International transport of wine, beer and spirits involves more than selecting the right route or service. Packaging choices also matter. One area that often raises questions is the use of wooden pallets and wood packaging material. ISPM 15 sets global rules for how this material must be treated and marked to support biosecurity.

For importers of alcoholic beverages, understanding ISPM 15 helps reduce delays, avoid rework, and plan costs with more clarity. As regulations evolve, small technical details can become important, especially when shipping to markets such as the United States, Australia, or New Zealand. This updated guide explains what ISPM 15 is, why it matters, and what has changed for 2026, with practical context for wine, beer and spirits importers.

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is an international standard that governs the treatment of wood packaging material used in international shipping. This includes pallets, crates, and dunnage made from solid wood. The standard aims to reduce the spread of pests and plant diseases between countries.

The standard was developed under the International Plant Protection Convention, administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization. It applies across most global trade lanes and is enforced by national plant protection authorities at destination.

For alcoholic beverages, ISPM 15 does not regulate the liquid itself. It focuses on the wooden materials used to support and move products during sea freight and other international transport stages (ie. Wood pallets or packaging).

Why does ISPM 15 matter for beverage importers?

Wood packaging is common in global beverage logistics. Pallets support stability, stacking, and handling efficiency. At the same time, untreated wood can carry insects or larvae that present a biosecurity risk.

For wine, beer and spirits importers, ISPM 15 compliance can help:

• Support smoother customs clearance (suggestion: facilitate customs clearance processing)
• Reduce inspection time at destination
• Avoid pallet replacement or re-export scenarios
• Maintain predictable delivery timelines

ISPM 15 is widely adopted across the European Union, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Many authorities apply a zero-tolerance approach to non-compliant markings.

How does ISPM 15 compliance work in practice?

ISPM 15 requires that solid wood packaging material is treated using an approved method and marked accordingly. Two treatment methods are recognised globally:

• Heat treatment (HT): Wood is heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C/132.8°F for at least 30 minutes
• Methyl bromide fumigation (MB): Used less frequently due to environmental restrictions, and not permitted in some regions

Once treated, the pallet must display the official ISPM 15 mark. This mark confirms that the wood meets phytosanitary requirements and includes several mandatory elements:

• The IPPC symbol
• A two-letter country code
• A unique producer or treatment provider code
• The treatment method (HT or MB)
• A debarking indicator

Marks must be clear, legible, and permanent. Ink stamps or branded markings are commonly used.

What changed for U.S. imports from 2026?

A regulatory update affects all wood packaging material entering or transiting the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has declared that enforcement of the ISPM 15 hyphen requirement resumes from 1 January 2026.

This means that ISPM 15 marks must include a hyphen separating the two-letter country code from the producer code. During a temporary suspension period in 2025, some older formats were tolerated. From 2026, pallets without the correct hyphenated format would be considered non-compliant.

For wine, beer and spirits importers shipping into the U.S., this update highlights the importance of verifying pallet markings before departure, especially when sourcing pallets locally at origin.

How do seasonal biosecurity measures affect beverage shipments?

ISPM 15 is closely linked to seasonal biosecurity controls in certain markets. A well-known example is the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB). This insect is native to parts of East Asia and can be transported via wood packaging.

During higher-risk months, typically from September to April, countries such as Australia and New Zealand apply additional measures. These may include:

• Mandatory treatment of certain shipments before arrival
• Increased inspections at port
• Supervised unpacking requirements

Shipments containing only wine, beer or spirits are often treated differently from mixed loads. However, the use of non-compliant pallets or point-of-sale materials can change the risk profile. Early planning and correct pallet selection remain important.

What pallet options are commonly used in beverage transport?

While ISPM 15 focuses on treatment and marking rather than size, pallet dimensions still influence loading efficiency and container planning. Common formats used in international beverage transport include:

• Euro pallets widely used within Europe
• Block pallets used across multiple global regions
• North American pallets common for U.S. and Canada-bound flows

Each option can be ISPM 15 compliant when correctly treated and marked. Plastic or metal pallets are outside the scope of ISPM 15 and may be suitable for certain routes or transport modes.

Key ISPM 15 considerations for wine, beer and spirits importers

• Pallets must be treated, debarked, and correctly marked
• Marks must be legible on at least two sides
• From 2026, U.S. imports require the hyphenated marking format
• Repaired or reused pallets may need re-treatment
• Seasonal biosecurity rules can apply by destination and time of year

This combination of regulatory and operational checks helps importers plan with more confidence.

How Hillebrand Gori can help with ISPM 15 requirements?

As a logistics partner specialised in wine, beer and spirits, Hillebrand Gori supports importers with practical guidance on regulatory topics such as ISPM 15. From checking pallet suitability to planning sea shipping routes and destination requirements, the focus remains on making beverage transport easy. With global expertise and local insight, importers can stay aligned with changing rules while keeping shipments moving smoothly.