Pallet types and sizes + ISPM15 Wooden packaging fumigation can be understood in one go | Export customs declaration
What kinds of pallets are there? Comparison of four major materials
pallet (also known as pallet, pallet, Pallet) is a horizontal platform for carrying and transporting goods, which facilitates the operation of forklifts and pallet trucks. There are four common materials: plastic, wood, metal and paper , each with its own advantages, disadvantages and applicable scenarios. Among them, only wooden pallets are subject to ISPM15 quarantine control when exported.
plastic pallet
Export quarantine-free treatment
- Common materials: PP (high temperature resistance, good rigidity, suitable for high temperature and high load environments) and HDPE (low temperature resistance, suitable for freezing and refrigeration storage).
- Advantages: durable, easy to clean, pest-free, reusable, does not require additional quarantine treatment for export .
- Disadvantages: Customized sizes are not available, and the initial unit price is higher than wooden pallets.
wooden pallet
Regulated by ISPM15
- Advantages: The specifications have excellent load-bearing performance, can be customized to the size , and the price is cheap. It is the most popular pallet.
- Disadvantages: high damage rate, susceptible to moisture, exports must be heat treated or fumigated to prevent insects (controlled by ISPM15) .
- Applicable: General cargo, large/heavy cargo at the bottom, Taobao/1688 commonly used for shipping large furniture.
metal pallets
Export quarantine-free treatment
- Advantages: has high load-bearing capacity, is sturdy and durable, has a long lifespan, and is suitable for heavy machinery and long-term recycling.
- Disadvantages: heavy weight, the highest unit price, and attention must be paid to rust prevention in humid environments.
- Not subject to ISPM15 control, no fumigation or heat treatment required for export.
paper pallet
Export quarantine-free treatment
- Advantages: is lightweight, environmentally friendly, and recyclable , which can reduce the volume and freight of air/sea transportation.
- Disadvantages: Weak load-bearing and moisture resistance, suitable for lightweight, disposable export packaging.
- Not subject to ISPM15 control, no fumigation or heat treatment required for export.
Pallet size specifications: standards vary in different regions
There is no single global standard for pallets. Each region has its own commonly used size specifications . Before placing an order or combining containers for loading, first confirm the size of the destination and container, so as to maximize space utilization and avoid waste.
What is ISPM15? Why do wooden pallets need to be fumigated?
ISPM15 is IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) " International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 " (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). It regulates the anti-insect treatment of wooden packaging materials whose thickness exceeds 6mm during international transportation. The purpose is to prevent long-term beetles, nematodes and other harmful organisms from spreading with the wood across borders.
ISPM15 two compliance treatments: heat treatment HT vs fumigation MB
Wooden packaging materials must comply with ISPM15 and can be treated with one of the following two pest control treatments. Both have the same purpose (killing harmful organisms in wood), but the principles and operating conditions are different:
HT · Heat Treatment
Using heating to increase the temperature of wood to kill insects without using chemicals is currently the most mainstream and environmentally friendly treatment method.
compliance conditions : The core temperature of wood is ≥ 56℃ , lasts ≥ 30 minutes .
MB · Methyl Bromide fumigation (Methyl Bromide)
Fumigating and killing insects with methyl bromide gas is a chemical treatment method; some countries/regions have gradually restricted its use due to environmental protection.
compliance conditions : temperature ≥ 10℃ , fumigation time ≥ 16 hours .
What do you think of the IPPC logo? four elements
After the wooden packaging material is processed by HT or MB, an internationally accepted IPPC mark will be printed. Seeing this logo means that the wooden packaging has completed ISPM15 compliance. A logo usually contains the following elements:
IPPC
XX-000
HT
- IPPC Wheat pattern : The official identification mark of the International Plant Protection Convention (ear symbol).
- Country code : The code of the country where the processing is located (for example, TW represents Taiwan).
- Processing agency registration number : Processing/printing agency number approved by the competent authority.
- Treatment method code : HT (heat treatment) or MB (methyl bromide fumigation), indicating which compliance treatment is used.
官方檢疫與國際標準來源
木質包裝材是否合規須依實際木材、處理方式、章戳及輸入國要求判斷；不得自行仿製或補蓋 IPPC 標誌。