ISPM 15 certification
SPM 15 is a standard adopted by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) titled “Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade”. IPPC is an international treaty to prevent the spread and introduction of pests and plants and plant products, and to promote appropriate measures for their control. Pests associated with WPM are known to have negative impacts on forest health and biodiversity. ISPM 15 is in place to reduce the spread of pests and gives instructions on methods to reduce the risk of pest introduction including the use of debarked wood, heat treatment and methyl bromide treatment; the standard also gives requirements for the labeling of WPM that has been subjected to approved phytosanitary treatment. Many countries base their wood packaging material (WPM) regulations on this standard.
This certification is applicable to heat treatment facilities, wood packaging facilities and facilities that re-manufacture heat treated lumber.
Certification procedures may vary by certifying body. Generally, an organization wishing to become ISPM 15 compliant will submit an application with the certifying body; after receipt of the application an inspector will visit the facility. The inspector will determine if the facility has the ability to meet the requirements; if so, the certifying body will register the facility for certification and order the appropriate stamps for the facility. Unannounced inspections will be conducted throughout the year.