US packaging compliance risk: What exporters must know

Tens of thousands of enforcement notices have been issued to US importers in 2025, as US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) increase contamination inspections of wood packaging materials (WPM) used in international shipments.

The increased scrutiny reflects a concerted effort to prevent pests and contamination from entering the US via pallets, crates and dunnage, a key biosecurity priority at major ports and gateways.

For exporters sending goods to the US, non-compliant packaging isn’t just an operational issue, it’s a commercial risk. CBP can issue fines that reach into seven-figure levels.

Contaminated or incorrectly marked packaging can lead to shipments being held, fumigated, re-exported or even destroyed before customs release. These actions disrupt delivery schedules, increase costs and can jeopardise buyer relationships.

Exporters who prioritise phytosanitary compliance strengthen their competitiveness. Key steps include:

• Ensuring wood packaging uses ISPM-15 certified heat-treated materials only.
• Confirming pallets/crates bear clear, verifiable ISPM marks.
• Avoiding reuse of packaging unless compliance can be proven.
• Conducting pre-loading inspections to detect damage or infestation.
• Keeping robust documentation of supplier compliance for every shipment.

Getting these basics right not only reduces regulatory risk for your US customers but also supports more predictable transit times and fewer supply-chain delays at destination.

Across ocean and air freight, packaging compliance is now becoming as important as tariff classification and customs documentation, and particularly for industries that rely on palletised export loads. Exporters that embed quality controls and documented verification into their processes will be better positioned to meet tightening US requirements and avoid costly post-arrival corrective actions.

Logicall support exporters and US importers by ensuring full packaging compliance at origin:

• Verification of ISPM-15 compliant materials
• Supplier packaging audits and corrective actions
• Pre-shipment inspections at factory and loading sites
• Documentation accuracy and regulatory alignment
• Route planning to reduce inspection exposure
• Exception handling through our global control tower

With local compliance expertise at origin and destination, our expert team offers hands-on support, faster issue resolution and full supply chain visibility.

Contact us now to discuss your US compliance and cargo-risk requirements.