- ISPM 15 on imports
- Required
- Enforced since
- —
- Treatments
- HT, MB (ISPM 15 methods); new IPPC mark format noted on IPPC
- Plant protection authority
- Agrocalidad (Agencia de Regulación y Control Fito y Zoosanitario)
- Common pallet sizes
- 1200 × 1000 mm
1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
1000 × 1200 mm - Main ports
- Guayaquil, Posorja (DP World Posorja), Manta, Esmeraldas
Overview
Ecuador's plant health authority, Agrocalidad, applies ISPM 15 to wood packaging in international trade. The IPPC country page contains a 2016 reporting-obligation entry titled as a new seal for wood packaging material, which indicates that Ecuador has a national marking system aligned with the international IPPC stamp. Imported pallets, crates and dunnage must be treated and carry the IPPC mark, and Agrocalidad inspectors verify this at ports and airports. If the wood is not compliant, treatment, destruction or return can be ordered at the importer's cost. We did not verify an enforcement start year or detailed penalty provisions, so those details are left out. Guayaquil is the principal port and handles most Ecuadorian containers, with the deepwater terminal at Posorja taking larger ships since opening, and Manta and Esmeraldas serving the coast. Ecuador is one of the world's largest banana exporters, and that trade drives a strong pallet industry: shippers need treated, stamped pallets for fruit boxes bound for Europe, Russia, the US and Asia. Domestic logistics usually use 1200 × 1000 mm pallets, while 1200 × 800 mm appears in European-linked trade. Wooden pallets are made by local manufacturers, often from imported or plantation softwood and balsa-free hardwood, and pooling companies are marginal compared with Europe or the US.
Key points
- Ecuador reported a new seal for wood packaging material to the IPPC in 2016
- Inspection by Agrocalidad at ports and airports
- Banana export chains give strong demand for treated, stamped pallets
Frequently asked questions
Does Ecuador require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?
Yes, based on Agrocalidad's regime and its IPPC reporting. Imported wood packaging should carry the IPPC mark.
Which agency inspects pallets in Ecuador?
Agrocalidad, at ports and airports.
Why are stamped pallets so common in Ecuador?
Banana and other fresh produce exporters ship to markets that enforce ISPM 15.
Sources
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.