Wooden Crating for Machinery and Furniture: What Should Be Checked Before Dispatch?

Why ask about the materials of the entire crate?

The International Plant Protection Convention's ISPM 15 standard page outlines the scope of packaging made from raw wood, including dunnage; it excludes wood processed in ways that eliminate pests, such as plywood. The standard is intended to reduce pest risks in international trade, not to certify a crate's load-bearing capacity or impact resistance.

This is a preparation guide based on an existing standard, not news of a new regulation issued in October 2026. Its application to a specific import shipment needs to be checked against the actual materials and the requirements of the competent authority.

Recommendations for machinery and furniture importers

Before requesting “wooden crating,” clarify the protection required: scratch-prone surfaces, breakage-prone areas, lifting points and stacking conditions. A crate with plywood walls may still use supports or pallets made from other materials. Therefore, the editorial team recommends preparing a description of each part of the crate rather than using only a general name.

Checklist to send suppliers before sealing

1. Request descriptions of the crate walls, frame, pallet and bracing materials, along with photos clearly showing each part. Link the photos to the machine code or order code, and avoid accepting a generic set of sample photos without knowing whether they apply to your goods.

2. Send the packaging description to the person responsible for checking applicable requirements. If treatment and an ISPM 15 mark are required, request confirmation of the implementing entity and the data to be handed over. According to the IPPC, authorization to use the mark must be granted by the national plant protection organization or an appropriately authorized body.

3. Once completed, request photos of the fully packed crate, relevant identification marks, dimensions and weight. Check that the receiving location has suitable lifting equipment, vehicle access and personnel to coordinate. This information also helps update transport requirements.

Separate packaging inspection from product inspection

The condition of the goods should be documented before sealing so it can be compared upon receipt. If machinery testing or accessory counting is needed, arrange it before the crate is finalized and keep the results separately. Attractive crate photos do not confirm that all accessories are inside, while a machinery test report does not describe the crate's ability to protect the goods during delivery and receipt.

Confirmation scope for each shipment

This article does not conclude that all plywood crates are exempt from all procedures or that all marked goods will be accepted. Cases involving mixed-material packaging, reused packaging or repaired packaging need to be checked separately. Before the goods leave the supplier, confirm outstanding tasks, responsible parties and any data that must be added with the party handling the shipment.