Pallets and Wood Packaging (ISPM 15)

ISPM 15 treatment for pallets and wood packaging

Pallets, crates, wooden frames and dunnage shipped with export goods usually need treatment under the international ISPM 15 standard before crossing a border. GCC arranges heat treatment of the wood packaging with a partner facility and then issues a bilingual English and Vietnamese treatment certificate with a QR code.

Why treatment is needed

Solid wood can hide insect eggs, larvae and wood borers deep inside the grain, where they cannot be seen with the naked eye. A pallet that looks clean on the outside can still carry live pests to the importing country. Most importing countries therefore require wood packaging to be treated and marked under ISPM 15. Packaging that does not comply may be held, re-treated or sent back at the port of destination.

How GCC helps

• Heat treatment of pallets and wood packaging arranged with a partner facility
• Advice on the importing country's wood packaging requirements
• Bilingual English and Vietnamese treatment certificate with a QR code for verification, issued about 10 minutes after treatment when documents are complete
• Container or cargo fumigation in the same job when the shipment needs it

About the ISPM 15 mark

The ISPM 15 mark is applied to wood packaging by a treatment facility authorised by the plant protection authority. The GCC certificate confirms the treatment for the shipment and accompanies the export documents when the buyer or importing country asks for it.

Before you book

Please tell us the type and quantity of wood packaging (pallets, crates, frames, dunnage), the date you need it, and the destination country. GCC will schedule the treatment accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

• Do plastic pallets, plywood or pressed wood need ISPM 15 treatment? No. ISPM 15 covers packaging made from solid natural wood. Plastic and metal pallets, and processed wood such as plywood, particle board and oriented strand board, are outside its scope.
• If the pallets already carry the ISPM 15 mark, do I still need a certificate? For many countries the mark is enough. Some buyers or importing countries also ask for a treatment certificate. GCC will advise once the destination is known.
• How long does it take to get the certificate? About 10 minutes after treatment, provided the documents are complete.
• How can overseas partners verify the certificate? Scan the QR code on the certificate, or use the certificate lookup page on the GCC website.

Call our 24-hour hotline +84 903 952 171 or message us on Zalo for advice.