Regulation · May 26, 2026

ISPM-15 and the Lacey Act: a wood exporter's two mandatory pieces of homework

Exporting wood and wood products to the U.S. requires two things whose absence stops the goods at the border. Both are simple if you do them on time.

ISPM-15: packaging

All wooden packaging that crosses the U.S. border must be heat-treated and carry the ISPM-15 mark. This applies to pallets, crates and dunnage, not just the goods themselves. A container arriving on an unmarked pallet can mean the entire shipment is sent back, and this is one of the most common beginner mistakes of all.

The solution is simple: a certified packaging partner and a check that the mark is legible on every pallet. There are plenty of such partners in Estonia.

The Lacey Act: origin

The Lacey Act requires a declaration of the wood species and country of origin when importing wood products. The aim is to prevent illegal logging. Against the background of Estonia's certified forestry this is a formality, but the declaration must be accurate: the wood species in Latin, the country of origin and the quantity.

The responsibility formally lies with the U.S. importer, but in practice they ask you for the data. Whoever sends correct information on the first request comes across as professional. Whoever starts searching creates doubt.

Could your product sell in the USA?The first consultation is free: we show the real import numbers for your category and a few sample buyers.

Summary

Neither requirement is a reason to postpone exporting, both are one week of homework. In the launch package we handle them together with the rest of the documentation. What matters is that they are done before the first container, not after the first problem.

Let's talk about your export plan

The first consultation is free: together we'll see who in the US already buys your product and how to reach them.