Wood packaging is essential for the protection and movement of cargo around the world and represents a large group of products such as crates, pallets, hoods, blocking & bracing materials, dunnage, skids and reels. Although wood packaging is important to global trade, it has been scientifically recognized that wood packaging is a significant pathway for the introduction and spread of quarantine pest around the world.
Various levels of government and industry have worked to develop a harmonized plan to control the spread of quarantine pest. In March of 2002 the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) adopted the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures No.15 (ISPM 15). This standard identifies the minimum mandatory treatment requirements and a marking system for wood packaging materials.
The IPPC is an international treaty organization that works to prevent the international spread of plant diseases. It was created in 1952 by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Over 50 countries currently participate in the program.
The Canadian Wood Packaging Certification Program (CWPCP) is the system that certifies Canadian facilities to construct wood packaging products in accordance with the phytosanitary requirements of ISPM 15. Cratex Industries is a certified member of the CWPCP and as such must maintain a quality management system and complete regular audits to ensure Cratex continues to meet the standards of the ISPM 15.
The CWPCP is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and administered by the Canadian Wood Pallet & Container Association (CWPCA).
For more information please see ISPM on our resources page.
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