Resources: APPROVED TREATMENT MEASURE OF ISPM-15
In 2002, the International Plant Protection Convention passed ISPM-15, a resolution which requires all wood-based packaging material to undergo treatment to ensure the destruction of any undesirable vermin in the wood and to display verification thereof in the form of an internationally recognizable mark. The efficacy of several proposed treatment measures are still under investigation, but at least two measures, heat treatment and methyl bromide fumigation, are fully approved. The IPPC requires the fulfillment of one of these measures. It is important to understand each of the major methods used to comply with ISPM15.
Heat Treatment (HT)
According to the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measure 15, heat treatment of wood packaging material is successfully achieved when the packaging material is heated in accordance with a specific time-temperature schedule that achieves a minimum wood core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 30 minutes. Two specific treatments the measure mentions as legitimate means of heat treatment are kiln drying (KD) and chemical pressure impregnation (CPI). A kiln, obviously, is basically an oven used to heat and dry materials; thus, as long as the wood being treated reaches the correct temperature for the correct amount of time within the kiln, kiln drying is an appropriate measure. Unfortunately, even heat treating wooden packaging material cannot guarantee the eradication of all unwanted vermin. The IPPC acknowledges that heat treatment cannot destroy all pests, because some have been documented as having a higher thermal tolerance. For the most part, though, heat treating pallets and dunnage eradicates a wide range of pests.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation (MB)
In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out the use of methyl bromide due to its being environmentally unfriendly. For the quarantine purposes of wood treatment, however, MB fumigation is a valid option (the EPA will continue to allow MB for purposes such as compliance with ISPM15). Some speculate that methyl bromide fumigation, used correctly, can ensure the destruction of 100% of vermin. If this is true, it would make this procedure even more effective than heat treatment. However, there are pitfalls to remember with methyl bromide fumigation, as well. As stated, methyl bromide is not exactly environmentally friendly. In fact, it is a heavily regulated pesticide that can be lethal even to humans. Without extreme care, methyl bromide can lead to some major problems.
Whether fumigating with methyl bromide or heat treating pallets, it is important that the companies involved in producing packaging material consider their options and follow through thoroughly in compliance with ISPM15.
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