- ISPM 15 on imports
- Required
- Enforced since
- 2005
- Treatments
- HT, DH, SF accepted on imports; MB-marked WPM accepted if ISPM 15 compliant, but MB fumigation itself is no longer permitted inside the EU
- Plant protection authority
- Ministero dell'agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste (MASAF) – Servizio Fitosanitario Centrale, with regional phytosanitary services
- Common pallet sizes
- 1200 × 800 mm (EUR/EPAL)
1200 × 1000 mm
800 × 600 mm (half pallet) - Main ports
- Genoa, Trieste, La Spezia, Gioia Tauro
Overview
Italy enforces ISPM 15 on imports through the EU plant health regime. Since March 2005, wood packaging from outside the EU must be debarked, treated and IPPC-marked, with the current legal basis in Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The national plant protection organisation is the Servizio Fitosanitario Centrale within the agriculture ministry (MASAF). Much of the practical work is regional: each region's phytosanitary service, such as Veneto's or Tuscany's, carries out border and premises inspections, and the professional operators allowed to apply the mark must be entered in the Official Register of Professional Operators (RUOP). The marking scheme itself has an unusual set-up. The Conlegno consortium is recognised as the sole manager of the IPPC/FAO mark in Italy and runs the FITOK scheme, which audits pallet makers, heat-treatment kilns and repairers. On import, the mark is the only evidence of compliance. Missing or incorrect marks lead to interception, after which the packaging can be treated, destroyed or re-exported. For WPM supporting certain goods from China, India and Belarus, at least 15% of consignments are checked, and arrivals must be pre-notified in TRACES-NT. Italy's pallet market is built around the EUR/EPAL 1200 × 800 mm pallet, with an active trade in used and repaired pallets and a sizeable domestic manufacturing base, especially in the north. The 1200 × 1000 mm format serves industrial and export customers. Pinewood nematode rules still apply to conifer packaging coming from mainland Portugal.
Key points
- Conlegno consortium is the sole manager of the IPPC/FAO mark in Italy (FITOK scheme)
- Operators authorised to apply ISPM 15 marks must be in the Official Register of Professional Operators (RUOP)
- Regional phytosanitary services (e.g. Veneto, Tuscany) carry out inspections and authorisations
- At least 15% of consignments of specified goods (e.g. stone, iron/steel) from China, India and Belarus have their WPM checked (Reg. (EU) 2024/288, valid to end-2026); notified via TRACES-NT
- Intra-EU movements of WPM generally exempt from ISPM 15 marking (pinewood-nematode rules for Portuguese conifer WPM excepted)
Frequently asked questions
Does Italy require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?
Yes, for wood packaging from non-EU countries. It must be debarked, treated and carry the IPPC mark. Within the EU it is generally exempt.
What is FITOK?
FITOK is the Italian ISPM 15 marking scheme run by the Conlegno consortium. Conlegno is recognised as the sole manager of the IPPC/FAO mark in Italy and audits pallet makers and treatment plants.
Are imports from China checked more strictly in Italy?
Yes. Under Regulation (EU) 2024/288, WPM carrying certain goods from China, India and Belarus is checked in at least 15% of consignments, and the shipments must be pre-notified in TRACES-NT.
Sources
- Regione Toscana – ISPM 15 regole per gli imballaggi in legno
- Regione Veneto Servizio Fitosanitario – Imballaggi in legno
- IPPC country page – Italy
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/288 on checks of wood packaging material (ECOLEX)
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.