Packaging wood is packaging material made from solid wood (paper is therefore excluded), for example, in the form of pallets (with or without collars and pallet boxes), industrial packaging (export packaging, crates), crates, reels, dunnage, etc., used for supporting, protecting, or transporting all kinds of objects.
ISPM 15 applies to "wooden packaging," i.e., wood or wood products (excluding paper) used for the support, protection, or transport of goods. This includes pallets (with or without collars and pallet boxes), industrial packaging (export packaging, crates), crates, reels, dunnage, etc.
Wood that is not subject to the measures under ISPM 15 and is therefore exempt (unless a country can demonstrate that measures are justified; see ISPM 15 international country overview):
- processed products produced through a high-temperature and/or high-pressure production process, such as particleboard, OSB, plywood, veneer, MDF, HDF, Trespa, etc.
- wood particles (wood wool, sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, etc.) used as packaging material and with a maximum thickness of 6 mm do not pose a phytosanitary risk. This wood is not subject to the ISPM 15 measure unless a country can demonstrate that measures are justified. ISPM 15 recommends using debarked (DB) wood.
- 'bamboo products' do not fall under the definition of wood in the ISPM 15 definition and therefore ISPM 15 does not apply to bamboo products.
No, wood supporting bundles is not covered by the definition of dunnage but must meet the requirements for "wood." See the menu item "ISPM 15 International," submenu "Importing Wood to Europe."
The requirements apply to all packaging wood (see the question "What is packaging wood"), regardless of the wood species it is made of. Therefore, packaging wood made from tropical hardwood must also meet the ISPM 15 requirements. Tropical hardwood used to secure non-wood cargoes (dunnage) must also meet the requirements. However, no requirements apply to tropical hardwood used to secure wood cargoes (because it is not considered dunnage; see the question "What is dunnage"). It is possible that the EU will eventually make an exception for tropical hardwood, but this is not yet on the agenda.
Treated wood can be stored next to untreated wood, but it must be kept separate! Once treated, wooden packaging remains considered treated.
Once treated, packaging is considered treated permanently unless its composition changes, for example, due to repair. The rules for repair can be found in the protocols under ISPM 15 national. The risk of recontamination is minimal because the risk of packaging wood returning to a forest where recontamination could occur is quite small.
Wooden packaging bearing the mark guarantees that it meets the requirements of ISPM 15.
Therefore, a separate treatment or other certificate is not required by the manufacturer/repairer/treatment provider/trader.
Furthermore, the invoice must specifically state that the company is registered with SMHV for the supply of treated products that meet the requirements of ISPM 15, with reference to the registration number.
This guarantees that the supplier is actually affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
Suppliers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 receive a unique 3-digit registration number, which must be clearly visible in the IPPC mark on the wood. This mark is internationally recognized.
All registered SMHV companies are listed on our website, in both the Dutch and English sections.
Dune wood is solid wood used to secure or support cargoes other than wood, including wood that has not retained its natural round surface (except rough wood up to 6 mm thick, and processed wood produced using glue, heat, and pressure, or a combination thereof).
Wood used to secure or support cargoes of wood is not subject to the dunnage requirements. This wood is considered "timber" and is subject to the EU requirements for "timber" (see menu item "ISPM 15 International," submenu "Import of loose wood to Europe").
Example: Coniferous wood used to secure a load of machinery is subject to the dunnage requirements. Coniferous wood used to secure a load of planks is subject to the coniferous wood requirements.
The same requirements apply to packaging wood and dunnage. As of January 1, 2008, dunnage is required in the EU to be treated and marked upon import.
As of January 1, 2008, dunnage must be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM 15 when imported into the EU.
Dune wood (with goods) to be shipped from the EU to China must be completely free of bark and treated with heat treatment or another effective disinfection treatment recognized by China, and must be marked after treatment.
Under the "ISPM 15 International" menu, check the requirements that the various countries have for import packaging and any additional requirements, for example, regarding dunnage.
Battens/beams of the same wood species:
ISPM 15 makes an exception for shipments of wood that use battens of the same wood species. These are often found between shipments. Such battens are not considered dunnage and do not need to comply with ISPM 15.
Battens/beams of a different wood species:
If there are battens or beams under or between a shipment of wood of a different wood species, those battens or beams DO fall under the definition of dunnage and must comply with ISPM 15.
