Why Wooden Packaging Gets Flagged
DAFF (formerly the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) targets untreated timber because pests hitchhike in pallets and crates. Searches for "wood packaging ISPM-15 Australia" spike every pre-Christmas peak, so staying compliant prevents costly unpack-and-repack orders.
ISPM-15 Requirements
| Requirement | What It Means | Evidence Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Treatment (HT) | Timbers heated to 56°C core temp for 30 min | Branded ISPM-15 stamp + treatment certificate |
| Methyl Bromide (MB) | Approved fumigation option | Certificate showing dosage, exposure time, facility licence |
| No Bark / Pest Holes | Visible cleanliness standard | Photo evidence before loading |
- •Stamps must be legible on two opposite sides.
- •Recycled pallets need to be re-treated and re-stamped—do not rely on legacy markings.
Pre-Shipment Checklist
- Specify ISPM-15 compliant pallets in your PO.
- Request high-resolution photos of each stamp before loading.
- Collect the fumigation/heat-treatment certificate in PDF.
- Make sure the commercial invoice references "ISPM-15 compliant packaging".
- Avoid packing peanuts made from organic material unless declared.
What Happens at the Australian Border?
- Document Review – DAFF screens paperwork within ICS.
- X-Ray / Tailgate – Inspectors check for untreated timber, bark, or soil.
- Full Unpack (if non-compliant) – You pay for labour, disposal, and rework; delays can hit 7-14 days.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- •Mandatory fumigation on arrival (>$450 per container + storage).
- •Disposal or re-export of packaging.
- •Biosecurity directions against your ABN, increasing future scrutiny.
Alternatives to Timber
- •Engineered plywood that has been certified as manufactured product.
- •Plastic pallets (lightweight, but check load limits).
- •Steel frames for heavy machinery.
Documentation to Keep On File
- •Treatment certificates (retain for 5 years to satisfy audit requests).
- •Supplier declarations covering packaging sources.
- •Photos/video of packing line with timestamps.
Quick FAQ
- •What is Australia's wooden pallet policy? All wooden pallets, crates, and dunnage entering Australia must be heat-treated or methyl bromide fumigated to ISPM-15 standard and carry a legible IPPC stamp — this applies regardless of what's loaded on them.
- •Do small courier parcels need ISPM-15? Only if they contain solid wood (e.g., gift boxes). Cardboard is fine.
- •Who pays for re-fumigation? Importers do—factor it into contracts if suppliers are at fault.
- •Can I DIY fumigation in Australia? No. DAFF requires approved providers and supervision.
- •Where do I check if my product also needs a separate permit? Check BICON — wooden packaging conditions and product-specific conditions can both apply to the same shipment.
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How Wharvex Helps
Our licensed third-party broker partners and compliance team handle:
- •HS code validation, tariff concession checks, and valuation memos
- •DAFF biosecurity submissions, inspection bookings, and audit support
- •Automated duty/GST calculations synced with your BAS workflow