Shipping overseas from Pittsburgh: the pallet rules

01 The four rules

1. Debark the wood before treatment.
2. Heat the core to 56 C (133 F) or higher.
3. Hold it for 30 minutes at least.
4. Mark the pallet with the ISPM 15 stamp.

02 Where Pittsburgh's freight leaves from

Pittsburgh International's cargo landed weight was 406,448 tons in 2021, up 48% year over year, and the region has more than 200 miles of navigable waterways. Air cargo has its own packaging rules, and ocean freight leaves through ports, so confirm the route and the paperwork with your forwarder.

03 Canada

Wood packaging material imported into Canada from the continental United States is exempt from CFIA policy D-98-08, pending a phased move to full ISPM 15 implementation. Rules change, so confirm with the CFIA before you ship.

04 Order of operations

1. Tell the pallet supplier the destination.
2. Ask for a mark you can read.
3. Do not load hot.
4. Keep a photo of the stamp with the shipping file.

05 Paperwork on the shipping file

• A photo of the ISPM 15 mark.
• A note of the size and count.
• The destination country's requirement.
• The forwarder's confirmation.

06 Treatments and exemptions

ISPM 15 accepts heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB); the Canadian Food Inspection Agency also lists dielectric heating (DT) and does not promote MB because of Canada's Montreal Protocol commitments. Packaging made wholly of processed wood such as plywood, particle board or OSB is exempt, as is wood 6 mm thick or thinner. Ship's dunnage is treated as wood packaging and must meet the standard.

07 Consequences of a bad mark

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says its officers or the border agency may inspect a shipment, redirect it or hold it sealed, that fees apply, and that a non-compliant shipment is ordered out of Canada. Treatment after the fact does not make it eligible, and the importer bears the cost of inspection, treatment and disposal.