IPPC wood and fumigated wood are key concepts in international logistics and the wooden packaging industry. Proper phytosanitary treatment determines transport safety, legal compliance, and the ability to export goods beyond the European Union. This article explains the differences between HT (Heat Treatment) and fumigation (MB – Methyl Bromide), the rules for IPPC certification, and practical aspects of using marked wood in pallets, crates, and pallet collars.
Introduction
International trade requires unified standards for wood packaging materials. The goal is to eliminate the risk of transferring pests and plant pathogens between countries and continents. For this purpose, the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) introduced the global standard ISPM 15 – International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. This standard regulates phytosanitary treatment methods and wood marking rules for international transport.
Without IPPC certification, wooden packaging such as pallets, crates, or pallet collars cannot be used for export outside the European Union. Meeting ISPM 15 requirements is therefore not only a matter of biological safety but also a formal requirement for transport and manufacturing companies.
What is IPPC wood?
IPPC wood is material that has undergone phytosanitary treatment in accordance with ISPM 15 and has been marked with the official IPPC symbol. This marking confirms that the wood has been treated either by heat treatment (HT) or fumigation (MB) in order to eliminate organisms harmful to plants and ecosystems.
In practice, this means IPPC wood is safe for international transport and can be used to manufacture pallets, crates, skids, or other wooden packaging elements. This certification is required for all wooden packaging thicker than 6 mm, with the exception of composite materials (e.g., MDF, OSB, HDF, or plywood), which are considered pest-free due to their high-temperature pressing process.
ISPM 15 – principles and objectives
The ISPM 15 standard was developed by the IPPC and approved by FAO (the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). Its main purpose is to prevent the spread of wood pests through international transport. The standard defines phytosanitary treatment methods, certification procedures, and marking rules for wood used in transport packaging.
Key ISPM 15 requirements:
- Wood must undergo heat treatment (HT – Heat Treatment) or fumigation (MB – Methyl Bromide).
- The HT process requires the wood core to reach 56°C for at least 30 minutes.
- Each covered wooden product must be marked with the IPPC symbol and a unique producer number.
- Treatment must be performed by certified entities supervised by the national plant protection authority (e.g., PIORiN in Poland).
This standard is mandatory for exporting wood packaging to most countries worldwide, including the USA, Canada, China, India, Brazil, Australia, and Japan. Missing IPPC marking on wooden packaging may result in cargo being held at the border or destroyed due to phytosanitary risk.
HT phytosanitary treatment (Heat Treatment)
Heat treatment (HT) is the most common and environmentally friendly method of meeting ISPM 15 requirements. It involves heating wood to a specified temperature, ensuring elimination of live organisms inside the material—larvae, insects, fungi, and microorganisms.
The HT process is carried out in specialized drying chambers with automatic temperature measurement in the wood core. Minimum requirements include:
- Internal wood temperature: min. 56°C,
- Holding time: ≥ 30 minutes,
- Real-time temperature recording for each batch.
After completion, the wood is marked with HT inside the IPPC frame, confirming compliance. This method does not require chemicals and is considered the safest for the environment and for users of wooden packaging.
MB fumigation (Methyl Bromide) – an older method
MB fumigation is a chemical process in which wood is exposed to methyl bromide—a gas toxic to living organisms. The gas penetrates the wood structure and destroys pests at all development stages. Fumigation used to be common in international transport, but due to its harmful impact on the ozone layer and human health, its use is currently restricted.
The European Union and many other countries have gradually withdrawn fumigation from commercial use. MB is allowed only in special cases and under strict safety regulations. Marking after this process includes MB instead of HT in the IPPC frame.
IPPC vs EPAL, pallets and transport crates
In logistics, IPPC wood is used not only for pallets but also for producing transport crates, pallet collars, skids, and modular packaging. Any wooden element in contact with goods must have phytosanitary certification to ensure full compliance with international regulations.
For EPAL pallets, IPPC marking is mandatory and is placed on the center block, along with the EPAL logo and the producer number. For wooden crates or pallet collars, the IPPC mark is placed on the outer wall or load-bearing frame—typically burned or embossed permanently into the wood.
This marking confirms that the entire structure meets ISPM 15 requirements and that the materials come from legal and certified sources. In international transport, it is a necessary condition for crossing borders without additional phytosanitary inspections.
IPPC markings – how to read them
The IPPC symbol is standardized worldwide and contains information enabling identification of the country of origin, the producer, and the treatment method. All data appears in a rectangular frame with the wheat symbol (IPPC logo).
Example marking:
XX-0000 HT (IPPC symbol)
- XX – country code according to ISO 3166 (e.g., PL for Poland),
- 0000 – registration number of the producer or heat-treatment facility,
- HT – treatment type (Heat Treatment) or MB for fumigation.
All markings must be legible, durable, and placed on at least two opposite sides of a wooden element. Missing or incorrect marking can lead to cargo being challenged at the border.
IPPC producer certification process
Producing and marking wood products with the IPPC symbol requires obtaining the relevant certification. In Poland, this process is supervised by the State Plant Health and Seed Inspection Service (PIORiN). The certificate is granted to companies that meet technical requirements for both the drying process and phytosanitary documentation.
Main stages of certification:
- Application for PIORiN registration – the producer or treatment entity submits technical documentation and a description of the process and controls.
