Short answer
“Export pallet” describes the job, not one size or material
An export pallet may be treated solid wood, a qualifying processed-wood design, plastic or another material accepted for the route. The receiver’s footprint, load and equipment requirements still apply. Treatment does not correct a pallet that is the wrong size, under-rated or incompatible with the handling system.
01 · Decision path
Start with destination and material
- Name every destination and transit point. Import rules belong to the country or territory receiving the wood packaging, not to a generic label such as “international freight.”
- Identify every packaging material. Include the pallet, crate, blocking, bracing and loose dunnage. A plastic pallet does not make untreated solid-wood bracing compliant.
- Check the official import requirement. Use the destination national plant protection organization (NPPO), official import database or current carrier/broker instruction tied to that authority.
- Source the compliant unit. For U.S.-made regulated wood packaging, USDA APHIS directs exporters to accredited ISPM 15 programs and marked material.
- Inspect before loading. Verify the mark where required, legibility, absence of prohibited bark or pests, condition, repairs, dimensions and receiver requirements.
02 · Wood-packaging rule
When ISPM 15 enters the decision
ISPM 15 addresses pest risk in wood packaging material used in international trade. Its regulated examples include pallets, skids, crates, cases, load boards, cable drums and dunnage made from raw wood. Compliant regulated wood is debarked, receives an approved treatment and is identified through the authorized mark system.
The standard also lists low-risk exemptions. These include packaging made wholly from processed wood such as plywood, particleboard, oriented strand board or veneer produced using glue, heat or pressure, and wood that is 6 mm or less in thickness. A mixed unit containing solid wood does not become exempt merely because some components are plywood or composite.
03 · Material comparison
Common export-pallet material paths
| Material path | ISPM 15 position | Advantages to evaluate | What still needs checking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid wood | Regulated on routes implementing ISPM 15; use authorized treatment and marking where required | Repairable, widely available, many constructions | Destination rule, valid mark, repairs, moisture/condition, rating, ownership |
| Wholly qualifying processed wood | Exempt under the standard when the unit is made wholly from qualifying processed material | Consistent sheet material; no ISPM 15 mark required solely under that exemption | Actual component makeup, fastening, water exposure, load and destination-specific rules |
| Plastic | Not wood packaging material under ISPM 15 | Consistent geometry; nestable, runner and perimeter-base options | Model rating, return economics, rack/conveyor interface, recycled-content or material documentation |
| Corrugated or paper-based | Outside the raw-wood scope | Low tare and one-way options for suitable loads | Moisture exposure, puncture, dynamic handling and receiver acceptance |
04 · Fit and handling
Export does not create a standard pallet size
Use the footprint the receiver, pool, rack, container plan or handling system requires. A 48 × 40 inch pallet may be familiar in North America, while other supply chains use 1,200 × 800 mm, 1,200 × 1,000 mm, 1,100 × 1,100 mm or a project-specific platform. None of those footprints proves the treatment, entry type, height or load rating.
- Footprint and height
- Confirm the pallet and the complete loaded unit. Container door height, internal dimensions and handling clearance are different measurements.
- Entry and bottom
- Specify the sides used by forklifts and pallet jacks, plus runners or perimeter contact required by conveyors and racks.
- Load condition
- Use a rating for the actual floor, dynamic or unsupported-rack condition and the actual load distribution.
- Ownership
- Do not export a pooled pallet merely because it is present at the dock. Verify that the shipper owns the unit or has authorization for the route.
05 · Dock check
Pre-shipment export pallet checklist
- Destination and transit requirements checked in an official source.
- Pallet, crate, blocking and dunnage materials all identified.
- Authorized ISPM 15 mark present and legible when required; never hand-drawn or improvised.
- No visible live pests, prohibited bark, severe decay, broken members or protruding fasteners.
- Repairs and remanufacture handled under the applicable program rather than covered by an old mark.
- Footprint, empty height, loaded height, gross weight, entry and bottom pattern accepted by the receiver.
- Unitization, wrap, straps and labels match the carrier and receiver specification.
- Documents retain the product specification, supplier and any treatment/compliance evidence required by the shipment process.
Source ledger
Official sources
- USDA APHIS — Export ISPM 15-compliant wood packaging material: destination responsibility, U.S. treatment programs and official marking guidance.
- International Plant Protection Convention — ISPM 15: regulated wood packaging, exemptions, approved treatments and mark requirements.
- International Plant Protection Convention — FAQs: authorization to apply the ISPM 15 mark comes from an NPPO or an organization officially mandated by it.
- USDA APHIS — Import wood packaging material into the United States: U.S. inbound requirements and official mark components.