- ISPM 15 on imports
- Required
- Enforced since
- —
- 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
- National Phytosanitary Authority (ANF)
- Common pallet sizes
- 1200 × 800 mm (EUR)
1200 × 1000 mm
800 × 600 mm (half pallet) - Main ports
- Constanța, Midia, Galați, Giurgiu (Danube)
Overview
Romania applies the EU plant health regime, so wood packaging entering from third countries has to be debarked, ISPM 15-treated and IPPC-marked (Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and Annex VII of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072). The IPPC lists the National Phytosanitary Authority as the national plant protection organisation, and its county units run import inspections at Constanța, the Danube ports and the land borders with Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia. Constanța on the Black Sea is the largest port on that coast and a key route for grain, containers and Ukrainian transit freight, while Midia, Galați and Danube river terminals serve bulk cargo. We could not confirm the year Romania began enforcing ISPM 15, so none is given; it joined the EU in 2007 and has applied the EU rules since. Unmarked packaging or live pests lead to treatment, destruction or return of the wood at the importer's cost. In the domestic market the EUR pallet at 1200 × 800 mm is the standard for retail chains, which are largely international groups, and 1200 × 1000 mm pallets are used in industry and beverages. Romania has large forests and a strong sawmilling and pallet-making sector, so exporters supply heat-treated pallets to Germany, Italy and Hungary. Informal use of non-standard pallets still occurs, especially in local distribution and agriculture.
Key points
- Border plant health checks at Constanța, Danube ports and border crossings with Ukraine, Moldova and Serbia
- Intra-EU movements of WPM generally exempt from ISPM 15 marking (pinewood-nematode rules for Portuguese conifer WPM excepted)
- Romania has been in the EU since 2007 and applies EU rules; year of ISPM 15 enforcement before accession not confirmed
- Non-compliant WPM may be treated, destroyed or returned at the importer's expense
Frequently asked questions
Does Romania require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?
Yes, for wood packaging arriving from outside the EU. Intra-EU trade is generally exempt.
When did Romania start enforcing ISPM 15?
Not confirmed. Romania joined the EU in 2007 and applies EU rules.
Which ports handle most WPM imports in Romania?
Constanța is the largest, with Midia, Galați and other Danube ports of secondary importance.
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.