The Southern Pine Inspection Bureau, which writes the grading rules for southern pine lumber and is an ALSC-accredited inspection agency, including for ISPM 15 wood packaging programs.
Detailed Definition
SPIB is a non-profit rules-writing and inspection agency. Its Standard Grading Rules for Southern Pine Lumber, approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee, define grades such as Select Structural, No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 that appear in grade stamps on southern pine. SPIB also inspects mills that grade-stamp lumber and, under the ALSC wood packaging program, audits facilities that treat and mark wood packaging to ISPM 15. USDA APHIS remains the US national plant protection organization.
What an SPIB grade stamp tells you
A grade stamp on southern pine lumber typically shows the agency's mark, the mill number, the grade, the species designation and the moisture condition, such as KD19, S-DRY or S-GRN. Pallet makers and buyers use these stamps to confirm that lumber meets a specified grade and dryness. Pallet stock is often ungraded or industrial grade, so a stamp is not always present on pallet lumber. When a pallet specification calls for a minimum grade, ask the supplier how that grade is verified.
SPIB's role in ISPM 15 marking
In the US, USDA APHIS is the national plant protection organization, and the American Lumber Standard Committee administers the wood packaging material program through accredited inspection agencies such as SPIB. The agency audits a treating or manufacturing facility and authorizes it to apply the IPPC mark with its own facility number. The agency does not treat pallets itself.
How pallet buyers use SPIB
- Specify lumber grade and moisture condition by reference to SPIB rules when buying southern pine.
- Ask an export pallet supplier which accredited agency oversees its ISPM 15 program.
- Confirm the supplier's facility number on the mark matches its current authorization.
Related Glossary Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SPIB certify pallets for strength?
No. SPIB writes lumber grading rules and inspects mills and treating facilities. A lumber grade tells you about the quality of the wood, and an ISPM 15 authorization tells you the facility is approved to treat and mark wood packaging. Neither is a load rating for a finished pallet. Pallet capacity comes from design analysis, such as the NWPCA Pallet Design System, or from testing to methods like ASTM D1185.
Is SPIB a government agency?
No. SPIB is a private non-profit agency. Its grading rules carry weight because they are approved by the American Lumber Standard Committee, which operates under the American Softwood Lumber Standard, Voluntary Product Standard PS 20. For ISPM 15, the government authority in the US is USDA APHIS, which works with ALSC and its accredited agencies to run the wood packaging program.