What is in
ISPM 15 lists crates, boxes, packing cases, dunnage, pallets, cable drums and spools or reels, which it notes can turn up in almost any imported consignment. ISPM 15 notes that wood packaging is very often reused, repaired or remanufactured, which makes its true origin hard to trace.
What is out
ISPM 15 exempts wood packaging made entirely of wood 6 mm thick or less, packaging made wholly of processed wood such as plywood, particle board, oriented strand board or veneer, wine and spirit barrels heated during manufacture, sawdust, wood shavings and wood wool, and wood permanently attached to freight vehicles and containers.
In US rules
7 CFR 319.40-3 uses the same term and builds on the ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements. Read the summary for the import side.
Why the term matters
If an item is wood packaging material, it needs the mark. If it is the commodity itself, such as lumber, different rules apply.