What Is a Heat-Treated Pallet?

What Is a Heat-Treated Pallet?

A Heat Treated Pallet (HT pallet) is a wooden pallet processed at 56°C for at least 30 minutes to eliminate insects and harmful microorganisms.
This treatment meets the ISPM15 standard, which is mandatory for most importing countries.

Heat treated pallets are widely used in:

• Ocean and air freight
• Industrial goods, agriculture, timber, seafood, FMCG
• Both LCL and FCL shipments, especially on routes with strict quarantine control

>> Read More: ISPM 15 Standard for Export Pallets 

Why Are Heat Treated Pallets Required for Export?

Many markets classify untreated wood packaging as a biosecurity risk. If pallets are non-compliant, shipments may face:

• Inspection or quarantine hold
• Import rejection
• Mandatory fumigation or re-palletization
• Extra storage, detentions, and demurrage charges
• Delivery delays and contract penalties

For these reasons, most exporters standardize 100% HT pallets across all markets to avoid unnecessary risks.

How Are Heat Treated Pallets Processed? 

Wooden pallets are heated inside a controlled chamber through the following steps:

1. Core temperature raised to 56°C
2. Maintained for ≥ 30 minutes
3. Approved pallets are stamped with the HT (Heat Treatment) mark
4. Only ISPM15-certified facilities are authorized to apply the HT stamp

>> Read More: FSC, PEFC, and SFI Certifications: Differentiation and Benefits 

Heat Treated Pallet Stamp – What Does the HT Mark Look Like?

Heat Treated Pallet Stamp – the HT Mark

A compliant ISPM15 stamp includes:

• IPPC logo
• Country code (e.g., VN, CN, US, CA)
• Manufacturer code
• HT marking (required)

Example: VN-001 HT

Important notes:

• Faded, unclear, or shrink-wrap–covered stamps are treated as non-compliant.
• This is one of the most common causes of shipment hold at destination ports.

Export Requirements for Heat Treated Pallets

Technical Requirements

• Natural, dry wood with no cracks
• Clear and legible ISPM15 marking
• No recycled wood of unknown origin
• No rusty nails; pallet must remain flat and stable

Documentation Requirements

• Invoice & Packing List specifying pallet type (if requested by buyer)
• HT certificate (not always required, but some buyers demand it)

Market-Specific Requirements

• Mandatory: US, Canada, EU, Australia, Korea
• Some ASEAN countries are flexible, but LCL shipments often face stricter inspection, so HT is strongly recommended

Common Heat-Treated Pallet Specifications

Heat Treated Pallet Dimensions

• 1100 × 1100 mm (Japan, Korea)
• 1200 × 1000 mm (EU – UK – US)
• 1200 × 800 mm (EU – EPAL size)

Heat Treated Pallet Weight

• Typically 15–30 kg, depending on wood type (pine, acacia, eucalyptus)

Heat Treated Pallet Wood

• New Zealand pine, acacia, eucalyptus
• Moisture content below 20% for durability and compliance

Heat Treated Pallet Collars

Used for small cargo, high-value items, and electronic components to protect and stabilize goods during transit.

Heat Treated Pallet Regulations by Country

Heat Treated Pallets for Export – US/EU

• ISPM15 is strictly enforced
• Entire shipment may be rejected if stamps are invalid

Heat Treated Pallets Canada

• Enforcement is strict for all wood packaging
• Canada pays special attention to LCL and food-related shipments

Heat Treated Pallets Australia

• One of the world’s most stringent quarantine markets
• Minor non-compliance → mandatory re-fumigation at the port
• Rework fees are costly (AUD 400–700 per shipment)

Common Mistakes That Lead to Shipment Delay or Rejection

HT stamp is faded, unclear, or covered by shrink wrap
→ Customs classify pallets as non-compliant.

Using HT pallets but adding untreated wood pieces
→ Common in container bracing (dunnage).

LCL shipments mixed with non-compliant pallets from other shippers
→ The entire container may be delayed.

Buying cheap pallets from uncertified suppliers
→ HT stamp is invalid → high rejection risk.

These mistakes can significantly increase logistics costs and damage the exporter’s reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a heat treated pallet?
A pallet heated at 56°C for 30 minutes to meet ISPM15.

Are heat treated pallets mandatory?
Yes—especially for markets like the US, Canada, EU, and Australia.

How do I verify compliance?
Look for a clear ISPM15 stamp with IPPC logo, country code, manufacturer code, and HT mark.

How much do heat treated pallets cost?
Typically 120,000–260,000 VND, depending on size and wood type.

Do plastic pallets require heat treatment?
No. Plastic pallets are exempt from ISPM15.

What is standard heat-treated pallet dimensions?
1100×1100, 1200×1000, 1200×800 mm.

Supporting Your Export Shipments with ISPM15 Compliance & Quarantine Control

At King Freight Logistics Vietnam (KFLV), we help exporters ensure full ISPM15 compliance, minimize quarantine-related risks, and keep shipments moving on schedule—without delays, rework, or unexpected costs.

Our team specializes in:

• Verifying HT stamps, checking pallet and dunnage compliance for each destination
• Advising on pallet dimensions, weight, collars, and loading methods per route (US/EU/Canada/Australia)
• Monitoring booking cut-offs and vessel schedules to avoid D&D
• Coordinating with carriers, ICDs, CFS warehouses, and destination agents to resolve issues quickly
• Providing transparent, reliable international freight services for both LCL and FCL

We are committed to:

• Ensuring pallets meet ISPM15 standards to avoid inspection holds
• Pre-loading checks including HT stamp photos and pallet condition
• Clear communication with no hidden surcharges
• Supporting your shipment from preparation to final delivery

If your business exports to strict quarantine markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, or the EU and needs a dependable forwarder to safeguard your cargo, contact KFLV at +84 (0) 938 188 796 and cs1@hcm.kfkingfreight.com for detailed support.