ISPM no. 15 standard

Virtually all countries have now introduced the ISPM standard. However, there are still significant differences in its interpretation and application. For instance, some Chinese customs offices (Guangzhou Area) still request a packing declaration, which is actually no longer required according to the standard. Furthermore, in this region, officials sometimes request that every single board in a consignment be stamped. The standard can indeed be interpreted this way. Nevertheless, it is normally sufficient for all countries if packaging is stamped on two sides.

This standard only applies to raw wood. Packaging which is made entirely of cardboard, plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), chipboard or veneer does not need to be treated or stamped according to the standard. However, there is no guarantee that the customs officer in the destination country actually knows that this type of packaging is not subject to the ISPM standard. So if there is any doubt stamp it.

How is the standard met? Either through a drying process or fumigation with methyl bromide (MB). The use of methyl bromide is prohibited in Switzerland and in the EU. The drying process involves drying out the wood at a core temperature of 56° Celsius for 30 minutes. Even if the wood is still damp or even wet on the outside, the standard will still be met.

Only the symbol depicted below is valid. If you order new stencils, then please also note the border and the dividing line. The Chinese customs authorities have started, for example, to request that the stamp meet all of the regulations.

The full standard is available here as a PDF: ISPM No.15 (English version)

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