What Is ISPM-15? Heat-Treated Pallets for Export Through the Port of Houston

If you export anything on wood, ISPM-15 is the rule that decides whether your shipment ships or gets stopped.

Most people have never heard of it until a freight forwarder asks for it.

Then it's a scramble.

So let me explain it in plain English.

What it is, who needs it, and how to stay compliant out of the Port of Houston.

What ISPM-15 Actually Is

ISPM-15 is an international shipping rule for wood packaging.

It covers pallets, crates, and any solid wood used to ship goods across borders.

The rule says that wood has to be treated to kill any bugs living in it.

Once treated, it gets a stamp.

No stamp, no border.

That's the short version.

Why the Rule Exists

It comes down to pests.

Raw wood can carry insects and larvae.

Ship that wood overseas and you can drop an invasive species into a country that's never dealt with it.

That wrecks forests and crops.

So countries agreed: treat the wood first, then it can cross.

Simple cause, big consequences.

What "Heat-Treated" Means

Heat treatment is the most common way to meet ISPM-15.

The wood gets heated in a kiln until its core hits a set temperature for a set time.

That heat kills the pests without any chemicals.

You'll see it marked as HT on the stamp.

It's clean, it's standard, and it's what most exporters use.

Our custom wood pallets can be built heat-treated and stamped for export.

Who Needs ISPM-15 Pallets

If your freight leaves the country on wood, you need it.

That means:

• Exporters shipping internationally out of the Port of Houston
• Manufacturers sending product overseas
• Anyone using wood crates or pallets for cross-border freight
• Companies whose freight forwarder is asking for HT-stamped wood

Shipping only inside the U.S.?

Then you don't need it — standard recycled 48x40 pallets are fine.

What the Stamp Looks Like

Every compliant pallet carries a mark.

It includes a few things:

• The IPPC wheat symbol that signals international compliance
• A country and region code plus the producer's number
• The treatment code — HT for heat-treated

Inspectors look for that stamp.

If it's missing or wrong, the shipment can get held, fumigated, or sent back.

Get it right the first time and you skip all of that.

How to Get Compliant Pallets in Houston

It's easier than the rule sounds.

• Tell us you're exporting. We build or supply HT-stamped wood.
• Give us your specs. Size, weight, and destination.
• We deliver compliant pallets. Stamped, documented, ready to ship.

No scrambling at the dock.

No held shipments.

Just pallets that clear customs the first time.

FAQs

What is ISPM-15?

It's the international standard requiring wood packaging like pallets and crates to be treated for pests before crossing borders.

Treated wood gets a stamp.

Do I need ISPM-15 pallets for domestic shipping?

No.

ISPM-15 only applies to international shipments — domestic freight can use standard pallets.

What does the HT stamp mean?

HT means heat-treated.

The wood was heated in a kiln to kill pests, which is the most common way to meet ISPM-15.

What happens if my pallets aren't compliant?

Your shipment can be held, fumigated, or returned.

That means delays and extra cost, so it's worth getting right up front.

Can you supply ISPM-15 pallets in Houston?

Yes.

We build and supply heat-treated, stamped pallets for export through the Port of Houston.

Ship Compliant, Every Time

Bottom line: ISPM-15 keeps your export freight moving, and we build heat-treated, stamped pallets so your Houston shipments clear customs without a hitch.

Call (832) 903-6042 or send us your export specs here and we'll get you compliant.