Frequently asked questions

No certificate or similar documentation is required. The IPPC mark applied on the pallet is the proof that the internationally accepted phytosanitary measures have been applied (see Q1 for more details). As stated in the ISPM15, the application of this mark makes the use of a phytosanitary certificate unnecessary. The delivery note of LPR will indicate that the pallets delivered are “TREATED” or “TRT”.

The TREATED pallets complying with ISPM15 are subject to specific procedures and logistical measures of heat-treatment, marking, sorting and stock management. The TREATED pallets must be heat-treated by an operator duly authorised by the national authorities. Pallets are heated to a minimum temperature of 56 °C for a minimum duration of 30 continuous minutes. This must be achieved throughout the entire profile and the core of the wood. This process is both time and energy consuming. The additional cost for TREATED pallets can be provided by your usual LPR sales contact.

Pallets complying with ISPM15 can be ordered by selecting the option “TREATED” or “TRT” in MyLPR. If the item “TREATED” or “TRT” is not available on MyLPR, please inform your usual LPR contact. It may be that your contract with LPR does not currently include this additional service, and an amendment may be necessary.

LPR has increased the heat-treatment capacities in its partners’ network and has put in place specific procedures, as well as logistical measures, to ensure proper treatment, marking, sorting and stock management. Customers are nevertheless strongly advised to anticipate their evolution flows by sharing their forecasts with LPR as soon as possible, to allow LPR to secure the heat-treatment capacity and ensure delivery of ISPM15- compliant pallets to fulfil their requirements.

LPR guarantees that only the pallets it delivers as “TREATED” are compliant with the ISPM15. Once delivered, customers, and more broadly, the users of the pallets, are fully responsible and liable for the proper use of these pallets in accordance with the ISPM15 and the corresponding national laws. It is henceforth the sole responsibility of the user of a pallet to ensure that it is adequately informed of the applicable phytosanitary laws and regulations, and it is the responsibility of LPR customers to order LPR “TREATED” pallets where required.

Control plans and consequences in case of non-compliant imported wood packaging material are mainly framed in each national law and/or decided by local authorities. Possible consequences may include denial of entry of the entire shipment, destruction of the pallet and/or the merchandise being carried.

There are different variants authorised for the marks indicating that wood packaging material has been subjected to a phytosanitary treatment in accordance with ISPM15 standard. The size, position, font types and marking technics (fire-marking, ink, paint) may vary. To be valid the marks must include the IPPC symbol, a country code, a producer/treatment provider code and a treatment code (HT for heat treatment). No additional information is included within the limits of the marking, although this may appear next to the marking. Additional codes and information may appear adjacent to but outside of the border of the mark. In some cases, marks from different operators may appear on a single pallet.

The list of countries participating in the IPPC (see Question 1) is available at : https://www.ippc.int/fr/countries/all/list-countries/ Furthermore, national laws may apply as an alternative or complement to the IPPC, so it belongs to each user of wood packaging materials to be aware of the applicable legal requirements. LPR provides below a non-exhaustive and not necessarily up-to-date analysis of the various geographical areas where LPR operates. 1. European Union Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 sets out the requirements for the import of wood packaging material (including pallets) from third countries into the EU. All pallets imported into the EU (loaded or empty) from third countries must be officially treated and marked in accordance with the ISPM15. It should be noted that pallets exported from the EU (loaded or empty) to third countries may be subject to compliance with the specific phytosanitary requirements of the importing country (such as ISPM15 treatment or phytosanitary certificate). It is therefore up to each user of wood packaging materials to be aware of the legal requirements applicable in the country of import. 2. United Kingdom & Brexit Since the 1st of January 2021, all wood packaging material moving between United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) in both ways must be treated and marked in compliance with the ISPM15 standard. ISPM15 treatment is not required for UK domestic flows. 3. UE territories with specific requirements For the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, the following territories are considered third countries: Ceuta, Melilla, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Réunion, Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin and the Canary Islands. ISPM15 treatment is required for wooden packaging from certain regions of the EU (such as Portugal and parts of Spain), in which the presence of the pinewood nematode is possibly recognised (Commission Implementing Decision 2012/535/EU of 26 September 2012). Focus – Canary Islands According to the Spanish law “Orden APA/1076/2018”, all pallets imported to and exported from the Canary Islands (whether loaded or empty) must be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM15 (including from and to the EU). Focus – Réunion Island According to Prefectoral Order No. 2011 – 1479 of 30 September 2011, all pallets imported into Reunion Island (whether loaded or empty) must be treated and marked in accordance with the ISPM15 (including those from the EU). For the purposes of phytosanitary regulations (in particular Regulation (EU) 2016/2031), as the Reunion Island is considered a third country, any pallets sent from these territories to another area of the EU must also be treated and marked in accordance with ISPM15.