Frequently asked questions 

What is ISPM-15?

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ISPM-15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15.  It was developed by the International Plant Protection Convention which states that all wood used in international shipping must be heat treated at 56 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes, reaching the core of the wood.

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What happens if I do not use an ISPM-15 certified crate?

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Your crate may be returned to you at your expense. It may be required to be fumigated at your expense. The product may be seized and quarantined and the crate may be destroyed.

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Why do we need heat treated wood?

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When the wood is heat treated to the core at 56 degrees Celsius, it kills all pests/insects. This is meant to stop the spread of harmful insects and diseases.

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How does VCI poly work?

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Once a product is shrink wrapped with the vapor corrosion inhibitor, it will release rust inhibitor molecules onto all metal surfaces. Once the poly is removed, it evaporates with no need to wash or scrub. This makes it ideal for long term storage. Other methods of corrosion protection include capsules, sprays, and wraps.

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​Is it cheaper to ship in a sea container?

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Usually, yes. There are two ways to ship your product by ocean; break bulk or sea container. If you can fit your product into a sea container, it will be more cost effective since there are many container ships. Break bulk is used for oversized material that cannot fit into a container. It is more expensive as there are less break bulk cargo ships.

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What is required for dangerous goods shipments?

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The dangerous goods shipment must be prepared by a certified person, who is specially trained to know how to package all dangerous goods safely and legally, with the proper labelling and documentation to make sure it arrives at your destination with no issues.

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Why should I crate my material?

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It is your responsibility to make sure that your product is protected during transportation. Crating is the best way to protect your product and ensure that it arrives at the destination undamaged. When using a pallet, it is designed to support the piece for handling but there is no protection for the piece during transport.