ISPM 15 Standard
Your appointed export packers must use appropriate heat-treated timber to ISPM 15 Standards which are internationally recognised. Without this, you risk your packaging being rejected or destroyed at destination customs.
Simply explained, ISPM 15 refers to the required international standards of treatment that must be applied to solid woods used to ship products between countries. Its main purpose is to prevent the spread of disease and insects that could negatively affect plants or ecosystems.
If you export outside of the EU, check if the country you’re trading with accepts ISPM 15 standards and if they have any other requirements.
Protecting Against Water Damage
Water damage can affect cargo via sea, air or road. Prevention against this element is advisable for all modes of transport, but of course, it’s particularly important for sea freight.
During the sea freight process, water can enter cargo in several ways. If the shipping container is sitting in water in the ship’s hold, there’s a chance this water could seep into the packaging, so your cargo will have greater protection if it is not sitting directly on the bed of the container. Also, high volumes of rain could potentially enter a shipping container as they are not 100% waterproof.
Condensation can also occur when the container vessel transits through areas of differing humidity. Often known as container rain, water evaporates and forms condensation on the walls of the shipping container and (if not suitably protected) the surface and internal parts of your cargo causing irreparable damage.
There are 3 types of prevention of moisture damage: