Import rules · European Union

Wood packaging import rules: Spain

Spain: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
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
Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación (MAPA) – Subdirección General de Sanidad e Higiene Vegetal y Forestal / Acuerdos Sanitarios y Control en Frontera
Common pallet sizes
1200 × 800 mm (EUR/EPAL)
1200 × 1000 mm
800 × 600 mm (half pallet)
Main ports
Valencia, Algeciras, Barcelona, Bilbao

Overview

Spain applies ISPM 15 (NIMF 15 in Spanish) to wood packaging arriving from outside the EU, as required by EU plant health law since March 2005 and now by Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) is the national plant protection organisation. Its border-control sub-directorate oversees phytosanitary inspections at ports and airports, and the autonomous communities share responsibility for domestic operators. Spain's own framework, Orden AAA/458/2013, sets the technical rules for treating and marking packaging. Producers, repairers and treatment plants must be listed in the Official Registry of wood packaging operators, which is managed through the ROEMBA application. The order also provides for inspection fees and accredited independent control bodies and laboratories. Spanish authorities state openly that one aim of the system is to stop the spread of pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), which is widespread in neighbouring Portugal and has caused demarcated areas on the Spanish side of the border. At Valencia, Algeciras and other entry points, non-compliant packaging can be treated, destroyed or re-shipped, and a minimum 15% check rate applies to WPM with certain goods from China, India and Belarus. The Spanish pallet market mixes the EUR 1200 × 800 mm pallet with a large rental segment. Pooled pallets from CHEP and LPR are used heavily in grocery and fresh-produce supply chains, including the fruit and vegetable export trade to northern Europe. The 1200 × 1000 mm format appears in industrial and maritime flows.

Key points

  • National rules in Orden AAA/458/2013; operators must be in the Official Registry of wood packaging operators (ROEMBA system)
  • Pinewood nematode is a stated target; Spain has had demarcated outbreak areas near the Portuguese border
  • Inspection fees and accredited independent control bodies are set nationally
  • Intra-EU movements of WPM generally exempt from ISPM 15 marking (pinewood-nematode rules for Portuguese conifer WPM excepted)
  • 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)

Frequently asked questions

Does Spain require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes. Wood packaging from non-EU countries must meet NIMF 15 (ISPM 15): it must be debarked, treated and marked.

How does a Spanish company get authorised to apply the NIMF 15 mark?

It registers in the Official Registry of wood packaging operators under Orden AAA/458/2013. The registry is managed through MAPA's ROEMBA system and the regional authorities.

Why does Spain pay special attention to pine packaging?

Pinewood nematode is present in Portugal and has reached border areas of Spain. Treating conifer wood is a key tool for stopping its spread.

Sources

  1. MAPA – Embalajes de madera NIMF 15
  2. IPPC country page – Spain
  3. 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.