Assign each decision to someone
The buyer assembles the commercial requirement; the supplier confirms the offered packaging; the packing operator controls the final assembly; and the importer and freight advisers help establish destination requirements. An official mark is applied through an authorised system. These responsibilities overlap, so record who owns each unresolved question.
Control changes after the quote
A changed load, pallet footprint, destination or packing method can invalidate assumptions behind the order. Use a single specification revision and ask the relevant parties to review changes before production or dispatch. A telephone agreement should be captured in the shipment record so the warehouse receives the same instructions.
Separate wood packaging from cargo compliance
The pallet is only one part of the shipment. Dangerous goods, food, machinery or other regulated cargo may carry requirements unrelated to ISPM 15. Obtain appropriate advice for those requirements. A supplier’s confirmation of pallet treatment should not be read as confirmation that the goods themselves are cleared for export.
Create a handover record
A useful record identifies the packaging specification, supply reference, inspection result and any exceptions. The packing team can add photographs and confirm what was actually used. This does not replace official requirements; it makes it easier to demonstrate what happened and investigate if a question arises later.
Sources & further reading
Forestry Commission: wood packaging material for import and export (opens in a new tab)References reviewed 7 October 2026. Confirm the current rules for your shipment with the relevant authority or freight adviser.