ISPM15 Heat Treatment vs Methyl Bromide
A straightforward comparison of two ISPM15 treatment methods and why heat treatment is the main focus of our UK pallet manufacturing operation.
ISPM15 allows more than one approved treatment route
Heat treatment and methyl bromide fumigation are different approved treatment methods under ISPM15. They should not be presented as if “ISPM15” itself means heat treatment only.
| Point | Heat treatment (HT) | Methyl bromide (MB) |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Uses an approved heat schedule. | Uses fumigation with methyl bromide to an approved schedule. |
| Marking | ISPM15 mark includes the treatment code HT. | ISPM15 mark includes the treatment code MB. |
| UK supply focus | Common choice for new export pallets and the method we focus on. | Use is more restricted and subject to environmental and regulatory controls. |
Why many pallet users choose heat treatment
Heat treatment avoids using methyl bromide on the pallet and is well suited to modern pallet manufacturing and kiln operations. For businesses buying export pallets in the UK, the practical question is usually whether the supplied packaging carries a valid, legible ISPM15 mark for the approved treatment used.
Destination requirements still need checking because ISPM15 establishes the international wood-packaging standard, while countries can also have additional import conditions.