ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international agreement under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) that regulates wood packaging material used in international trade. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of pests and diseases through wood packaging — which can harbour insects like the Asian long-horned beetle, pine wood nematode, and other forest pests. ISPM-15 requires that all solid wood packaging materials be treated and marked before they can be used for international shipping.
ISPM-15 applies to any business importing or exporting goods that use wood packaging — including wooden pallets, crates, boxes, cable drums, and dunnage. This covers manufacturers, freight forwarders, logistics companies, and traders in Singapore. If your shipment contains wood packaging that hasn't been ISPM-15 treated and marked, it may be refused entry at the destination country, returned, or destroyed at your expense. Many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the EU, and the USA, strictly enforce ISPM-15 compliance.
ISPM-15 approves two treatment methods for wood packaging materials. The first is heat treatment (HT), where wood is heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for at least 30 continuous minutes. The second is methyl bromide (MB) fumigation, where wood is exposed to methyl bromide gas in a sealed enclosure under controlled conditions for a specified duration. Both methods must be performed by a NEA-licensed fumigation provider and followed by application of the official ISPM-15 mark — a stamp containing the IPPC symbol, country code, treatment code (HT or MB), and the facility's unique registration number.
Once wood packaging has been treated, it must be stamped with the ISPM-15 compliance mark. The mark includes: the IPPC logo (a stylised plant), a two-letter ISO country code (e.g. 'SG' for Singapore), a unique facility code assigned by the national plant protection organisation, and the treatment code — 'HT' for heat treatment or 'MB' for methyl bromide fumigation. This mark must be on at least two opposite sides of the wood packaging and must be legible, permanent, and not hand-written. Treated wood that lacks this mark is considered non-compliant.
In addition to ISPM-15, exports to Australia and New Zealand during the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season (September to May) require mandatory BMSB fumigation. This treatment targets the BMSB, which poses a significant threat to agriculture in these countries. BMSB fumigation uses methyl bromide at specific concentrations and exposure times, and must be performed by an approved treatment provider. Singapore-based exporters should check the current season requirements and engage a NEA-licensed fumigator well before their shipment date to avoid delays.
The ISPM-15 fumigation process begins with an inspection of the wood packaging to confirm it requires treatment. The wood is then placed in a sealed fumigation enclosure — either a purpose-built chamber or a gas-tight sheet sealed over the cargo. Methyl bromide gas is released at a calculated concentration based on volume, temperature, and exposure time. The enclosure remains sealed for the required duration (typically 12-24 hours), after which the gas is safely vented. The wood is then stamped with the ISPM-15 mark and a fumigation certificate is issued for customs documentation.
ISPM-15 fumigation must be performed by a provider licensed by Singapore's National Environment Agency (NEA) and registered with the relevant plant protection authority. Look for a provider with experience in your industry, transparent certification, and the ability to handle container, commodity, and warehouse fumigation. At Bespoke Enviro Services, we are fully NEA-licensed and provide ISPM-15 and BMSB-compliant fumigation with proper documentation for all major export destinations. Our 24/7 service minimises disruption to your supply chain.
