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Glossary

ISPM 15 mark

Also called: IPPC stamp, HT stamp, ISPM 15 stamp, wheat stamp, bug stamp

Reviewed

Definition

The ISPM 15 mark is the stamp that shows wood packaging has been treated to the international phytosanitary standard. It contains the IPPC wheat symbol, a two-letter country code, the producer or treatment-provider number, and the treatment code (HT, DH, MB or SF).

On this page
  1. What the mark contains
  2. Where it goes
  3. When the mark must be redone
  4. What the mark does not mean

What the mark contains

Reading left to right inside a border:

  1. The IPPC wheat symbol
  2. The ISO two-letter country code (for example US)
  3. The producer or treatment-provider number assigned under the national plant protection program
  4. The treatment code: HT, DH, MB or SF

Marks often include the certifying agency's logo. The mark must be legible, permanent and inside a border, and ISPM 15 guidance says to avoid red and orange.

Where it goes

Marks go on at least two opposite sides of the pallet. Some buyers ask for more: Costco wants the mark on both long sides and Snap-on recommends all four sides. Confirm with the current vendor guide.

When the mark must be redone

Repaired, remanufactured and combo pallets must be re-treated and re-marked, and old marks obliterated. An intact, compliant pallet can be reused without re-treatment.

What the mark does not mean

A "KD" stamp shows kiln drying, not ISPM 15 compliance. See heat treatment and the ISPM 15 standard page.

Questions

Where should the ISPM 15 stamp be on a pallet?
On at least two opposite sides. Some retailers ask for both long sides or all four sides; check the buyer's pallet guide.
What does HT mean on a pallet stamp?
HT means heat treated: the wood core reached 56 °C for 30 minutes under an audited ISPM 15 program.

Sources