The Importance of Heat-Treated Pallets in International Shipping

When shipping goods across international borders, businesses must comply with strict regulations to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. One of the most important requirements is the use of heat-treated pallets, which ensure that wood packaging materials are free from harmful insects and fungi.

Without proper treatment, wooden pallets can be rejected at customs, leading to costly delays, fines, and potential loss of shipments. In this post, we’ll explore why heat-treated pallets are essential for international shipping, how they comply with global regulations, and the benefits they offer to businesses.

1. What Are Heat-Treated Pallets?

Heat-treated (HT) pallets are wooden pallets that have undergone a specialized heating process to eliminate pests and pathogens. During heat treatment, wood is heated to a core temperature of at least 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes.

This process:

• Kills insects, larvae, and fungal spores
• Reduces moisture content to prevent mold growth
• Strengthens the durability of the wood
• Meets global shipping compliance standards

Unlike chemical fumigation, heat treatment is a natural and environmentally friendly way to protect wooden pallets and ensure they are safe for

international transport.

2. Why Heat Treatment Is Required for International Shipping

Countries worldwide enforce strict wood packaging regulations to prevent the spread of invasive pests. One of the most important standards is ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15), developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

ISPM-15 Requirements for Wooden Pallets:

• All wooden packaging material (WPM), including pallets, crates, and dunnage, must be heat-treated or fumigated before export.
• Heat-treated pallets must be stamped with the official ISPM-15 certification mark, also known as the “wheat stamp.”
• Untreated or non-compliant pallets can lead to customs rejection, quarantine, or fines.

Failure to use ISPM-15 compliant pallets can result in costly disruptions and impact your ability to do business internationally.

3. Preventing Pest Infestations & Protecting Global Ecosystems

Untreated wooden pallets can carry invasive pests like termites, wood borers, and bark beetles, which can cause significant damage to foreign ecosystems. Countries enforce ISPM-15 regulations to prevent the introduction of harmful species that could threaten agriculture, forests, and native plant life.

Common Pests Found in Untreated Pallets:

🪲 Asian Longhorned Beetle
🦗 Pinewood Nematode
🐜 Termites and Carpenter Ants
🪵 Bark Beetles

By using heat-treated pallets, businesses play a crucial role in protecting the environment while ensuring smooth cross-border shipping.

4. How to Identify Heat-Treated Pallets

To verify that your pallets are ISPM-15 compliant, look for the official wheat stamp, which includes:

• IPPC logo – Identifies the pallet as ISPM-15 certified
• Country Code – Indicates where the pallet was treated
• Treatment Code (HT or MB) – Confirms heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation (MB)
• Facility ID – Identifies the manufacturer or treatment provider

Always check for the HT mark (heat-treated) to ensure compliance. Avoid pallets that lack markings or have unknown origins, as they may be non-compliant and lead to shipping delays.

5. Benefits of Using Heat-Treated Pallets

• Ensures International Shipping Compliance - Using heat-treated pallets guarantees that your shipments meet ISPM-15 regulations, reducing the risk of customs holds, fines, or product rejections.
• Prevents Costly Shipping Delays - Non-compliant shipments can be rejected at the border, causing disruptions and financial losses. ISPM-15 certified pallets ensure smooth customs clearance and faster transit times.
• Increases Durability and Reusability - Heat-treated pallets have lower moisture content, making them stronger, more durable, and resistant to mold and rot. This extends their lifespan, making them a cost-effective solution.
• Protects the Environment - By eliminating pests and reducing the need for chemical fumigation, heat-treated pallets support global sustainability efforts and prevent ecological damage.
• Accepted in More Countries - Many countries ban non-treated wooden pallets to protect their ecosystems. Heat-treated pallets are accepted in most global markets, giving businesses greater flexibility in international trade.

6. Where to Buy ISPM-15 Compliant Heat-Treated Pallets

When sourcing pallets for international shipping, work with a reliable pallet supplier that provides certified ISPM-15 heat-treated pallets.

• Ensure the supplier has an ISPM-15 certification
• Ask for documentation or batch records proving heat treatment
• Check for the HT wheat stamp on all pallets
• Verify that the supplier meets your country’s export regulations

Many pallet companies in Atlanta offer heat-treated wood pallets for businesses involved in global trade. Choose a supplier that prioritizes quality, compliance, and timely delivery.

Don’t Let Non-Compliant Pallets Disrupt Your Business

Using heat-treated pallets is not just a best practice—it’s a requirement for international shipping. Choosing ISPM-15 certified pallets helps businesses avoid costly delays, protect global ecosystems, and ensure their products reach their destinations without customs issues.

If your business ships internationally and needs reliable heat-treated pallets, contact M7 Pallets today for ISPM-15 certified pallets, fast delivery, and expert guidance on international shipping compliance. Call (678) 532-8404 today for a free pallet estimate.