What is this service?
Fumigation destroys pest organisms in an enclosed space using an active substance in gas form. ISPM 15 is the IPPC standard that requires wood packaging material — pallets, crates, dunnage — to be treated by an approved method, such as heat treatment or an approved fumigant, and stamped with an internationally recognised mark.
Who and which cargo is it for?
- Exporters using timber pallets, crates or dunnage
- Shipments subject to destination plant-health requirements
- Cargo with pest risk, as required by the buyer or country
- ISPM 15-compliant timber combined with crating and skidding
Scope of service
- Needs analysis: wood packaging treatment or cargo/container fumigation?
- Clarifying destination requirements and the documents needed
- Crates/pallets made from ISPM 15-marked timber
- Treatment and certification by an authorised operator
- Warning marks and ventilation coordination for fumigated containers
Typical operation stages
- 1
Requirement
We identify the treatment and documents required by the destination, buyer and carrier.
- 2
Method
An approved treatment for wood packaging, or a suitable fumigant and dose for cargo, is set by the authorised operator.
- 3
Preparation
Gas-tightness, cargo condition and the safety zone are prepared.
- 4
Treatment
Carried out by certified personnel with the required exposure time observed.
- 5
Ventilation
No container is opened and no cargo handled before gas readings are taken.
- 6
Documents
The treatment certificate and ISPM 15 marks are checked and added to the shipping file.
Methods and materials
ISPM 15 heat treatment (HT)
Raising the wood's core temperature to the value set in the standard for the stated time. Chemical-free and the most common method for wood packaging.
Approved fumigants
Fumigation methods listed in ISPM 15 for wood packaging; conditions of use depend on national law and authorisation.
Processed wood products
Plywood, OSB and particleboard fall outside ISPM 15 — choosing the right material can remove the need for treatment.
Cargo / container fumigation
Using a fumigant chosen by the authorised operator for the commodity and pest; IMDG Code warning-mark rules apply to fumigated transport units.
Safety and checkpoints
- Fumigation is only performed by operators authorised by the competent public authority.
- A fumigated container is not opened before its warning mark is removed and gas readings are taken.
- Unauthorised people are kept out of the treatment area and the exposure time is respected.
- Date, method and operator on the certificate are checked against the shipment data.
Example scenario
Example scenario (illustrative): a machinery manufacturer asks about a destination's ISPM 15 requirement for a crated export. The review shows the cargo itself needs no fumigation — only the crate and dunnage must use ISPM 15-marked timber — and using plywood for the crate base reduces the amount of timber needing treatment.
Locations served
Our İzmit / Kocaeli based team works at ports and industrial sites around Kocaeli and the Gulf of İzmit. For operations outside Kocaeli, state the location in your request.
Frequently asked questions
Is ISPM 15 a 'container fumigation certificate'?
No. ISPM 15 covers treatment and marking of wood packaging material in international trade. Fumigating cargo or a container is a separate treatment with separate documents.
Does a plywood crate need an ISPM 15 mark?
Processed wood such as plywood, OSB and particleboard falls outside ISPM 15. Solid-timber skids or dunnage in the crate, however, are covered.
Does ZG LASHING perform the fumigation?
ZG LASHING plans and coordinates your fumigation request. The treatment itself is carried out by personnel holding the required authorisation; the treatment certificate and operator details are handed over with your shipping file.
How is a fumigated container received?
Check the fumigation warning mark, treatment date and substance; do not open the doors or enter before gas readings are taken.
