Fumigation (ISPM 15)
Pest treatment of wooden packaging — pallets, crates and boxes — to the international ISPM 15 standard.
Definition
Fumigation is the disinfestation of wooden packaging (pallets, crates) against pests under the international standard ISPM 15. It is confirmed by a stamp on the wood and a phytosanitary certificate.
Without treatment, goods on pallets may not be allowed across the border — so as a supplier, ship on treated or plastic pallets from the outset.
How it works in practice
For imports into Russia, fumigation mainly concerns wooden packaging: pallets, crates and battens must be treated to ISPM 15 and carry the IPPC stamp, otherwise phytosanitary control at the border will hold the whole consignment.
Tranzit3 checks the stamp at the consolidation warehouse and, if necessary, restacks the goods onto treated pallets. The goods themselves (grain, coffee, spices, wooden products) are fumigated when specifically required by Rosselkhoznadzor, with a certificate issued.
Fumigation: frequently asked questions
What pallets are needed for shipping to Russia?
Wooden pallets with the IPPC stamp (HT heat treatment or MB methyl bromide treatment), or plastic pallets, which need no phytosanitary treatment. Unstamped pallets are the most common reason for goods being returned or repacked at the border.
Is a phytosanitary certificate needed for the goods?
Only for regulated products: plants, timber, grain, vegetables and fruit, some feed and raw materials. For industrial goods no certificate is needed — the requirements apply only to the wooden packaging.
How much does fumigation cost and how long does it take?
Treating a consignment at the warehouse takes one to three days, including exposure and ventilation; the cost depends on the chamber volume. It is cheaper to ship on treated pallets from the start.
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