Norms
Information
In accordance with the Technical Regulations, all EPAL licensed pallet manufacturing and repair facilities have been required to comply with the ISPM 15 standard since 2010.
The ISPM 15 treatment used on EPAL pallets is natural and environmentally friendly; it uses no chemicals. This eco-friendly heat treatment involves placing the EPAL pallets in a drying chamber where the wood is heated. The internal temperature of the wood must reach at least 56°C for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent any pests that could attack the vegetation.
ISPM 15 – Wooden packaging (NIMF 15/2002 (IPPC)
The text of Act No. 326/2004 Coll., as amended, and Decree No. 6/2020 Coll. on the treatment or marking of wooden packaging material of wood or other objects. The issue of wood packaging material, its treatment and marking is based on the FAO ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade.
The requirements for the treatment of pallets (wood packaging material) depend on the requirements of the individual countries which apply these to imported deliveries of wood packaging material (e.g. China from 1.10.2002, USA strictly from 16.9.2005). For imports into EU countries (from non-EU countries) this requirement applies from 1.3.2005.
This obligation applies to the export of goods from the Czech Republic (EU) to third countries. Within the EU and in mutual trade with Switzerland these obligations do not need to be fulfilled.
Compliance with the ISPM15 standard is recognisable by the marking of the centre blocks of the EPAL pallets.
ISPM 15 – basic data
- ISPM 15 is the abbreviation of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Precautions for Wood Packaging in the International Transport of Goods
- 182 countries are signed up to ISPM 15
- Prevents wood damaging pests from entering foreign ecosystems
- Since 2010, all EPAL pallets have been treated in accordance with ISPM 15