Defra clarifies ISPM 15 responsibility and returns process for France-bound pallets

Defra and the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s official veterinary surgeon note, first published on 16 September and updated on 30 September 2026, covers wood packaging material (including pallets) accompanying sanitary and phytosanitary goods exported to the EU via France. France introduced national controls on 1 September following a pine wood nematode outbreak in Landes and has significantly increased inspections of wood packaging accompanying consignments from third countries. Defra says the priority of French border inspection authorities is phytosanitary risk control; where non-compliant wood packaging is found, it is expected to be destroyed as quickly as possible to prevent further circulation. Exporters remain responsible for ensuring wood packaging used in EU exports meets ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements before export. The importing country’s authority decides any remedial action, re-palletisation, destruction or action affecting the goods, and non-compliance can delay consignments or lead to enforcement. The updated note clarifies that Great Britain port health authorities are not expected to take action when non-compliant material is intercepted at destination; if non-compliant pallets are returned to Great Britain, border control posts should use existing returned-goods processes. This is a summary of official guidance, not legal advice.