Mold growth and discoloration sometimes occur on wood/wood packaging. This occurs primarily on undried wood that is heat-treated and then stored in poorly ventilated spaces. Heat treatment can therefore exacerbate the process of mold growth and discoloration.
However, mold has not been identified as a phytosanitary risk for wooden packaging according to ISPM 15. Therefore, any mold growth is not a reason for other countries to refuse packaging wood in accordance with ISPM 15.
The best solution to prevent mold growth and discoloration is to use dry wood (also known as kiln-dried or KD wood). Re-drying wood creates unfavorable conditions for the spread of mold and the development of discoloration. Purchasing wooden packaging that has been heat-treated and dried in accordance with ISPM 15 therefore tackles (quarantine) organisms and prevents mold growth/discoloration.
As a user of wooden packaging, don't take any risks and follow these steps:
- Choose a registered company and verify the registration number: you can find all registered companies in the central register, both in the Dutch and English sections. Each affiliated registered company has a unique 3-digit registration number (NL - 000) that you can verify in the central register.
- Verify the affiliated company's invoice: it should state that the wooden packaging complies with ISPM 15 and that the supplier is listed in the SMHV central register, with a reference to the unique registration number. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
- Check the IPPC mark: the internationally recognized IPPC mark must be clearly visible and preferably affixed to at least two opposite sides of the wooden packaging. This guarantees that the wooden packaging complies with the ISPM 15 requirements. You can easily verify this. These shipments do not require any other (treatment) certificates; therefore, no additional treatment or other certificate is required for any country.
This guarantees that your supplier is indeed affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
The EU import requirements for packaging wood apply to all third countries, with the exception of Switzerland. This means that all packaging wood and dunnage imported from a non-EU country must meet the requirements of ISPM 15.
Exception: Portugal
ISPM 15 does not apply to traffic within the European Union; however, as of January 1, 2010, all coniferous packaging and dunnage wood leaving mainland Portugal must comply.
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) strongly recommends that packaging wood also be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM 15 when imported into Portugal.
Exception: Switzerland
Switzerland is not an EU member, but is also not considered a 'third country'. Switzerland imposed requirements for packaging wood in accordance with ISPM 15 as of July 1, 2004. These requirements do not apply to shipments from the Netherlands or other EU member states. The requirements are:
- Packaging wood and dunnage (except wood < 6 mm and wood made using glue, heat, or pressure) must be treated (HT or MB) and provided with an ISPM 15 mark. Dunnage: As of January 1, 2008, dunnage wood must be marked when imported into the EU!
- As of July 1, 2009, all packaging wood must be debarked when imported into the EU. Wood packaging material must be free of bark, except for pieces of bark that:
- Are either narrower than 3 cm (regardless of length),
- Or, if wider than 3 cm, have a surface area of no more than 50 cm² in accordance with ISPM 15.
Within the European Union
ISPM 15 does not apply to cross-border traffic within the European Union (including Switzerland). For European countries that are not members of the EU, this means that packaging wood (1 March 2005) and dunnage wood (1 January 2008) must meet the requirements of ISPM 15 in order to be imported into one of the EU countries.
No, this shipment is considered wood. See the menu 'ISPM 15 International', submenu 'Import of loose wood to Europe'.
Please note: if they are on a pallet, the bottom pallet is considered packaging wood!
The requirements for import packaging by various countries (listed alphabetically) are listed in the "ISPM 15 International Country Overview" menu.
If the country you're looking for isn't listed in the international country overview, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) doesn't know how the country handles packaging wood and ISPM 15. Sometimes countries don't disclose that they comply with ISPM 15 or have implemented it, but they do comply with it when importing. Therefore, it's recommended to use ISPM 15-treated and marked packaging wood for these countries as well.
The ISPM 15 mark looks like this:
NL ISO country code (NL)
000 3-digit registration number of the treatment provider
HT treatment method: Heat Treatment (HT)
The mark must include a border. Within the border, the IPPC logo and the code components are separated by a vertical line.
The ISO country code must be separated from the unique 3-digit registration number of the registered company by a hyphen.
