Exporting Wooden Pallets to Europe: What You Need to Know

To export wooden pallets to Europe, every pallet must carry the ISPM-15 mark proving it was heat treated (HT) or fumigated, match an accepted footprint such as EPAL or EUR 1200 x 800 mm, and ship with the four core export documents. Skip any of these and the shipment can be refused or destroyed at the border. This guide covers the common pallet types, the legal requirements, the documents needed, and the real costs so your goods clear EU customs without delay.

Common wooden pallet types exported to Europe

Europe applies strict requirements on the quality and durability of wooden pallets. The most widely used types must comply with international standards and serve a range of industries. The table below summarises the main formats.

EPAL and EUR are the first choice for the EU market. Other formats such as CP or Loscam can be used depending on the specific needs of your industry.

Legal requirements and export procedures for the EU

ISPM-15 phytosanitary treatment

All wooden pallets must be either heat treated (HT) to a core temperature of 56 degrees Celsius for at least 30 minutes, or fumigated with methyl bromide (MB), in line with the ISPM-15 standard. Note that the EU has effectively banned methyl bromide, so heat treatment is the practical route for European exports.

Each treated pallet must carry the IPPC mark together with the HT or MB code, confirming it was processed according to the standard. Pallets without a valid mark will not be accepted.

Documents required for export

Challenges and costs to plan for

Common challenges

Europe enforces strict sanitary and phytosanitary rules. Non-compliance can lead to import refusal or destruction of the pallets at the buyer’s expense. Pallets also go through rigorous quality inspection before export, so build inspection time into your schedule.

Costs

Reference values; the larger the order, the lower the per-pallet treatment cost tends to be. Request a firm quote based on your destination and volume.

The European market and main importing partners

Germany is one of the largest importers of wooden pallets from Vietnam, with strong demand across manufacturing and retail supply chains. France, the Netherlands and Belgium are also major markets that use wooden pallets widely across many sectors.

Industries that rely on wooden pallets

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Frequently asked questions about exporting wooden pallets to Europe

1. Do wooden pallets need ISPM-Liên hệ báo giáeatment to enter the EU?

Yes. Every wooden pallet must be heat treated (HT) or fumigated and carry the IPPC mark with the HT or MB code. Untreated or unmarked pallets are refused at EU borders.

2. Which pallet size is standard in Europe?

The EPAL and EUR pallet at 1200 x 800 mm is the standard European footprint. The 1200 x 1000 mm EUR/EPAL2 is used for heavier industrial loads.

3. Is methyl bromide fumigation allowed for EU exports?

The EU has effectively banned methyl bromide, so heat treatment (HT) is the practical and accepted method for pallets exported to Europe.

4. What documents are required to export pallets to Europe?

The core set is the ISPM-Liên hệ báo giáeatment certificate, a Commercial Invoice, a Packing List, a Bill of Lading, and the relevant customs paperwork.

5. How much does it cost to treat a wooden pallet?

Phytosanitary treatment typically costs 300,000 to Liên hệ báo giá per pallet, depending on volume and the treatment method. Freight and documentation are additional.

6. Which EU countries import the most wooden pallets from Vietnam?

Germany is the largest, followed by strong demand from France, the Netherlands and Belgium across manufacturing and retail supply chains.

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