NOM-144 Explained: Heat Treatment (HT) for Export Pallets in Mexico
NOM-144 is the Mexican standard that governs wood packaging for international trade. If you manufacture, buy or export on wooden pallets, here is what you need to know.
What Is NOM-144?
NOM-144-SEMARNAT is the Mexican Official Standard (Norma Oficial Mexicana) that establishes the phytosanitary measures and requirements for wood packaging used in the international trade of goods entering or leaving Mexico. In other words, it is Mexico's version of the international ISPM 15 standard.
It applies to pallets, crates, boxes, blocks, reels and any dunnage made from unprocessed wood. Its purpose is to prevent forest pests from entering or leaving the country through packaging.
What Does NOM-144 Require?
The standard requires that packaging wood receive an approved treatment and be marked with the official IPPC stamp. The most common and recommended treatment is heat treatment (HT).
What does heat treatment (HT) involve?
Heat treatment (HT) consists of placing the wood in a chamber or kiln and raising its temperature until the core of each piece reaches a minimum of 56 °C for at least 30 continuous minutes. This process eliminates insects, larvae, fungi and other organisms without using chemicals, making it safe and environmentally friendly.
Key fact: heat treatment is not the same as kiln drying (KD). HT specifically guarantees the temperature and time required to eliminate pests as set by the standard.
The Compliance Mark
All wood treated under NOM-144 / ISPM 15 must bear the IPPC stamp with the wheat-ear symbol, the country code (MX), the authorized treatment provider's number and the treatment code (HT). Without this stamp, the pallet is not valid for export, even if it has been treated.
Who Must Comply With NOM-144?
- Exporters shipping product on wooden pallets or in wooden crates.
- Importers, since wood packaging entering Mexico must also comply.
- Wood packaging manufacturers, who must be authorized to treat and mark.
Benefits of Complying With the Standard
- You avoid holds, fumigation and fines at customs.
- You keep your international shipments moving without interruption.
- You protect your reputation with customers abroad.
- You contribute to global forest health.
NOM-144 Compliant Pallets From BestPack Solutions
At BestPack Solutions we manufacture pallets, crates and wood packaging with HT heat treatment in compliance with NOM-144 and ISPM 15, properly marked and ready for export. We also work with legally sourced, traceable lumber, which adds an extra layer of compliance and sustainability.
Does your packaging comply with NOM-144? We can help you with treated, certified pallets. Request a quote or message us at +52 444 829 0377.