Page Content
International Implementation of ISPM 15
Australia implemented 'International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15: Guidelines for regulating wood packaging material in international trade (ISPM 15)' for imports into Australia, on 1 September 2004. In support of this change, the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) updated import conditions to include an ISPM 15 import option. The new ISPM 15 import option is offered in addition to those in place before 1 September 2004. Under the new ISPM 15 import option, AQIS accepts wood packaging material marked with ISPM 15 compliant stamps from all countries.
Download AQIS import requirements for wood packaging material, including dunnage, associated with containerised cargo
Find the answers to frequently asked questions on ISPM 15
The full text of ISPM 15 is available from the International Phytosanitary Portal
Many Australian importers have expressed interest in knowing whether countries from which they source their imports have implemented ISPM 15 systems for export. Unfortunately, only limited information regarding the ISPM 15 export readiness of other countries is available. Under the Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement, member countries use the SPS notification process to advise of new or changed conditions that may significantly affect their trading partners. For example, a number of countries, including Australia, have used SPS Notifications to advise of their intention to accept ISPM 15 compliant imports (individual country SPS Notifications are available on the World Trade Organisation website). However, minimal information regarding ISPM 15 readiness for exports has been included in these notifications.
It is the importer’s responsibility to ensure that wood packaging material destined for Australia is able to meet import conditions. As AQIS accepts ISPM 15 compliant wood packaging material from all countries, a definitive list of ISPM 15 export ready countries is not required by AQIS. Importers are advised to contact their suppliers or the relevant overseas government directly to determine whether the country is ISPM 15 export ready. ISPM 15 specifies that the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) of an exporting country has responsibility for ensuring that systems for exports meet the requirements set out in ISPM 15. Contact details for NPPOs are available on the International Phytosanitary Portal.
Importers should be aware that if countries have notified of their intention to implement ISPM 15 for imports, those same countries could be expected to implement ISPM 15 systems for exports. AQIS Plant Programs maintains a list of countries that have implemented or are proposing to implement ISPM 15 for imports.