D (dunnage) loose wood / dunnage
Loose wood is marked with a letter 'D' to indicate dunnage ("Dunnage"), which is added outside the mark. This mark is therefore placed on loose wood, i.e., on wood that can still be made into a product. Below is an example of a mark with the addition of 'D'.
The letter D (dunnage) is added outside the mark and has the same size as the letters placed within the mark. The distance between the letter D placed outside the frame and the frame may not exceed the width of the letter D. If added, the letter D becomes an integral part of the Dutch mark.
For dunnage, it is important that the mark remains visible even when shortened (for example, by marking along the entire length or by adding additional marking in a visible location).
More information about the mark can be found in the "ISPM 15 National" menu.
Note: Fumigation with methyl bromide (MB) has been prohibited as a treatment method since March 18, 2010.
Doubts about a mark?
In the Explanatory document for ISPM 15 (Guide for the regulation of wooden packaging materials), you can find examples of correct and incorrect ISPM 15 markings starting from Appendix 7 (page 74).
Loose wood is marked with a mark where the letter "D" is added outside the mark to indicate dunnage. This mark is therefore placed on loose wood, i.e., wood that can still be made into a product. Below is an example of a mark with the addition of "D."
The letter "D" is added outside the mark and is the same size as the letters placed inside the mark. The distance between the letter "D" placed outside the frame and the frame may not be greater than the width of the letter "D." If added, the letter "D" becomes an integral part of the Dutch mark.
For dunnage, it is important that the mark remains visible even when the wood is shortened (for example, by marking along the entire length or by adding an additional mark in a visible location).
Wooden packaging bearing the mark guarantees that it meets the requirements of ISPM 15.
Therefore, a separate treatment or other certificate is not required by the manufacturer/repairer/treatment provider/trader.
Furthermore, the invoice must specifically state that the company is registered with the SMHV register for the supply of treated products that meet the requirements of ISPM 15, with reference to the registration number.
This guarantees that the supplier is actually affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
Suppliers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 receive a unique 3-digit registration number, which must be clearly visible in the IPPC mark on the wood. This mark is internationally recognized.
All SMHV registered companies are listed on our website, both in the Dutch and English sections.
Wooden packaging bearing the mark guarantees that it meets the requirements of ISPM 15.
Therefore, a separate treatment or other certificate is not required by the manufacturer/repairer/treatment provider/trader.
Furthermore, the invoice must specifically state that the company is registered with the SMHV register for the supply of treated products that meet the requirements of ISPM 15, with reference to the registration number.
This guarantees that the supplier is actually affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
Suppliers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 receive a unique 3-digit registration number, which must be clearly visible in the IPPC mark on the wood. This mark is internationally recognized.
All SMHV registered companies are listed on our website, both in the Dutch and English sections.
The NVWA has indicated that it cannot recognize foreign sawmills until they have received and approved an official description from the official body in the relevant country.
Once this has been received and approved by the NVWA, the registered foreign sawmills will be recognized. These will then be posted on the SMHV website, and the treated wood from one of these sawmills can then be considered treated. See ISPM 15 international country overview.
The ISPM 15 mark looks like this:
NL ISO country code (NL)
000 3-digit registration number of the treatment provider
HT / DH Treatment method: Heat Treatment (HT), Dielectric Heating (DH), or Methyl Bromide (MB).
Fuming with methyl bromide (MB) was banned as an alternative treatment method within the EU as of March 18, 2010, due to a ban on the use of methyl bromide. This treatment method is still used in countries outside the EU. This wood also meets the ISPM 15 requirements.
The mark must include a border. Within the border, the IPPC ear of grain and the code components are separated by a vertical line. A hyphen separates the ISO country code from the unique 3-digit registration number of the registered company.
The logo must be legible, durable, and applied to both sides (preferably opposite). The size is not prescribed.
D (dunnage) dunnage
Dune wood is also subject to ISPM 15, and the same requirements apply. However, dunnage is provided with a mark in which the letter 'D' ('dunnage') is added outside the mark. If added, the letter D becomes an integral part of the Dutch mark.
This mark also appears on loose wood, i.e., on wood that can still be made into a product. Below is an example of a mark with the addition of 'D'.
The letter D (dunnage) is added outside the mark and is the same size as the letters placed inside the mark. The distance between the letter D placed outside the frame and the frame may not be greater than the width of the letter D. If added, the letter D becomes an integral part of the Dutch mark.
