Heat Treatment Services
ISPM-15 compliant heat treatment for wood packaging materials. Certified kilns heat wood to 56°C core temperature for 30+ minutes to meet international phytosanitary requirements.
ISPM-15 Heat Treatment
Heat treatment is the primary approved method for treating wood packaging materials under ISPM-15, the international phytosanitary standard. The process involves heating wood to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 continuous minutes. This kills wood-boring insects, fungi, and other organisms that could pose a threat to plant health in the destination country.
The Treatment Process
Modern heat treatment kilns are temperature-controlled chambers that can process hundreds of pallets per cycle. Sensors inserted into sample pieces monitor core temperature to ensure the 56°C/30-minute threshold is met. Treatment data is logged electronically for audit purposes. After treatment, pallets are stamped with the internationally recognized ISPM-15 mark, which includes the country code, facility number, and treatment code (HT for heat treatment).
Process
Receive untreated wood packaging
Load into certified heat treatment kiln
Monitor core temperature to 56°C minimum
Maintain temperature for 30+ continuous minutes
Record treatment data for compliance
Apply ISPM-15 mark to treated materials
Benefits
- + Enables international shipping compliance
- + ISPM-15 certified and audited
- + No chemical residues
- + Kills pests and pathogens
- + Reduces moisture content
- + Required by 180+ countries
Considerations
- ! Additional cost per pallet ($1-3)
- ! Requires kiln capacity and scheduling
- ! Re-treatment needed if pallet is repaired
- ! Must maintain certification through audits