Strict enforcement of ISPM-15 Marking coming January 1, 2026

Importers and exporters shipping goods on wood pallets or in wooden crates need to be aware of updated ISPM-15 marking requirements. Beginning January 1, 2026, CBP and APHIS began strictly enforcing the hyphen requirement in IPPC compliance marks — and noncompliant shipments face holds at the port of import.

If you are importing products into the U.S., you are most likely aware of the requirement for heat treatment and IPPC (marking of any solid wood packing materials such as pallets or crates.

However, you might not be aware of increased enforcement of proper IPPC marking requirements coming on January 1, 2026. Specifically, the requirement for a hyphen between the country code and the manufacturing facility number.

The ISPM-15 hyphen requirement is a component of the international standard that mandates a hyphen to separate the country code from the facility code in the compliance mark. In March, APHIS temporarily suspended enforcement of the hyphen requirement because so many shipments were arriving with no hyphen. 

Here is an example of the proper marking:

Beginning January 1, 2026, Customs and APHIS will resume strict enforcement of the marking requirements, specifically that the hyphen between the country code and the facility code. Shipments found not to be in compliance will be held at the port of import. Re-export will most likely be required, and penalties may be assessed.

If you are an importer, it would be a good idea to check with the vendor sending the shipment to confirm the IPPC markings on any wood packing materials meet the strict requirement before the goods are shipped. If you are sending out a shipment that will later be returned in the same packing, you might want to check the markings on your wood packaging materials before exporting them.

For more information about your options for noncompliant shipments click here.

Give us a call or email today to see how we can assist. As always, American Cargoservice is committed to providing valuable updates to our customers. We will continue to monitor the situation, and send out updates as they become available.