For dunnage, it is important that the marking remains visible even when cutting the wood (for example, by marking along the entire length or by adding an additional marking in a visible location).
Note: Fumigation with methyl bromide (MB) as an alternative treatment method has been prohibited within the EU since March 18, 2010.
More information about the marking can be found in the "Marking" menu.
Wooden packaging bearing the mark guarantees that it meets the requirements of ISPM 15.
Therefore, a separate treatment or other certificate is not required by the manufacturer/repairer/treatment provider/trader.
Furthermore, the invoice must specifically state that the company is registered with SMHV for the supply of treated products that meet the requirements of ISPM 15, with reference to the registration number.
This guarantees that the supplier is actually affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
Suppliers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 receive a unique 3-digit registration number, which must be clearly visible in the IPPC mark on the wood. This mark is internationally recognized.
All registered SMHV companies are listed on our website, in both the Dutch and English sections.
If the marking is applied using a template, it must conform to the example shown in the "Marking" menu. If the template deviates, it must be submitted to the Certification Body for approval in advance.
In the Netherlands, loose wood (dunnage) must be marked with a "D" added outside the mark.
This mark is therefore placed on loose wood, i.e., wood that can still be made into a product.
An example of a mark with the letter "D" added can be found in the "Marking Dunnage" menu.
It can be assumed that international marks bearing the IPPC ear of grain, a country code, and a unique number meet the requirements of ISPM 15:
NL ISO country code (NL)
000 3-digit registration number of the treatment provider
HT / DH Treatment method: Heat Treatment (HT), Dielectric Heating (DH), or Methyl Bromide (MB).
Fuming with methyl bromide (MB) was prohibited as an alternative treatment method within the EU as of March 18, 2010, due to a ban on the use of methyl bromide. This treatment method is still used in countries outside the EU. This wood also meets the ISPM 15 requirements.
The mark must include a border. Within the border, the IPPC ear of grain and the code components are separated by a vertical line. A hyphen separates the ISO country code from the unique 3-digit registration number of the registered company.
The logo must be legible, durable, and applied on both sides (preferably facing). The size is not prescribed.
If you have any doubts about the validity of an international mark on wooden packaging, we advise you to contact the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) in Wageningen: email: info@nvwa.nl or via www.nvwa.nl
The requirements for the IPPC logo are described in the inspection protocol.
The logo must be legible, durable, and applied to both sides (preferably facing each other). The size is not prescribed.
The Dutch mark must meet the following requirements:
- the mark must closely resemble the examples provided in the Mark menu;
- the size, font types used, and position of the mark may vary, but it must be large enough to be visible and clearly legible to inspectors without the need for visual aids;
- the mark must be rectangular or square in shape and have a border. The mark must be located within the border.
An exception to this is the use of the letter D to indicate dunnage, which is placed on the right-hand side outside the border; - the mark must be applied permanently and non-transferably;
- it must be affixed in a visible location (visible during use);
- (preferably) on at least two opposite sides;
- the mark must not be drawn by hand;
- the colors red or orange are not permitted, as these colors are used in the labeling of dangerous goods.
Other variations of the mark are not permitted.
Variations in the layout of the mark may be accepted provided they comply with the requirements set out in the SMHV Handbook, Chapter 2.9, and Appendix 2.
Doubts about a mark?
In the Explanatory document for ISPM 15 (Guide to the regulation of wooden packaging materials), you can find examples of correct and incorrect ISPM 15 markings starting from Appendix 7 (page 74).
Stamp Makers
A number of companies have been selected in the Netherlands where the ISPM 15 mark can be stamped.
