Export plastic pallets are light plastic pallets used to ship goods by container, and unlike wooden pallets they need no fumigation or phytosanitary stamp. ICD Vietnam lists 8 new models in this range, from 1100×1100 to 1300×1100 mm and 120-150 mm high, priced from 185,000 to 315,000 VND each, plus 2 used models.
Dynamic loads run from 800 to 2,000 kg and static loads from 1,500 to 4,000 kg, across cross-pattern, double-faced mesh and single-faced designs. If the pallet will stay in your own warehouse, compare ICD’s plastic pallets for warehouse use.
1. Choosing a pallet size for 20 ft and 40 ft containers
Pallet footprint decides how many units fit in a container. The table counts pallets on one floor layer, based on standard inner dimensions (20 ft: 5,900 × 2,352 mm; 40 ft: 12,032 × 2,352 mm) with no handling clearance deducted. Double the figures for two-tier loads.
| Pallet size (mm) | ICD export models | 20 ft, same orientation | 20 ft, mixed orientation | 40 ft, same orientation | 40 ft floor covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1200×1000 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 20 | 85% |
| 1200×800 | 2 | 8 | 11 | 20 | 68% |
| 1300×1100 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 18 | 91% |
| 1100×1100 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 86% |
A 20 ft box suits the square 1100×1100 size best: 10 pallets per layer, against 8 for 1200×1000 loaded in one direction, leaving about 1.1 m empty. Euro-size 1200×800 pallets loaded in one direction cover only about 68% of a 40 ft floor; mixed loading fits more, but with very tight clearance. Loading patterns are explained in how to load pallets into a container. For two-tier loads, inner height is about 2,395 mm, so a 120 mm pallet leaves 30 mm more per tier for cargo than a 150 mm one.
2. Do plastic pallets need ISPM 15 treatment?
No. The international phytosanitary standard ISPM 15 covers wood packaging made from raw wood, including pallets, crates and dunnage. That wood must be heat treated (at least 56°C for 30 continuous minutes through the wood) or fumigated, then stamped. Plastic pallets fall outside the standard, so they need no treatment and no stamp; plywood, particle board and wood 6 mm thick or less are exempt too.
The common mistake is dunnage. Raw timber used to brace, block or frame cargo on a plastic pallet still has to be treated and marked like a wooden pallet. Replace it with air dunnage bags or other non-wood material and the whole unit avoids wood treatment. Import rules are set by each country, so confirm with the consignee before the first shipment. The full material comparison is in plastic vs wooden pallets.
3. Export pallet sizes by destination market
Consignees usually ask for a footprint that matches their racks and forklifts, so confirm the size before ordering. In Europe, the 1200×800 mm Euro pallet is the most widely used exchange pallet. ICD has two export models in this size: cross-pattern ICD-PXT-1208150-X in blue HDPE at 285,000 VND and ICD-EUP812-REB in recycled blue PP, about 12 kg, at 315,000 VND.
In the United States, the most common size is 48×40 in (about 1219×1016 mm), around 29% of new wooden pallets produced in the US in 2021. This range has no model in that exact size; a 1220×1016 mm footprint (model X4840) is available in imported Malaysian plastic pallets. The US standard is explained in the GMA pallet standard.
4. Export plastic pallet prices, October 2026
Listed prices per pallet on the ICD website, sorted by size.
