Understanding Heat-Treated Pallets
If you’re involved in pallet shipping for international trade, you may have heard about heat-treated pallets and the heat-treated pallet stamp. But why are they necessary? This guide will explain why heat treatment is required, how it works, and the role of ISPM-15 and the IPPC pallet certification in international shipping.
The Heat Treatment Process
1. Debarking
The bark is removed from the wood to eliminate potential contaminants and prevent pest infestation.
2. Heat Treating
The wood is heated in a controlled kiln until it reaches a core temperature of at least 132.8°F (56°C) for a minimum of 30 minutes, effectively sterilizing the material.
3. Marking & Certification
Once the process is complete, each pallet is stamped with an ISPM-15 compliance mark, which includes our registered distributor code. This heat-treated pallet stamp certifies that the pallet meets international regulations and is safe for global transport.
Why Do Pallets Need to Be Heat-Treated?
Wood pallets are made from organic material—trees—which naturally contain insects and fungi. When used in international shipping, untreated pallets can introduce invasive pests into new environments, threatening ecosystems and agriculture. To prevent this, pallet manufacturers follow strict international regulations requiring heat-treated pallets to ensure safe transport.
Why Is Heat Treatment Necessary?
1. International Shipping Compliance
Many countries, including the U.S., require that all wood packaging materials be heat-treated to prevent the spread of invasive species. Without proper treatment, your shipment may be delayed or even rejected at customs.
2. ISPM-15 Certification
The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPM-15), created by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), sets the global guidelines for heat-treated pallets. Only certified manufacturers can apply the heat-treated pallet stamp, ensuring your pallets meet worldwide shipping requirements.
3. Pest Control & Prevention
Heat treatment eliminates insects, larvae, and fungi that may be present in the wood, preventing infestations that could damage crops, forests, and other natural resources in the importing country.
4. Improved Durability & Reduced Moisture
By reducing the moisture content in the wood, heat treatment makes pallets less prone to mold, rot, and warping. This extends the lifespan of your pallets and enhances their performance during shipping and storage.
5. Safer & More Eco-Friendly
Unlike fumigation with methyl bromide, which is being phased out due to environmental and health risks, heat treatment is a chemical-free process that ensures compliance without harming the environment.
What Is ISPM-15?
The International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15) is part of a treaty recognized by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that controls the spread of bacteria and pests by heat-treating wood shipping products.
To comply with international shipping regulations, Lakeland Pallets can heat treat any of our wood products, ensuring that your wood pallets, lumber, panels, skids, crates, and boxes are sterilized, inspected, and marked with our ISPM-15 compliance stamp.
What Is IPPC?
The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) is a legally binding treaty, administered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). It aims to prevent and control the spread of plant pests, promoting safe trade and protecting global plant resources.
How Can You Tell If Lumber is Heat-Treated?
Certified manufacturers stamp heat-treated lumber with the letters “HT”, along with other compliance codes. At Lakeland Pallets, we stamp all heat-treated pallets with our unique ISPM-15 compliance mark, ensuring they meet international shipping standards.
Get Export-Ready Pallets from Lakeland Pallets
We provide high-quality, heat-treated pallets and wood packaging solutions, including heat-treated crates, boxes, and lumber. All of our heat-treated products meet ISPM-15 standards, so you can ship with confidence.
Find export-ready pallets at any of our three locations in Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois.
