Export packing is the specialist preparation of goods for international transport — industrial crating, timber cases, protective packaging and cargo securing. Any solid-wood packaging used for export must meet ISPM-15: the timber must be heat-treated and stamped, or the shipment can be refused at the border. Good packing protects both your goods and your customs clearance.
Why export packing is different
Domestic packaging is built to survive a van and a warehouse. Export packing has to survive cranes, forklifts, container stacking, temperature swings and weeks at sea. That's a different engineering problem, which is why industrial crating and timber cases exist — they're designed around the weight, fragility and journey of the specific goods.
What ISPM-15 requires
ISPM-15 is the international standard governing solid-wood packaging (pallets, crates, dunnage) used in export. To prevent the spread of pests, the timber must be heat-treated (or fumigated) and marked with the recognised stamp showing the treatment and country of origin. Uncertified wood packaging can be rejected, treated or destroyed at the destination border — at your cost and delay.
The rule in one line: if there's solid wood touching your export shipment, it needs the ISPM-15 heat-treatment stamp.
Types of export packing
- Industrial crating — bespoke crates for heavy or awkward goods.
- Timber cases — fully enclosed protection for high-value equipment.
- Machinery packing — securing and cushioning for plant and equipment.
- Protective packaging — barrier films, VCI and cushioning for sensitive items.
- Cargo securing & container loading — bracing and lashing so nothing shifts in transit.
Getting the documentation right
Packing and paperwork go together. Alongside the physical protection, export shipments need correct documentation — and we provide export documentation support so your goods and their paperwork clear cleanly. It pairs naturally with sea freight and air freight.
Frequently asked questions
Does all export packaging need ISPM-15?
Only solid-wood packaging (crates, pallets, dunnage) needs ISPM-15 treatment and marking. Manufactured materials like plywood or OSB are exempt, but if in doubt, treat it as in scope.
Can you build bespoke crates for machinery?
Yes — our partners build industrial crates and timber cases sized to your specific goods, including heavy machinery and commercial equipment. See export packing.
Do you load and secure containers?
Yes. We provide professional container loading and cargo securing so your goods stay stable and protected throughout the journey.
Do you help with export documentation?
Yes — we provide export documentation support alongside the physical packing to keep your shipment compliant.