Heat Treatment & ISPM-15 Pallets in Jacksonville

What the international standard for wood packaging asks for, and how to request heat-treated pallets from partner suppliers

Planning an Export Shipment?

Reuse Before New

Tell us what you are shipping and where it is going. We pass your request to a partner supplier, who can confirm availability, marking, and paperwork. Requests from the Jacksonville area; availability depends on partner suppliers.

  • Free, No-Obligation Quote Request
  • Grade A, B and C Used Pallets
  • Pickup and Delivery Through Partners
  • Reusing a Pallet Avoids Building a New One

Request ISPM-15 Marked Pallets

What is ISPM-15?

ISPM-15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a standard published under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). It sets out how wood packaging used in international trade should be treated and marked to reduce the spread of pests.

Purpose

Reduces the risk of insects and other pests traveling in raw wood packaging from one country to another.

What It Covers

Raw wood packaging such as pallets, crates, and dunnage. The wood is debarked, treated by an approved method, and marked.

Where It Applies

Each country sets its own import rules, and many base them on ISPM-15. Check the current rules for your destination before you ship.

Heat Treatment (HT) Process

Temperature Requirement

Core Temperature: At least 56°C (about 133°F)

Duration: At least 30 continuous minutes

The temperature is measured at the core of the wood, not just in the air around it, so thicker pieces and full loads take longer to reach it.

Who Does the Treatment

Treatment is carried out by providers authorized under their national plant protection program, usually with a kiln or similar heated chamber.

Jacksonville Pallets has no kiln and does not treat or stamp pallets. Any treatment is handled by a partner supplier or a treatment provider it works with, so ask them to confirm their authorization and records.

What Heat Treatment Does and Does Not Do

  • Does: Addresses pests in the wood at the time of treatment
  • Not the same as kiln drying: Moisture may drop, but HT does not set a moisture level
  • Does not stop mold: Humid storage can still lead to mold on treated wood
  • Does not replace inspection: Damaged pallets are still damaged

ISPM-15 Marking

Key Check

What the Mark Contains

A compliant pallet carries a mark applied by an authorized provider. It generally includes:

Mark Components:

  • IPPC Symbol: The wheat-ear logo
  • Country Code: The two-letter code of the treating country
  • Producer Code: A number assigned to the provider
  • Treatment Code: HT for heat treatment, or the code for another approved method

How It Is Applied

Method: Usually stamped, stenciled, or branded into the wood

Visibility: Placed where it can be seen, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the pallet.

Legibility: It should stay readable through normal handling. A faded or partly covered mark can cause questions at the border.

If the Mark Is Missing or Unclear

Outcomes depend on the destination country and the officials involved. Non-compliant wood packaging can lead to:

  • Delays while the shipment is checked
  • Treatment at the destination
  • Rejection or return of the shipment
  • Disposal of the packaging

Checking Your Destination Country

Rules change and differ by country, so treat this page as background and confirm the details for each shipment. If your freight moves through JAXPORT or another port, your forwarder is a good first stop.

Check Official Sources

Look up the current import requirements for wood packaging in the destination country, starting with its plant protection authority.

Ask Your Forwarder or Broker

Your freight forwarder or customs broker sees these rules regularly and can tell you what is needed for your route and cargo.

Ask the Buyer

Some importers set their own requirements on top of national rules, such as a preferred size or paperwork.

Domestic Shipments

ISPM-15 is aimed at international shipments. A load staying inside the United States generally does not need it unless your customer asks for it.

Other Treatment Codes

Methyl Bromide (MB)

Process: Fumigation with methyl bromide gas.

Status: Banned or restricted in many countries because of its effect on the ozone layer. Check current rules before accepting an MB-marked pallet.

Dielectric Heating (DH)

Process: Microwave or radio-frequency energy heats the wood.

Status: Less common than kiln heat treatment. Ask the supplier whether it is an option at all.

Sulfuryl Fluoride (SF)

Process: Fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride gas.

Status: Less widely used than heat treatment. Verify that the destination country accepts it.

