Industry Standards
Understanding pallet regulations, certifications, and quality standards for compliance and best practices.
ISPM-15
International Phytosanitary Standard
ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is the most important standard for anyone shipping internationally. It regulates wood packaging materials (WPM) to prevent the spread of invasive insects and plant diseases across borders.
Why ISPM-15 Exists
In the 1990s, the Asian Longhorned Beetle arrived in the US hidden in wood packaging from China, causing millions of dollars in damage. ISPM-15 was created to prevent such invasions. It requires treatment of raw wood to eliminate pests before crossing borders.
Important: Non-compliant pallets can be rejected at customs, causing costly delays, re-shipping fees, and fines up to $10,000+ per violation.
Treatment Methods
Heat Treatment (HT)
The wood core must reach 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes. This is the preferred and most common method worldwide.
- • Environmentally friendly
- • No chemical residue
- • Accepted globally
- • Can be retreated if needed
Methyl Bromide (MB)
Chemical fumigation with methyl bromide gas. Being phased out in many countries due to ozone depletion concerns.
- • Banned in EU since 2010
- • Limited use in US
- • May not be re-treatable
- • Chemical concerns
The IPPC Mark
Compliant pallets must bear the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) stamp. This mark tells customs inspectors worldwide that the pallet meets ISPM-15 requirements.
What Requires ISPM-15?
✓ Requires Treatment
- • Wood pallets (thicker than 6mm)
- • Wooden crates and boxes
- • Dunnage and bracing
- • Wooden spools and reels
- • Wooden containers
- • Any raw/solid wood packaging
✗ Exempt Materials
- • Plywood and OSB
- • Particle board / MDF
- • Veneer (under 6mm)
- • Presswood pallets
- • Plastic pallets
- • Metal pallets
Countries Requiring ISPM-15
Nearly all countries require ISPM-15 for incoming wood packaging. Key destinations:
North America
USA, Canada, Mexico
Europe
All EU countries, UK, Switzerland, Norway
Asia Pacific
China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India
Americas
Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia
Our ISPM-15 Capabilities
- Certified heat treatment facility
- Proper IPPC stamping
- Documentation for customs
- Re-treatment services
- Same-day HT available
GMA Pallet Standard
The North American Standard
The GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association, now Consumer Brands Association) established the 48" x 40" pallet as the standard for retail and grocery distribution in North America. This size accounts for approximately 30% of all new wooden pallets produced in the US.
GMA Pallet Specifications
| Dimensions | 48" x 40" (1219mm x 1016mm) |
| Top Deck Boards | 7 boards (5/8" thick minimum) |
| Bottom Deck Boards | 5 boards (5/8" thick minimum) |
| Stringers | 3 stringers (1.5" x 3.5") |
| Entry | 4-way (with notched stringers) |
| Weight | 37-50 lbs |
| Dynamic Load | 2,500 lbs |
| Static Load | 5,000 lbs |
| Racking Load | 2,000 lbs |
Why GMA Became Standard
- Fits perfectly in 40' and 53' trailers (floor-loaded or double-stacked)
- Compatible with standard warehouse racking systems
- Works with all common forklift and pallet jack equipment
- Maximizes cube utilization in shipping containers
- Universal acceptance at grocery DCs and retailers
- Enables efficient pooling programs (CHEP, PECO)
Truck Loading Efficiency
The 48x40 size was designed for optimal truck utilization:
53' Trailer
26-30 pallets (floor loaded, single layer)
48' Trailer
24-26 pallets (floor loaded, single layer)
40' Container
20 pallets (single layer)
Other ISO Standard Sizes
ISO 6780 recognizes these pallet dimensions for international trade:
| Size | Region |
|---|---|
| 48" x 40" (1219x1016) | North America |
| 800x1200mm (EUR) | Europe |
| 1000x1200mm | Europe, Asia |
| 1100x1100mm | Asia, Australia |
| 1067x1067mm (42x42) | North America, Asia |
| 1165x1165mm | Australia |
Pallet Quality Grades
While there's no official government grading system, the industry uses common grade definitions to categorize used pallets by condition. Understanding grades helps you balance cost and quality for your needs.
Grade A
Premium / Like-New
The highest quality used pallets. Minimal use, excellent appearance, and full structural integrity. Often indistinguishable from new pallets.
Requirements:
- • No broken or missing boards
- • No major repairs visible
- • Clean, professional appearance
- • No contamination or stains
- • All boards tightly fastened
- • Stringers fully intact
Best For:
- • Retail store displays
- • Food & pharmaceutical
- • Export shipping
- • Automated systems
Grade B
Standard / Working Grade
Good condition pallets with visible use. May have minor repairs or cosmetic wear but remain fully functional for normal operations.
Characteristics:
- • Minor repairs acceptable
- • Cosmetic wear (scuffs, marks)
- • Fully functional structure
- • No contamination
- • May have 1-2 companion boards
- • Structural integrity intact
Best For:
- • General warehousing
- • Domestic shipping
- • Manufacturing
- • Distribution centers
Grade C
Economy / Budget
Well-used pallets with visible wear and repairs. Best for applications where appearance doesn't matter and cost is the primary concern.
Characteristics:
- • Multiple repairs common
- • Significant cosmetic wear
- • Mixed board types okay
- • May have staining
- • Basic functionality
- • Not for heavy loads
Best For:
- • One-way shipping
- • Internal use only
- • DIY projects
- • Temporary storage
Grade Comparison at a Glance
| Feature | Grade A | Grade B | Grade C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Like new | Good, some wear | Worn, weathered |
| Repairs | None or minimal | Minor repairs OK | Multiple repairs OK |
| Load Capacity | Full rated load | Full rated load | Light/medium loads |
| Automated Systems | Yes | Limited | No |
| Export Suitable | Yes (if HT) | Sometimes | No |
| Expected Life | 5-10 trips | 3-5 trips | 1-2 trips |
Other Industry Standards & Organizations
Several organizations set standards and best practices for the pallet industry.
NWPCA
National Wooden Pallet & Container Association
The leading trade association for the wood packaging industry in North America. Sets best practices, provides training, and advocates for the industry.
MHIA
Material Handling Industry Association
Covers all material handling equipment including pallets. Publishes standards for pallet design, testing, and performance specifications.
OSHA
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
While not pallet-specific, OSHA regulations cover safe handling, stacking heights, and workplace safety involving pallets.
FDA
Food & Drug Administration
Regulates pallets used in food and pharmaceutical supply chains. Requires FSMA compliance for food-contact applications.
IPPC
Int'l Plant Protection Convention
UN body that administers ISPM-15. Certifies treatment providers and sets phytosanitary standards for wood packaging.
EPAL
European Pallet Association
Manages the EUR pallet pool system. Sets quality standards for the 800x1200mm block pallet used across Europe.
Quick Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your pallets meet requirements.
For Domestic Shipping (US Only)
- Pallet size compatible with your racking and trailers
- Load capacity meets your product weight requirements
- Condition appropriate for your use case (new vs. used grade)
- Food-grade pallets if handling consumables (no chemical treatment)
For International Shipping
- ISPM-15 compliant (heat-treated or exempt material)
- Valid IPPC stamp with country code, producer number, and HT marking
- No visible bark remaining on any wood surface
- Documentation ready for customs inspection
- Destination country specific requirements checked (some have stricter rules)
- Pallet type accepted at destination (EUR vs GMA sizes)
Need Help with Compliance?
Our team can help you navigate pallet standards and ensure you have the right products for your application—domestic or international.