If you ship goods within the European Union or beyond, the pallet is not just a transport tool — it must comply with standards and international regulations. Because of a non-compliant pallet, your shipment may be held at the border, causing serious delays and costs.
The ISPM-15 standard — what you must know
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is an international phytosanitary standard that applies to wood packaging materials — including pallets. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of pests and pathogens in international trade.
The standard requires wooden pallets used for export to be disinfected by heat treatment (HT — Heat Treatment): the core temperature of the wood must reach at least 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Properly treated pallets carry the “wheat ear” IPPC mark, which includes the treatment type and country code. This mark is essential for export.
EUR pallet or one-way pallet for export?
Both types can be used for export, but there are important differences:
- EUR pallet for export: if the destination country is European and your partners also work in the EUR system, the EUR pallet is ideal. It is available in heat-treated form, and return circulation is also solved.
- One-way pallet for export: if the pallet will not return (e.g. overseas transport), the one-way pallet is the more economical solution. It is lighter, cheaper, and can also be heat-treated.
Destination-specific requirements
Although ISPM-15 is an international standard, some countries may impose additional requirements:
- Within the EU: ISPM-15 is generally not mandatory between member states, but EUR/EPAL grading may be expected by your partners.
- USA, Canada, Australia: strict ISPM-15 inspection; lack of marking means immediate rejection.
- Other countries: some destination countries may require additional documentation or special treatment — it is worth checking in advance.
How we help with export palletizing
At Trade Rebellion Kft., we know exactly what kind of pallet you need for a given destination country. Our range includes:
- Heat-treated (ISPM-15) EUR pallets with valid marking
- One-way export pallets in heat-treated or non-heat-treated versions, also in custom sizes
- Expert advice for selecting the right pallet type
View our range, or if you are unsure about the requirements, contact us — we will help you navigate the world of standards.