The most common snag for companies exporting on wooden pallets is the ISPM-15 requirement. So which countries apply ISPM-15, and which pallets are exempt? This guide covers the main countries and blocs applying ISPM-15, the stamping rules, and why composite pallets fall outside this obligation.
What is ISPM-15? (in brief)
ISPM-15 is a plant-health standard requiring untreated solid wood packaging (pallets, crates, blocks) used in international trade to be heat treated (HT) or fumigated and IPPC-stamped, to stop pests from spreading. See our ISPM-15 exemption page for the detailed technical framework.
Main countries applying ISPM-15
ISPM-15 has been adopted by more than 180 countries worldwide; that is, the vast majority of the countries you export to require this standard for wood packaging. Major markets:
- European Union (all member states), United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway
- USA, Canada, Mexico
- China, Japan, South Korea, India
- Russia and Eurasian Economic Union countries
- Australia, New Zealand (strict biosecurity checks)
- Brazil, Argentina and many Latin American countries
- Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.) and Türkiye itself
* This list is for information and may change over time. Always confirm the destination country's current phytosanitary requirements before shipping.
What should the IPPC stamp look like?
Wood packaging within ISPM-15 scope must carry the IPPC mark with the wheat-ear logo. The stamp shows the country code (TR), the producer/treatment facility number and the method (HT = heat treatment, MB = methyl bromide fumigation). Unstamped or wrongly stamped wooden pallets can be rejected at customs or cause the shipment to be returned.
Why is a composite pallet exempt in all these countries?
ISPM-15 covers only untreated solid wood. A composite (presswood) pallet is a processed wood product made by pressing wood fibre under high heat and pressure; processed panel/pressed products (like plywood, OSB, MDF) are outside the scope. So a composite pallet can be shipped to all ISPM-15 countries with no stamp, heat treatment or fumigation. The exemption depends on the product's nature, not the country, and is permanent.
For shipping with no certificate, stamp or processing hassle, see our composite export pallet and, for size options, our composite pallet page.