What it covers
Crates, boxes, packing cases, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and spools made from raw wood. The standard says dunnage in particular has been shown to present a high risk of spreading pests.
What it requires
Debarked wood, one of the approved treatments in Annex 1 (heat treatment, dielectric heating, methyl bromide or sulphuryl fluoride), and the mark described in Annex 2, applied so it is legible and permanent.
What it exempts
Wood packaging made entirely of thin wood 6 mm thick or less, and packaging made wholly of processed wood such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board or veneer. That is why plywood pallets do not carry the mark.
How countries use it
Each country writes ISPM 15 into its own law. In the United States that is 7 CFR 319.40-3; in Canada, CFIA directive D-98-08. Our rules pages summarise both.