Here at ITS Ltd, we have over 25 years’ experience in the timber industry and have been undertaking bulk orders for existing and new customers over the years. When it comes to packaging there is perhaps no item more important than the humble wooden pallet. It facilitates the shipment of millions of items every day.
ISPM15 is the industry standard regarding wooden pallets. The ISPM 15 standard was created to reduce the risk of transferring beetles, termites and pests via packaged crates and pallets. As per this standard, every wood packaging material (single item or whole packaging) has to be debarked, heat treated, and then stamped with a mark of compliance.
What does ISPM 15 stand for?
ISPM 15 stands for International Standards For Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. International standards are guidelines developed by an organisation for use around the globe. The most prominent organisation that develops international standards is the International Organisation for Standardisation more commonly referred to as the ISO.
What does it describe?
ISPM 15 describes a standard that is not intended to provide ongoing protection from contaminating pests or organisms. It describes three approaches to eradicating the potential for pests and contaminants. These are:
- -Heat Treatment
- -Kiln Drying
- -Methyl bromide (MB) fumigation for wood packaging material
There are strict regulations for each of these approaches which ensures that pests, diseases and contaminants are all eradicated.
Why do wooden pallets need to be heat treated?
Heat treatment is essential in order to comply with ISPM15 requirements, which prevent the transfer of pesticides and infestation during the exportation process. Heat treatment is actually considered the best treatment type for ISPM 15. Other treatments such as chemical fumigation have actually resulted in recalls in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to traces of chemicals being found. Chemical fumigation can also leave an unpleasant smell which isn’t desirable.
At Integrated Timber Solutions Ltd, we ensure that all our products strictly comply with ISPM 15, and use heat treated timber for manufacturing timber crates and pallets. Our services are available throughout Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK. We also repair, recondition and recycle old pallets and cases. Our services are available throughout Ireland and the UK.
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