Importers using Wood Packaging Material (WPM) will face a significant compliance shift on January 1, 2026, when the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) resumes full enforcement of the ISPM 15 hyphen requirement. The temporary suspension of this requirement ends on December 31, 2025, and all WPM must display the correct hyphen that separates the country code and facility code within the ISPM 15 mark. There will be no soft enforcement period.
READ MORE ABOUT THE TEMPORARY DEADLINE SUSPENSION HERE: STAKEHOLDER REMINDER: SUSPENSION OF ISPM 15 HYPHEN REQUIREMENT ENDS DECEMBER 31, 2025
HOW DOES THE ISPM 15 HYPHEN REQUIREMENT APPLY TO IMPORTED WOOD PACKAGING MATERIAL?
ISPM 15 Hyphen outlines the global phytosanitary standard for treated Wood Packaging Material (WPM). Markings must include the treatment code, the country identifier, and the facility number. The hyphen is a required part of that format. Beginning January 1, 2026, any WPM arriving without the correct hyphen will be considered noncompliant.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF NONCOMPLIANT WOOD PACKING MATERIAL ARRIVES AT A U.S. PORT?
Noncompliant shipments may experience operational delays. Cargo can be held while authorities determine appropriate corrective measures. Depending on port capabilities, WPM may be separated from cargo and exported, or the entire shipment may require re-export if separation is not feasible. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) may also assess penalties under Title 19. APHIS does not currently offer an approved reconditioning pathway for correcting missing hyphen marks, and compliance companies continue to work toward potential future options.
HOW SHOULD IMPORTERS PREPARE FOR SHIPMENTS ARRIVING AFTER DECEMBER 31, 2025?
Shipments already in transit that contain noncompliant WPM should be evaluated immediately. Importers can divert cargo to a country where the packaging can be reconditioned or self-report to APHIS and CBP to initiate a handling plan before arrival. Early communication may reduce processing delays. Importers relying on overseas suppliers should confirm that all WPM is stamped with accurate ISPM 15 marks, including the required hyphen, for cargo loading that extends into early 2026.
WHY SHOULD IMPORTERS PRIORITIZE READINESS NOW?
The January 1, 2026, enforcement date will influence both transit planning and port operations. Proactive verification of Wood Packaging Material, clear communication with suppliers, and handling plans for shipments already en route will help reduce disruptions. The goal of renewed enforcement is to maintain a consistent phytosanitary standard that protects U.S. agriculture while supporting a predictable trade environment.
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