The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates importing wood and wood products because of the risk of insect infestations harmful to the U.S. environment.

This also applies to wooden pallets and packaging!

Planning to use wooden pallets or wooden packaging?

  • Make sure they have been fumigated and stamped by your supplier.
  • Regulations require an International Plant Protection Convention (IPCC) Stamp – Request a stamp on both sides
    • Certifies that the wood materials have undergone processing necessary to eliminate insects and fungus

Wood packaging material without the IPCC stamp or found infested with insects would be in violation of the regulations put in place by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) – a division of the USDA. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would then assess a fine to the responsible party.

ISPM 15

International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15) – Developed by IPCC to address the need for wooden pallets and packaging to be fumigated. This is to prevent infestation of foreign insects.

This is too much hassle, what other materials can we use?

  • Plywood or Press Board
  • Plastic Pallets
  • Hardboard
  • Parallel Strand Lumber
  • Metal Frames
  • Inflated Dunnage
  • Masonite Veneer

Contact BOA Logistics for Drayage Services

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