How to Ship Internationally with Pallets
Navigate the complexities of international pallet shipping, including ISPM-15 compliance, country-specific requirements, pallet size standards by region, customs documentation, and best practices for ocean, air, and overland export shipments.
Tools & Materials Needed
Verify ISPM-15 requirements for your destination
Before shipping internationally on wood pallets, confirm that your destination country enforces ISPM-15. While nearly all countries require ISPM-15 compliance, enforcement rigor varies. Australia, New Zealand, and the EU are known for strict border inspections, while other countries may have less consistent enforcement. Contact the importing country's national plant protection organization or consult the IPPC website for current regulations. If you are shipping to multiple countries, use ISPM-15 compliant pallets for all international shipments as a default practice to avoid costly border rejections.
Source ISPM-15 compliant pallets
Obtain heat-treated (HT) pallets from a certified ISPM-15 treatment provider. Verify that each pallet carries a legible ISPM-15 stamp on at least two opposite sides, including the IPPC logo, country code, producer number, and HT treatment code. Inspect stamps before loading — faded, illegible, or missing stamps are the most common cause of ISPM-15 border rejections. If you use press-wood, plastic, or metal pallets, they are exempt from ISPM-15 and do not require stamps. Keep records of your pallet supplier and their ISPM-15 certification for traceability.
Select the appropriate pallet size for your destination market
Pallet size standards vary by region. North American supply chains use the 48x40 inch GMA pallet. European markets use the 1200x800mm EUR/EPAL pallet. Australia uses 1165x1165mm Australian standard pallets. Asian markets use various sizes including 1100x1100mm (common in Japan and Korea). Choosing the right size for your destination avoids handling problems, incompatibility with local warehouse systems, and potential rejection by receiving facilities. If you are exporting from North America to Europe, consider whether a Euro pallet, which is slightly smaller than a GMA pallet, would better serve your customer.
Prepare customs and shipping documentation
International pallet shipments require proper documentation. Ensure your commercial invoice and packing list accurately describe the wood packaging materials used. Some countries require a separate phytosanitary declaration confirming ISPM-15 treatment. Include your pallet supplier's ISPM-15 certification information in your shipping records. For certain destinations, the wood packaging material must be declared on the customs entry form. Work with your freight forwarder or customs broker to ensure all documentation is complete and accurate for your specific trade lane.
Optimize pallet loading for container and vessel shipping
Maximize container utilization by selecting pallet sizes that fit efficiently in standard ocean containers. A standard 20-foot container fits approximately 10 GMA pallets (loaded two-across in a single layer), while a 40-foot container fits about 20 pallets. Euro pallets fit more efficiently in containers and trailers used in European and Asian trade lanes. Stack products on pallets to maximize vertical space in the container while staying within weight limits — ocean container weight limits are typically 44,000-55,000 lbs for a 40-foot container, but the pallet and product weight must not exceed per-pallet capacity ratings.
Plan for destination pallet handling and return logistics
Consider what happens to your pallets after they arrive at the destination. In most export scenarios, wood pallets are expendable — they are not returned to the shipper. Factor the cost of lost pallets into your export pricing. If you need pallets returned (for high-value reusable pallets), arrange reverse logistics through your freight forwarder. Some multinational companies use international pallet pooling services that manage pallets across borders. For shipments to regions with strict environmental regulations, ensure your pallets comply with local disposal or recycling requirements at the destination.
International pallet shipping adds layers of complexity that domestic shipments do not face. ISPM-15 compliance, varying pallet size standards, customs documentation, and country-specific regulations all create opportunities for costly mistakes. The Pallet Union's research indicates that approximately 2-5% of international shipments on wood pallets experience some form of delay or complication related to wood packaging compliance.
The most common international shipping mistakes with pallets include using untreated or improperly stamped pallets (leading to border rejections), using North American standard pallets for European destinations (causing handling problems), failing to declare wood packaging on customs documents, and not accounting for pallet weight in container weight calculations. Each of these mistakes can result in delays of days to weeks, additional costs of hundreds to thousands of dollars, and damaged customer relationships.
For companies new to international shipping, the safest approach is to use press-wood or plastic pallets, which are exempt from ISPM-15 and eliminate phytosanitary risk entirely. While these materials cost more than untreated wood, the savings in compliance costs, reduced rejection risk, and simplified documentation often offset the higher per-unit price. For high-volume international shippers, establishing a reliable supply of ISPM-15 certified wood pallets and developing standard operating procedures for export pallet compliance is a worthwhile investment.