Timber Packaging Regulations

The Plant Health (Phytosanitary Conditions) Regulations are regulations that implement phytosanitary rules post-Brexit in line with ISPM 15. All solid wood packaging material (WPM) used for export from GB to the EU and most third countries must be:

• Heat-treated or fumigated
• Marked with the ISPM 15

It applies to:

• Pallets, crates, boxes
• Dunnage and blocking timber
• Non-compliance can result in border rejection

All timber that GWP Group uses in the packaging/products we manufacture complies with ISPM 15 requirements. This includes relevant markings (i.e. ISPM 15 stamp).

The UK Forestry Commission is a national authority overseeing wood packaging compliance in the UK providing certification and inspection services for ISPM 15 marking of packaging.

Timber packaging manufacturers must be part of an approved scheme.

Macfarlane Group, of which GWP are a part, has relevant certification from the UK Forestry Commission regarding ISPM 15 marking compliance. Find out more and download relevant documents at macfarlanemanufacturing.com

The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations is the UK law that applies to all packaging, including timber packaging, states that:

• Packaging must be minimised, recyclable, and free from heavy metals.
• Encourages eco-friendly design principles in all packaging.
• Applies to both retail and transit packaging.

GWP Group has a team of expert packaging designers, including at the nearby Macfarlane Packaging Manufacture & Design site at Westbury, that work towards reducing material use, weight and volume by default. Packaging we manufacture is typically reusable and/or recyclable, and does not utilise any toxic materials.

ISPM 15 is the global standard from the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) states that solid wood components >6mm must be HT (Heat Treated) or MB (Methyl Bromide Treated). They must be stamped with the IPPC mark, which includes:

• Country code
• Producer/treatment code
• Treatment type (HT or MB)
• Debarked wood only

It applies to over 180 countries including:

• EU
• USA
• Canada
• China
• Australia
• New Zealand

All timber packaging that GWP supplies (including that manufactured at Macfarlane Packaging sites) complies with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM 15).

The EU regulation 2016/2031 on plant health is the standard that governs plant and wood material imports into the EU. Post-Brexit, UK exporters to the EU must comply with ISPM 15 and EU authorities inspect WPM for marks and treatment compliance.

All timber packaging that GWP supplies (including that manufactured at Macfarlane Packaging sites) complies with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM 15).

The USDA APHIS WPM regulations are enforced by the US Department of Agriculture enforces ISPM 15 under APHIS, and state that all imports into the United States using solid wood packaging must:

• Be ISPM 15 compliant.
• Be free from pests and bark.
• Non-compliant goods may be refused entry or destroyed.

All timber packaging that GWP supplies (including that manufactured at Macfarlane Packaging sites) complies with the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No 15 (ISPM 15). As such, GWP Group can support any customers exporting the US.

BS EN ISO 445 is the standard that defines pallet types, configurations, and terminology. It ensures consistent packaging language in logistics, labelling, and compliance.

GWP Group is able to supply pallets and similar products that adhere to the British Standards BS EN ISO 445 – Pallets for Materials Handling requirements. Please note that the majority of pallets GWP and Macfarlane Group supply are non standard sizes. Standard terminology, labelling and similar requirements are adhered to.

ISO 6780 is the international standard that specifies standard dimensions for pallets:

• It encourages use of standard 1200x1000mm (UK) or 1200c800mm (EU) pallets.
• It helps reduce border issues due to non-conforming pallet sizes.

GWP Group can supply standard sized pallets. However, many customer applications require custom pallet sizes, which GWP Group can manufacture as required.

ASTM D6251 is a US-focused specification for wooden export crates used for fragile, heavy, or military equipment. It details strength requirements and handling specifications.

GWP Group can typically assist with export packaging shipping into the US. However, please discuss your specific requirements with a member of our team.