Materials Generally Outside ISPM-15

Processed Wood Products

Wood packaging made wholly of processed material is generally outside the standard:

  • Plywood
  • Particleboard
  • Oriented strand board (OSB)
  • Veneer products

A pallet that mixes these with solid lumber still needs the solid parts addressed. Verify with the destination country.

Thin Wood

Packaging made wholly of wood 6 mm thick or less is generally exempt under the standard.

Few pallets qualify, since deck boards and stringers are much thicker than that.

Non-Wood Pallets

ISPM-15 is about wood packaging, so these materials generally fall outside it:

  • Plastic pallets
  • Metal pallets
  • Corrugated or paper pallets

For composites, check the specific material. Pricing for any option is by quote from partner suppliers.

Requesting Heat-Treated Pallets Through Partner Suppliers

How It Works Here

What to Include in Your Request

  • Pallet size and type
  • Quantity and how often you need them
  • Destination country
  • Load weight and handling method
  • Your location in the Jacksonville area

What You Can Ask About

  • New or used heat-treated pallets
  • Custom sizes with treatment
  • Treatment of pallets you already own
  • Pickup or delivery options

Availability depends on partner suppliers.

What to Confirm With the Supplier

  • Who treated the pallets and who marked them
  • What the mark on your pallets shows
  • What treatment records are available
  • How treated stock is kept apart from untreated stock
  • Lead time and pricing for your order

Common Questions About ISPM-15

Does a mark mean a shipment will clear customs?

No. The mark is one requirement among several, and officials at the destination make the decision. Check the current rules for your shipment.

Can I reuse heat-treated pallets?

Often, yes, as long as the mark stays legible and the pallet has not been altered in a way that affects it. Inspect each pallet before you use it again.

What if my pallet is repaired?

Repairs can affect compliance. Replacement parts generally need to be treated and marked, and a heavily rebuilt pallet may need retreatment and a new mark. Ask the supplier how repairs were handled.

Does heat treatment weaken the wood?

The ISPM-15 schedule is a relatively mild heat for wood, and pallet strength depends much more on design, wood quality, and condition. Inspect pallets the same way you would any others.

Planning an Export From Jacksonville?

Check your destination rules first, then use the form on this page to send a free, no-obligation quote request. We pass it to a partner supplier, who follows up to confirm treatment, marking, paperwork, and pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISPM-15 and why does it matter?

ISPM-15 is the international standard for treating and marking wood packaging to reduce the spread of pests. Many countries base their import rules on it, so check the current rules for your destination.

How long does heat treatment take?

The wood core must hold at least 56 °C for at least 30 continuous minutes. Total time depends on the kiln and the load, and scheduling is set by the supplier, so ask for a lead time with your quote.

Does Jacksonville Pallets stamp pallets after treatment?

No. Jacksonville Pallets is a referral service with no kiln and no stamp. Treatment and marking are handled by a partner supplier or its treatment provider.

Can treated pallets be reused for multiple shipments?

Often, yes, if the pallet is sound and the mark is still legible. Repairs can change that, so confirm with the supplier and check the destination country rules.

Can I request both stringer and block pallets with ISPM-15 marks?

Yes, you can ask for either. We pass your request to a partner supplier, and availability depends on what they have or can source.

How can I check that treatment was done properly?

Look at the mark on the pallets and ask the supplier who treated them and what records are available. Temperature and time records are kept by the treatment provider, not by this site.

Can custom-built pallets be heat treated?

Custom pallets can be treated and marked, and some partner suppliers may offer this. Include your dimensions and destination in the request so the supplier can confirm.

What documents will I receive?

That depends on the supplier. If your buyer or forwarder needs paperwork, say so in your request and confirm with the supplier what they can give you before ordering.

Can I order a mix of treated and untreated pallets?

You can ask for one. Treated and untreated pallets should be kept clearly apart, so ask the supplier how they will be separated and labeled.

Can you advise on destination-specific rules?

No. We are a referral service, so please check the destination country regulations directly or ask your freight forwarder or customs broker. A partner supplier can tell you what marking its pallets carry.