- Facility audit – PIORiN inspectors verify equipment, temperature recording methods, and the marking system.
- Assignment of a registration number – after a positive assessment, the company receives a unique IPPC producer number.
- Ongoing supervision – PIORiN conducts periodic inspections to verify treatment quality and marking correctness.
Obtaining IPPC certification authorizes the company to apply the symbol to wooden products and issue documentation confirming compliance with ISPM 15. This provides legal compliance and safety in international trade.
Differences between IPPC wood and fumigated wood
Although the terms “IPPC wood” and “fumigated wood” are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different phytosanitary treatment methods. The table below presents key differences:
| Feature | IPPC wood (HT) | Fumigated wood (MB) |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment method | Heating the wood core to 56°C for 30 min | Methyl bromide gas fumigation |
| Marking | HT in the IPPC symbol | MB in the IPPC symbol |
| Environmental safety | Safe and eco-friendly | Harmful to the environment and humans |
| Use in the EU | Widely permitted | Banned in most EU countries |
| Durability of effect | Durable thermal sterilization | Effective, but short-lived |
Today, most wooden packaging manufacturers—including EPALART—use exclusively the HT method. It aligns with sustainability policies and meets the requirements of all export markets, including the USA, Canada, China, and Australia.
Use of IPPC wood in international transport
IPPC wood is commonly used to manufacture:
- export and industrial pallets,
- transport crates,
- pallet collars,
- skids and elements of oversized packaging.
Each of these products is a key element of the global supply chain. With IPPC certification, goods can move between continents smoothly, without the risk of shipment detention due to phytosanitary non-compliance.
In sea and air transport, resistance to moisture and fungi is especially important. HT treatment significantly reduces the risk of mold and deformation, which is crucial for cargo safety and for maintaining clean container conditions.
Phytosanitary requirements in the EU and outside the EU
Within the European Union, IPPC wood is required for exports outside the EU. In intra-EU trade (e.g., Poland–Germany, Poland–Czech Republic), IPPC marking is not mandatory, but it is recommended for quality and image reasons.
In third countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Australia, China), requirements are strict—every wooden packaging element must bear IPPC marking and confirmed phytosanitary treatment. Otherwise, the cargo may be held, disinfected, or destroyed at the exporter’s expense.
In Poland, phytosanitary export control is carried out by PIORiN, while other countries have their own authorities (e.g., APHIS in the USA, CFIA in Canada, AQIS in Australia). All operate based on IPPC and ISPM 15 guidelines.
Sustainable alternatives and environmental aspects
Growing environmental awareness and restrictions on fumigation have made HT the global standard. Heat treatment requires no chemicals, does not emit harmful gases, and does not negatively affect the wood structure.
IPPC wood can be reused or recycled, aligning with the circular economy. Compared to plastic packaging, wood has a much lower carbon footprint, and heat-treatment processes can be powered by renewable energy.
EPALART, as a manufacturer of certified pallets and crates, uses wood from sustainable sources with FSC® and PEFC certification. This ensures customers receive products that are not only compliant with international standards but also environmentally responsible.
Most common mistakes in IPPC marking and transport
Despite wide availability of certified materials, practical mistakes still occur and can cause problems during customs clearance. The most common include:
- missing IPPC marking on all elements of a crate or pallet,
- using illegible or washable printing,
- mixing certified and non-certified components,
- using untreated wood for pallet repairs,
- improper documentation of HT batches.
To avoid issues, work only with certified producers and treatment facilities. Each wood delivery should be documented with IPPC compliance and recorded in the PIORiN register.
Summary
IPPC wood is the foundation of safe and compliant international transport. HT heat treatment ensures pest elimination, material durability, and compliance with global ISPM 15 standards. Unlike outdated methyl bromide fumigation, HT is fully eco-friendly, safe, and widely accepted by all trading countries.
By choosing EPALART as your partner for IPPC wood and packaging, you gain certainty of certified raw material origin, modern heat-treatment technology, and compliance with international standards—ensuring your goods are safe throughout the global supply chain.
FAQ
What does the IPPC symbol on wood mean?
The IPPC symbol indicates that the wood has undergone phytosanitary treatment in accordance with the ISPM 15 standard. It includes the country code, the producer number, and the treatment method used (HT – heat treatment or MB – fumigation).
Can fumigated wood still be used in international transport?
Fumigation (MB) is currently banned in most European Union countries and is being gradually phased out worldwide. It is permitted only exceptionally in countries that do not have heat-treatment infrastructure.
What are the requirements for export wood?
Any wooden component thicker than 6 mm must be marked with the IPPC symbol and undergo the HT process. This applies to pallets, crates, pallet collars, and other packaging used in international transport.
What does the IPPC producer certification process look like in Poland?
Certification is carried out by PIORiN. A company must have an appropriate kiln/drying chamber, a temperature control and HT process recording system, and an implemented IPPC marking system. After an audit, the facility receives an identification number.
Can IPPC wood be used multiple times?
Yes. IPPC wood retains its phytosanitary properties after multiple uses as long as it is not damaged or contaminated. Pallets and crates can be reused in international transport without requiring re-treatment.
What is the difference between IPPC wood and standard kiln-dried wood?
IPPC wood undergoes a controlled HT process compliant with ISPM 15 and bears the official IPPC mark. Standard kiln-dried wood is not allowed for export if it does not have confirmed phytosanitary treatment.