Kantoorstempels.nl
Tel: +31 (0)85-4881881
Kortho Coding & Marking te Katwijk
Telefoon: 071 - 406 04 70
Posthumus & Dal Graveurs B.V. te Amsterdam
Tel: +31 (0)20 – 614 56 99
Preidel B.V. te Alblasserdam
Tel: +31 (0)78 - 692 08 88
STEMPEL 539
Tel: +31 (0)10 284 71 97
Stempelfabriek.nl
Tel: +31 (0)85 487 49 87
Stempelmakers.NL te Oisterwijk
Tel: +31 (0)13 - 523 07 98
Unimark Office B.V. te Oud-Beijerland
Tel: +31 (0)186 - 61 90 88
de Stempelplaats
Tel: +31 (0)10-404 93 22
A shipment containing wooden packaging may be detained, returned, or destroyed by the relevant country if:
- the wooden packaging is purchased through an unregistered company;
- the number cannot be traced back to a registered supplier;
- the wooden packaging does not bear an IPPC mark;
- the invoice does not specifically state that the company is registered in the SMHV central register for the supply of treated products that comply with the ISPM 15 requirements, with reference to the registration number;
- the wooden packaging is not marked at all or is not marked according to the marking system;
Because the ISPM 15 requirement is increasingly being imposed, it is advisable to ALWAYS use marked wooden packaging, unless the packaging is only used within Europe.
ISPM 15 is not mandatory for packaging that does not leave Europe. See ISPM 15 international country overview: 'European Union'
The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVW) in Wageningen, as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO), is responsible for monitoring compliance with the requirements of this EU regulation, ISPM 15, in the Netherlands.
ISPM 15 defines measures to ensure that quarantine organisms do not spread through wooden packaging.
ISPM 15 describes the treatment of wooden packaging to ensure that any living pests present are killed. Wood used for the manufacture of wooden packaging and dunnage must be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM 15. ISPM 15 guarantees problem-free worldwide transport for buyers and users of wooden packaging.
The treatment of wooden packaging and dunnage must be carried out exclusively using Heat Treatment (HT) or Dielectric Heating (DH).
Methyl bromide (MB) fumigation as an alternative treatment method was prohibited in Europe as of March 18, 2010, due to a ban on the use of methyl bromide.
The national requirements are incorporated in the SMHV Handbook.
The treated packaging must also be provided with the unique mark of the producer/handler, as prescribed by the FAO (examples of this mark can be found in the SMHV Manual or in the Mark menu).
Wooden packaging bearing the mark guarantees that it meets the requirements of ISPM 15.
Therefore, a separate treatment or other certificate is not required by the manufacturer/repairer/treatment provider/trader.
Furthermore, the invoice must specifically state that the company is registered with the SMHV register for the supply of treated products that meet the requirements of ISPM 15, with reference to the registration number.
This guarantees that the supplier is actually affiliated with SMHV. Simply stating that the wooden packaging has undergone heat treatment is not sufficient.
Suppliers who meet the requirements of ISPM 15 receive a unique 3-digit registration number, which must be clearly visible in the IPPC mark on the wood. This mark is internationally recognized.
All SMHV registered companies are listed on our website, both in the Dutch and English sections.
A list of companies that build drying chambers that allow you to treat your wood (packaging) in accordance with the requirements of the Dutch Wooden Packaging Marking Program. They are familiar with the (technical) requirements of the Dutch Wooden Packaging Marking Program.
The requirements your company must meet for registration with SMHV are laid out in the SMHV Handbook.
If the company meets these requirements from the SMHV Manual, it can apply to one of the Certification Bodies (CBs) with which SMHV has an agreement.
These three CBs are accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA).
Each company enters into an agreement with one of the three CBs.
Entry fee
The company to be registered will be charged a one-time fee of €250 (excluding VAT). This entry fee includes administrative costs and is collected by the relevant CB (Certification Body) and then deposited by the CB into SMHV's account.
Annual contribution
In addition to the aforementioned entry fee, registered companies are required to pay an annual contribution to SMHV. The amount of the annual contribution is determined annually by the board.
For 2025, an annual contribution of €525 (excluding VAT) applies per registered company. This annual contribution is also collected by the CB and transferred to SMHV.
Registering multiple locations
When registering multiple locations under the same number, an annual fee of €50 applies for each additional listing. More information can be found on the Registration of multiple locations page. This contribution is also collected by the CB and transferred to SMHV.
If you register during the year, the annual contribution will be reduced by ¼ every quarter to a minimum of €200 (excl. VAT).
SMHV has entered into agreements with three Certification Bodies (CBs).
These CBs are accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA).
Each company enters into an agreement with one of the three CBs.
If you haven't found an answer to your question after reviewing the website and these frequently asked questions, please contact us at info@smhv.nl. You will receive a response as soon as possible.