ISPM 15 pallets for exports to Australia

Use BICON for the consignment

Australia incorporates ISPM 15 into its timber-packaging import conditions and also recognises specified alternative treatments. Its BICON system distinguishes packaging imported as a commodity from packaging supporting other cargo. Have the importer or broker check the applicable case instead of assuming all wooden-pallet shipments follow one process.

Documents and condition both matter

Australian guidance calls for relevant declarations and documentation for non-commodity timber in containerised cargo. It also requires packaging to be free from biosecurity risk material. A treatment mark does not provide permanent protection against later infestation. Ask the broker what they need and inspect the packaging near dispatch.

Review the entire container packing method

List loose timber, packing blocks, crates and any other components used around the goods. Give the broker and packaging supplier the complete description. Agree the timing of pallet delivery and packing so suitable stock does not sit unnecessarily in an uncontrolled area before shipment.

Ask before substituting

If the packing team changes material or replaces a component, return the revised description to the relevant specialist. A last-minute substitution may affect a declaration already prepared. Keep the final version of the packing information with the shipment records and ensure the person completing documents is working from that version.

Supplier, packing team and importer: keep one brief

Give each party the same final packaging description and revision. Include the pallet footprint and construction, all additional timber, treatment and marking requirements, and any customer specification. If someone changes a component or the route, identify who must review the change before dispatch.

A supplier confirmation covers the scope agreed with that supplier. It should not be assumed to cover packing work performed later by another business. A complete material list helps prevent that gap.

A practical document and inspection sequence

At ordering, agree the product and any requested supporting records. At receipt, compare the delivered packaging with the specification and record concerns. Before wrapping or closing cases, check the final assembly and capture useful photographs. At dispatch, keep the supply reference and importer instructions with the shipment record.

This sequence is a practical workflow, not a substitute for official destination requirements. It gives the team a better chance of resolving questions while the goods are still accessible.

Separate the cargo, the pallet and the delivery

The goods may have their own import conditions. The pallet must be structurally suitable and meet the relevant plant-health requirements. Empty-pallet delivery to the packing site is a separate logistics task. Record the responsible contact for each, particularly where the exporter, packing business and importer are different organisations.

For a quotation, state quantity, cargo support and weight, footprint, handling equipment, UK delivery postcode and packing date. Confirm the final destination and any transit countries with your freight adviser.