Because wood briquettes are manufactured from processed wood residues (sawdust, shavings) that have typically undergone heat and pressure treatment during production, APHIS phytosanitary requirements are generally less stringent than for raw logs or chips. However, importers should confirm with APHIS whether the specific manufacturing process qualifies as an approved treatment, as requirements can vary by country of origin.

Key specifications include net calorific value (MJ/kg), moisture content (typically below 10% for premium product), ash content percentage, bulk density, and whether the briquettes are made from pure wood or contain binders. Specifying these parameters in the purchase contract and requiring third-party test certificates reduces the risk of receiving off-spec product.