The USDA agency administering ISPM-15 in the United States.
Detailed Definition
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is the part of the US Department of Agriculture that serves as the US national plant protection organization under the IPPC. For wood packaging, APHIS sets the import rules in 7 CFR 319.40, which require regulated wood packaging entering the US to be treated and marked under ISPM 15. For exports, APHIS oversees the US marking program, which the American Lumber Standard Committee administers through accredited inspection agencies. APHIS also issues phytosanitary certificates for many plant product exports.
Imports: what happens at the border
Wood pallets, crates and dunnage arriving in the US must carry a valid ISPM 15 mark unless an exemption applies. US Customs and Border Protection inspects shipments at ports of entry and enforces the APHIS rules. Wood packaging without a proper mark, or with live pests, can be refused entry and re-exported along with the cargo, which can delay the goods themselves.
Exports: how US pallets get marked
APHIS does not stamp pallets. It recognizes the program run by ALSC, in which accredited agencies approve and audit heat treatment facilities and pallet makers. Those facilities apply the mark with their own facility number. For most destinations, a correctly marked pallet does not need a separate phytosanitary certificate for the wood packaging, but the destination country's rules control.
- Check the importing country's current requirements before shipping.
- Make sure marks are legible on two opposite sides.
- Keep supplier records that link pallets to the treating facility.
Domestic plant pest quarantines
APHIS also runs domestic plant pest quarantines. Wood products moving out of a regulated area may face restrictions, so check APHIS and state agriculture rules when moving wood packaging or pallet scrap between quarantined areas.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does APHIS inspect or approve individual pallet suppliers?
Not directly in most cases. APHIS oversees the US wood packaging program, and the American Lumber Standard Committee accredits inspection agencies that approve and audit individual facilities. A facility's authorization to mark pallets comes through its inspection agency. If you question a mark, contact the agency identified on it.
What happens if imported pallets arrive without an ISPM 15 mark?
US rules in 7 CFR 319.40 allow non-compliant regulated wood packaging to be refused. In practice, Customs and Border Protection can order the noncompliant packaging, and often the cargo with it, to be exported. Importers may face delays and costs. The exporter abroad should use properly treated and marked packaging to avoid this.