Use the online LCL freight calculator above to estimate international shipping costs for boxes and crates from the USA to your destination country.

Wood-packing restrictions and cargo fumigation in shipping goods from the USA

Many countries have regulations, known as ISPM 15 rules, that govern the use of raw wood for packaging imports and exports to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.

If you ship goods from the USA to other countries, do not use raw wood for packing. Instead, choose materials that follow ISPM 15 guidelines, such as certified wood, plywood, or plastic.

When you ship boxes, crates, or pallets, ensure the pallets are certified and the crates are made from plywood or heat-treated wood that meets ISPM 15 standards.

Failing to follow these rules can result in the costly fumigation of your entire shipment. Remember that these rules apply to packing materials, not to the goods themselves.

It's essential to distinguish between wood-packing rules for international shipping and the fumigation requirements for sending goods to Oceania, particularly the regulations for the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) when shipping from the USA to Australia and New Zealand.

All cargo to Oceania must be fully fumigated. Although you might consider avoiding fumigation fees by checking the lists of high-risk goods on the Australian DAWR and New Zealand MPI websites, we strongly recommend fumigating your cargo before it leaves the USA through your ocean freight carrier.

Fumigation typically costs around $30 per cubic meter, with a minimum charge of $100 to $300 per application. You can avoid potential complications and penalties upon arrival by choosing to fumigate. Failing to meet BMSB regulations can result in costly fumigation and penalties upon arrival at the destination.

ISPM15 in international cargo transportation (Wood-packing) 

Wood packing restrictions in international cargo transportation are also known as ISPM 15 rules. It also applies to cargo that contains wooden packing materials for shipping from the USA.

ISPM 15 is a regulation designed to prevent the global spread of plant pests and diseases by controlling wooden packaging materials in international shipping. Established by the International Plant Protection Convention and the United Nations (IPPC), these rules apply to wooden boxes, pallets, crates, and other wood packaging. There may also be additional pest control restrictions for shipments from the USA, particularly to countries like Australia and New Zealand, which have strict regulations. For example, refer to the Australian Government Department of Agriculture and Water Resources website.

When shipping items from the USA that use raw wood packaging, you must comply with ISPM 15 regulations. This requires fumigating or heat-treating the wood to eliminate insects and fungi.

All wood packaging must have an approved IPPC stamp. Your shipment will be inspected in the U.S. and upon arrival in countries that follow IPPC guidelines to ensure compliance with ISPM 15 standards.

IPPS stamps are required on wooden pallets and for boxes or crates containing wood packing materials when shipping from the USA, unless a fumigation certificate is provided. Officials may still request fumigation certificates, even with stamped freight packing.

A stamp on the packaging indicating that it has been heat-treated and meets ISPM 15 standards is crucial. If you don’t comply, you may encounter significant shipping issues when sending goods from the USA to other countries. Wooden boxes, crates, or pallets without ISPM 15 stamps might be rejected for international transport and could be sent back for fumigation or repacking.

Since 2010, the U.S. has required ISPM 15 standards for all freight shipments. Cargo that does not meet these standards must be fumigated immediately; if not, it will be denied entry and re-exported or destroyed.

As a member of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), the U.S. requires all wood packaging to be treated. Carriers must check for ISPM 15 compliance before allowing transportation. Shippers are responsible for any issues, delays, or penalties from non-compliance, while consignees are responsible for problems at the destination or during transshipment.

Avoid problems related to ISPM15

When shipping goods from the United States to other countries, it's essential to understand ISPM 15 regulations to prevent any issues. These rules focus on packing rather than the items themselves. ISPM 15 prohibits the use of non-manufactured wood packing materials, such as pallets and crates made entirely from raw wood.

Instead, use certified pallets and pack your goods in cardboard boxes or other processed wood materials. Opt for plastic shipping supplies and avoid using wood in your packing to ensure compliance with ISPM 15. Using compliant materials and letting the CFS handle documentation can help reduce delays and contribute to more affordable international shipping.

When packing your goods for international shipping from the USA, be aware of the following:

• To ship cargo from the USA, use cardboard boxes that meet the ISPM 15 regulations. We recommend heavy-duty cardboard boxes for better protection. Next, stack your boxes on certified or plastic pallets.
  
  When delivering loose cardboard boxes to an ocean freight carrier's freight terminal (CFS), consider utilizing their palletizing and shrink-wrapping service for $35 to $50 per pallet. It’s best to let professionals handle this instead of doing it yourself, as loose boxes are easier to manage. Using the CFS also transfers responsibility for ISPM15 compliance to them, reducing the likelihood of issues during international transport. Many international shipping companies work with certified CFS terminals to ensure full compliance with ISPM 15 regulations. Fumigation adds to your international shipping costs, so it’s wise to budget for it during the planning stage.

  

• When shipping goods internationally from the USA, use ISPM15-certified wooden pallets and crates. Do not use uncertified raw wood packing materials.

• Wood packaging made entirely from wood-based products—like plywood or particleboard—undergoes sufficient processing to eliminate the risk of raw wood pests during international shipping. As a result, these products should not be subject to ISPM 15 regulations when shipping from the USA to overseas destinations. However, complex shipping crates may still require proof of compliance with ISPM15.

• Shipping goods from the USA using plastic packing materials without wood is exempt from ISPM15 regulations. You don't need to worry about compliance if your goods are on plastic pallets, cases, or crates. Various options for international transport are widely available.

The ISPM15 regulations in shipping goods from the USA overseas fall into two key areas:

1. The shipping freight itself and,
2. Providing proper shipping documentation related to ISPM15.

When shipping cargo internationally, paying attention to ISPM 15 documents and proper packing is crucial. You need to give these documents to the ocean freight carrier before they release your cargo from the U.S.

Different countries have different ISPM15 rules. For example, shipments from the USA to Australia or New Zealand face strict inspections. If your cargo goes through Hong Kong or Singapore, it will likely need ISPM15 verification. The required documents can vary by country.

• If you are packing goods for international shipping from the USA using wooden materials, you must check the ISPM 15 requirements and other import regulations for your destination country. Contact the consulate of that country in the USA or a customs official for guidance. Usually, a fumigation certificate will meet the requirements.
• You can also hire a professional packing or moving company to prepare your goods for shipping. Ask the packing team in advance to ensure they understand and comply with the ISPM15 regulations.

Cargo fumigation in shipping goods from the USA

Ocean freight carriers have specific fumigation rules for shipments from the USA to Oceania related to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB).

For details about these seasonal regulations, check the websites of Australia’s Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) and New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI). To understand the shipment rules, shippers should consult with their consignees and customs brokers. If shipments do not comply, the costs for treatment in Australia and New Zealand will be charged to the cargo account, and these costs can be high.

All shipments marked as high risk by DAWR and MPI must be treated before loading. If one shipment in a container is considered high risk, the whole container will also be labeled as high risk.

Ocean freight carriers require shippers to review regulations and provide a signed risk assessment declaration before loading. Fumigation services for less-than-container-load (LCL) shipments are usually available at loading ports.