Fumigation and wooden packaging treatment
Wooden pallets and boxes are not just packaging but a potential carrier of pests, so in international trade wooden packaging must undergo phytosanitary treatment under the ISPM 15 standard. Without treatment and marking, cargo on such packaging may not be admitted across the border. We arrange disinfestation of packaging and cargo and prepare the documents. The service is for companies and sole proprietors across Ukraine — Kyiv, Odesa, Kharkiv, Dnipro.
What ISPM 15 is and why packaging is treated
ISPM 15 is the international standard for regulating wood packaging materials in international trade. Its aim is to prevent the transfer of timber pests between countries. Treatment of packaging to ISPM 15 is mandatory on import and export — it is part of phytosanitary control.
Which packaging is subject to treatment
- Pallets.
- Boxes, crates, crating.
- Dunnage, spacers and liners.
Treatment is required for solid raw wood; packaging made of plywood or OSB usually does not fall under ISPM 15.
Disinfestation methods
| Method | Essence |
|---|---|
| Heat treatment (HT) | Heating the wood to at least 56 °C for at least 30 min |
| Fumigation (e.g. MB) | Uniform chemical treatment with gas |
| Kiln drying | Reducing moisture at temperature |
The method is chosen for the packaging type and the destination country's requirements — some countries restrict fumigation with methyl bromide.
IPPC marking
Treated packaging is marked with the IPPC stamp (the “wheat ear”). The marking contains the country code, the packaging producer's number and the method code (HT — heat treatment, MB — fumigation). It is applied to each unit of packaging and lets customs verify the treatment without extra documents.
Fumigation certificate
In addition to the marking, the consignment is accompanied by a certificate of the disinfestation carried out. It confirms the method, date and treatment parameters. Without such documents customs may not admit the cargo, especially on export to countries with strict phytosanitary control.
Fumigation of cargo on export
It is not only packaging that is fumigated. On export of grain and other bulk products, disinfestation against storage pests is carried out — required by importing countries. Disinfestation goes together with the phytosanitary certificate for the cargo itself.
Documents and customs
The fumigation certificate and packaging marking go in a set with the invoice, packing list and phytosanitary documents. What the export set includes is covered in the guide to documents for export. The consistency of the set and clearance are handled by our customs broker.
How we arrange the treatment
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AnalysisWe determine whether packaging or cargo treatment is needed and which method fits.
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TreatmentWe arrange heat treatment or fumigation through accredited companies.
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Marking and certificateWe apply the IPPC stamp and obtain the disinfestation certificate.
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CustomsWe use the documents at clearance and dispatch.
Frequently asked questions
Fumigation with Trans-Hope
Trans-Hope determines whether packaging or cargo treatment is needed, arranges fumigation or heat treatment to ISPM 15, prepares the marking and certificate and handles clearance. Send the packaging/cargo type and the route — we will tell you what is needed and arrange the treatment.