| Model | Size (mm) | Type, material | Dynamic / static load (kg) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICD-PL1210-OW | 1200×1000×120 | Double-faced mesh deck, HDPE | 800 / 1,500 | 185,000 VND |
| ICD-P-121015-CT | 1200×1000×150 | Cross pattern, HDPE, black | 2,000 / 4,000 | 285,000 VND |
| ICD-PXT-121015-BX | 1200×1000×150 | Cross pattern, recycled blue | 2,000 / 4,000 | 295,000 VND |
| ICD-PXT-1208150-X | 1200×800×150 | Cross pattern, HDPE, blue | 800 / 2,000 | 285,000 VND |
| ICD-EUP812-REB | 1200×800×150 | PP, recycled blue, about 12 kg | 800 / 2,000 | 315,000 VND |
| PL09-LK | 1100×1100×150 | PP, black | 800 / 2,000 | 215,000 VND |
| ICD-PLX-131113-BK | 1300×1100×130 | Double-faced mesh deck, virgin HDPE, 11.5 kg | 1,000 / 3,000 | 245,000 VND |
| N4-1311SL2 | 1300×1100×140 | Single-faced, cross-braced runners, PPC | 1,625 / 4,000 | 200,000 VND |
N4-1311SL2 is rated for 1,625 kg dynamic load and gives 4-way entry for forklifts and low pallet trucks. ICD-PLX-131113-BK weighs only 11.5 kg, which keeps tare weight down on one-way shipments. When comparing quotes, ask for the weight of each pallet and whether the resin is virgin or recycled; the difference is covered in virgin plastic pallets.
5. Used export plastic pallets
For light, one-way loads, used pallets cut the cost further. This range lists ICD-PNC-121112-CU (1200×1100×120 mm, black PP, 155,000 VND) and ICD-PL1110-OLD (150 mm high, black, 300,000 VND). More models are in used plastic pallets, and when to use used plastic pallets explains when they make sense.
6. What to send when requesting an export pallet quote
To get the right model and quantity on the first reply, send:
- Destination country and the pallet size the consignee requires, if any.
- Container type (20 or 40 ft) and whether the cargo can be double-stacked.
- Weight of each unit load placed on the pallet.
- Whether the pallet is one-way or returned.
- Quantity and delivery point.
7. Related articles on export plastic pallets
- ISO standards for export plastic pallets
- What is a Euro pallet and its standard export sizes
- Standard plastic pallet dimensions lookup table
- How much does a plastic pallet weigh
- HS codes for wooden and plastic pallets
8. Frequently asked questions about export plastic pallets
1. What are the size requirements for an export pallet?
No single size is mandatory; the consignee usually sets it. ISO 6780:2003 recognises six sizes for intercontinental handling: 1200×800, 1200×1000, 1219×1016, 1067×1067, 1100×1100 and 1140×1140 mm. Six of ICD’s eight new export models come in three of these sizes: 1200×1000, 1200×800 and 1100×1100 mm.
2. What HS code applies to plastic pallets exported from Vietnam?
Plastic pallets are declared under 3923.90.90 in Vietnam’s export and import nomenclature issued with Circular 31/2022/TT-BTC; the first six digits, 3923.90, are the international subheading. Wooden pallets use a different code, 4415.20.00.
3. How tall can a palletized load be to fit through a container door?
A standard 20 ft or 40 ft container door is about 2,292 mm high and 2,340 mm wide, and boxes vary by a few millimetres between owners. Pallet plus cargo must stay below the door with room for the forklift to lift it: on a 150 mm pallet, keep the cargo under about 2,140 mm.
4. How much cargo can a 20 ft or 40 ft container carry?
Hapag-Lloyd lists a maximum payload of 28,130 kg for its 20 ft standard and 28,750 kg for its 40 ft standard, pallets included. The 40 ft floor is twice as long but the payload is almost the same, so heavy cargo reaches the weight limit before the floor is full.
5. How much does a plastic export pallet weigh?
ICD-PLX-131113-BK (1300×1100×130 mm) weighs 11.5 kg and ICD-EUP812-REB (1200×800×150 mm) about 12 kg.
6. Can a logo be printed on export pallets?
Six of the eight new export models offer logo or company-name printing as an option, including the cross-pattern models, N4-1311SL2, PL09-LK and ICD-EUP812-REB. Contact ICD for the conditions.
9. Contact ICD for an export pallet quote
ICD Vietnam Industrial Production Co., Ltd
Northern Vietnam: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Thon Bau, Thien Loc, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Southern Vietnam: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
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Send the destination, pallet size and quantity to get the right model.
