Are Chep Pallets Heat Treated to Meet Export Regulations

Chep pallets are a staple in the shipping industry, but have you ever wondered if they meet export regulations? In many cases, the answer is yes, but only if they meet specific requirements.

Chep pallets can indeed be heat treated to meet export regulations, as required by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). This is particularly important for countries with strict regulations on imported wood products.

Heat treatment is a process that kills pests and diseases in wood, making it safe for international trade. It's a crucial step in ensuring that Chep pallets comply with regulations.

Some countries, like the United States, require heat treatment for all wood products, including Chep pallets, to prevent the spread of invasive species.

ISPM 15 is a set of guidelines developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to regulate solid wood packaging in international trade.

The purpose of ISPM 15 is to help prevent the spread of wood pests and disease, protecting the world's forests and ecosystems. All wood packaging materials (WPM) moving between the EU and other countries must meet ISPM 15 international standards and are subject to official checks on a risk-targeted basis.

Using non-compliant ISPM 15 pallets for international shipping can have severe consequences, including denial of entry for the entire shipment and even destruction of the pallet and merchandise.

ISPM 15 requires WPM to be heated in accordance with a specific time-temperature schedule that achieves a temperature of 56°c for a minimum duration of 30 continuous minutes throughout the entire profile of the wood.

The IPPC mark on the pallet is the basis for ISPM 15 compliance, and border authorities will visually check for stamps on the pallets upon entry without further need of paper declarations of treatment or phytosanitary certificates.

Worth a look: Pallet Truck En Español

ISPM 15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15, developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to regulate solid wood packaging in international trade.

All wood packaging materials (WPM) moving between the EU and other countries must meet ISPM 15 international standards and are subject to official checks on a risk-targeted basis.

ISPM 15 requires WPM to be heated in accordance with a specific time-temperature schedule that achieves a temperature of 56°C for a minimum duration of 30 continuous minutes throughout the entire profile of the wood.

Heat sterilisation minimises the risk of insect and pest infestation as the moisture levels are significantly reduced by the heat-treating process.

It is the action of heat-treating that makes WPM “phytosanitary”.

Once the wood has been treated, it is stamped with the internationally recognised IPPC mark.

The IPPC mark on the pallet is the basis for ISPM 15 compliance.

Border authorities will visually check for stamps on the pallets upon entry without further need of paper declarations of treatment or phytosanitary certificates.

Using non-compliant ISPM 15 pallets for international shipping can have severe consequences, including denial of entry for the entire shipment and even destruction of the pallet and merchandise.

There are exceptions to the ISPM 15 regulations, such as for movements of goods within EU member states and Switzerland, but these are limited and subject to specific requirements.

CHEP has developed the CHEP PLUS PS (phytosanitary) pallet solution for customers requiring ISPM 15 compliant pallets for export flows.

CHEP ensures that all CHEP PLUS PS pallets have been heat treated in accordance to the regulations and are properly marked as compliant.

All CHEP sites that heat treat pallets to fulfill the ISPM 15 requirements have been successfully audited by the UK Forestry Commission or other relevant NPPO to ensure full compliance with the standard.

CHEP PLUS PS ISPM 15 compliant pallets are clearly marked to be easily distinguishable as a CHEP heat treated pallet that meets these new import specifications.

Chep pallets and ISPM 15 are closely related, as ISPM 15 is a set of regulations that govern the use of solid wood packaging in international trade.

ISPM 15 requires wood packaging materials (WPM) to be heated in accordance with a specific time-temperature schedule that achieves a temperature of 56°c for a minimum duration of 30 continuous minutes throughout the entire profile of the wood.

The purpose of ISPM 15 is to help prevent the spread of wood pests and disease, protecting the world's forests and ecosystems.

All wood packaging materials (WPM) moving between the EU and other countries must meet ISPM 15 international standards and are subject to official checks on a risk-targeted basis.

Using non-compliant ISPM 15 pallets for international shipping can have severe consequences, including denial of entry for the entire shipment and even destruction of the pallet and the merchandise being carried.

ISPM 15 compliant pallets must have two marks from the same operator on opposite sides of the pallet, which are visible and legible.

The UK Standard Pallet (B1210A) and the Europallet (B1208A) can be used for international export by ordering Plus PS, ISPM 15 compliant, pallets upon request.

To order ISPM 15 compliant pallets, customers can select "Phytosanitary" under the "Treatment" specification on MyCHEP, allowing five working days for orders to be processed.

ISPM 15 compliant pallets are clearly marked to be easily distinguishable as CHEP heat-treated pallets that meet import specifications.

CHEP ensures that all CHEP PLUS PS pallets have been heat-treated in accordance with the regulations and are properly marked as compliant.

In the United States, the International Safe Transit Association (ISTA) sets guidelines for pallet testing, including heat treatment.

Pallets that are not heat treated may be subject to fumigation, a process where a chemical gas is released to kill insects and other pests.

The USDA regulates the use of heat treatment for pallets, requiring them to be treated at a minimum temperature of 133 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes.

Some pallet manufacturers may also choose to undergo regular inspections by the USDA to ensure compliance with regulations.