components, absence of infestation and evidence of alteration all matter. A mark does not provide ongoing protection from contamination, nor does it establish the pallet’s suitability for your load.

The standard describes repaired packaging as having up to approximately one third of its components removed and replaced. Replacement wood must follow the authorised treatment and marking route; approved processed-wood replacements can also be relevant. The standard provides controlled component-treatment or whole-unit treatment arrangements, under the responsible authority.

For UK buyers, GOV.UK gives the practical direction to arrange re-treatment and re-marking when compliant packaging has been repaired, remanufactured or changed. Defra also explains authorised repair with heat-treated timber and re-marking, or treatment and marking of the whole pallet. Ask the registered provider to establish the applicable route, rather than accepting an informal board swap beneath an old stamp.

More than approximately one third of components replaced is considered remanufacture in ISPM 15. Previous marks must be permanently obliterated and the unit re-treated and marked in accordance with the standard. The threshold is described as approximate: buyers should not use a quick board count to self-certify a rebuilt pallet.

An old mark retained after uncontrolled rebuilding does not prove the finished pallet is compliant. Share known repair history and customer restrictions before ordering used stock.

We can supply used pallets already heat-treated and correctly marked for ISPM 15, or arrange treatment through a registered partner. Tell us the destination, treatment and marking requirement, customer restrictions and shipping deadline. The route is quoted against specification, availability and destination requirements.

Ask the customer or forwarder whether repairs are acceptable and what evidence they need. Check the received pallets against that brief before packing; separate units with damaged, conflicting or unreadable marks for review by the supplier or authorised provider.

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.