- ISPM 15 on imports
- Required
- Enforced since
- 2006
- Treatments
- HT, MB (named in AQSIQ announcements); other ISPM 15 methods unverified for China
- Plant protection authority
- General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), formerly AQSIQ
- Common pallet sizes
- 1200 × 1000 mm (GB/T 2934)
1100 × 1100 mm (GB/T 2934)
1200 × 800 mm (EUR) in export-linked trades - Main ports
- Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen, Qingdao
Overview
China regulates wood packaging for imports under AQSIQ Decree 84 of 2005, Announcement 11 of 2005 on quarantine requirements for packaging used with imports, and Announcement 32 of 2005 on disinfestation treatments and application of the IPPC mark. AQSIQ was later merged into the General Administration of Customs (GACC), which now runs quarantine at the border, so customs officers carry out the checks. Pallets, crates and dunnage must be debarked, treated by a recognised method and marked with the IPPC stamp. When customs inspectors find unmarked wood, they can order treatment, destruction or return of the goods, and live pests found on arrival lead to quarantine treatment under customs supervision. An AQSIQ Announcement 2 of 2006 addressed the implementation of the new provisions, which is why we gave 2006 as the start year, though the exact enforcement date for all consignments could differ. The country's size means huge volumes: Shanghai, Ningbo-Zhoushan, Shenzhen and Qingdao are among the busiest container ports in the world. Pallet standardisation is national: the standard GB/T 2934 specifies 1200 × 1000 mm and 1100 × 1100 mm pallets, and 1200 × 1000 mm is the most common. Pooling is less developed than in Europe, though rental operators exist, and a very large industry of pallet makers supplies treated and stamped pallets for exports. Foreign exporters should confirm that treatment providers are accredited in the country of shipment.
Key points
- AQSIQ Decree 84 (2005) sets quarantine supervision of wood packaging of entry goods
- Announcements 11 and 32 of 2005 set the requirements, treatments and IPPC mark
- China customs quarantine officers inspect; non-compliant WPM is treated, destroyed or returned
Frequently asked questions
Does China require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?
Yes. AQSIQ and later GACC rules require imported wood packaging to be treated and carry the IPPC mark.
Which Chinese standard sets pallet sizes?
GB/T 2934 specifies 1200 × 1000 mm and 1100 × 1100 mm pallets.
What happens to non-compliant WPM?
Customs can order treatment, destruction or return of the shipment.
Sources
- IPPC – China: AQSIQ Decree No. 84 (quarantine of wood packaging of entry goods)
- IPPC – China: AQSIQ Announcement No. 11, 2005
- IPPC – China: AQSIQ Announcement No. 32, 2005
Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.