Field guide / reviewed November 2, 2026
Read a pallet mark without guessing its meaning
An ISPM 15 mark concerns treatment of wood packaging for international movement. It is not a blanket promise about every previous use or the pallet’s present condition.
Record the whole mark
APHIS identifies an IPPC logo, country code, facility number and treatment code as parts of the official mark. Take a sharp photograph of the complete marking rather than transcribing only “HT”.
Separate treatment from suitability
A treatment mark does not give you the load rating of a damaged pallet, establish ownership or identify what was spilled on it later. Keep those as separate questions in the handoff.
Escalate an export decision
For an international shipment, confirm the destination’s requirements with the responsible shipping parties and source compliant packaging through the appropriate accredited channel. Do not add, alter or reproduce an official treatment mark yourself.
Keep these details together
- Full mark photographed
- Ownership checked separately
- Current condition inspected
- Export requirements confirmed where relevant
Technical reference: USDA APHIS: wood packaging marks and import requirements. This guide is general planning information; confirm requirements with the owner, receiver and relevant specialist.