Glossary
Methyl bromide
Also called: MB, MB fumigation
Reviewed
Methyl bromide (MB) is a fumigant gas approved under ISPM 15 for treating wood packaging, shown by the code MB on the mark. It is being phased out and some countries no longer accept it, so heat treatment (HT) is now the normal choice for export pallets.
How MB fits into ISPM 15
ISPM 15 accepts four treatments for wood packaging: heat treatment (HT), dielectric heating (DH), methyl bromide (MB) and sulfuryl fluoride (SF). A fumigated pallet carries the code MB on its ISPM 15 mark. In the US, MB treatment runs under a separate export fumigation program from the ALSC heat-treatment program.
Why MB is declining
- Methyl bromide is being phased out internationally, and some countries ban MB-treated wood packaging
- Heat treatment needs no chemicals and is accepted everywhere ISPM 15 applies
- Many pallet mills have their own HT chambers, so HT is easy to source
What to specify
For export pallets, specify HT unless the buyer has a specific reason for another method. If a supplier offers MB, check the destination country's current rules first. See export pallet.
Questions
- Are methyl bromide pallets still allowed?
- MB is still an ISPM 15 treatment, but it is being phased out and some countries refuse it. Heat treatment is the safer choice.
Sources
- ISPM 15 overview (Wikipedia)
- ISPM 15 stamp explained (Acadon)
- Uniform Standard for Wood Pallets (NWPCA, now Woodpack Global), 2012 edition