Mục lục
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.
| Pallet type | Size (mm) | Notes and typical use |
|---|---|---|
| EPAL (European Pallet Association License) | 1200 x 800 | Usually pine or birch, durable and reusable. Must carry the official EPAL mark and ISPM-15 treatment. Common in food, beverage and retail supply chains. |
| EUR (European Pallet) | 1200 x 800 | Similar to EPAL; strict on size, quality and ISPM-15 treatment. Widely used for heavier goods. |
| EUR/EPAL2 | 1200 x 1000 | Suited to heavy goods in manufacturing. Also requires the treatment mark and ISPM-15. |
| GMA (Grocery Manufacturers Association) | 1200 x 1000 | Dominant in North America; used for specific applications in Europe but less common than EPAL. |
| CP (Chemical Pallet) | CP1 to CP9 sizes | Designed for the chemical industry for safe storage and transport. Must be treated to meet international standards. |
| Loscam | 1200 x 1000 (e.g.) | Common in Asia-Pacific retail and warehousing; used in some EU sectors. Must still be treated when exported to Europe. |
| Lightweight pallet | Various | For lighter applications; still must meet ISPM-15 treatment when exported. |
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
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fumigation / treatment certificate (ISPM-15) | Mandatory proof of phytosanitary treatment for every wooden pallet shipment. |
| Commercial Invoice | States the value and details of the goods. |
| Packing List | Itemises quantities and packing of the shipment. |
| Bill of Lading | Transport document and proof of carriage. |
| Customs paperwork | Ensures the shipment clears export and import customs without obstruction. |
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
| Cost item | Reference figure |
|---|---|
| Phytosanitary treatment per pallet | 300,000 to 500,000 VND, depending on volume and method |
| Freight and documentation | Varies with shipping, customs service and market conditions |
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
| Industry | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Food and beverage | EPAL pallets to meet food-safety standards. |
| Retail | Durable pallets for storage and goods movement. |
| Manufacturing and chemicals | High load capacity and strict safety compliance. |
Related articles
| Wooden pallets from ICD Vietnam | What is the ISPM-15 standard? | Exporting wooden pallets to the USA |
Frequently asked questions about exporting wooden pallets to Europe
1. Do wooden pallets need ISPM-15 treatment 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-15 treatment 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 500,000 VND 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.
Contact and wooden pallet quote from ICD
ICD Viet Nam Industrial Production Company Limited
North: Floor 3, Thang Long A1 Building, Bau Hamlet, Thien Loc Commune, Hanoi - 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
South: 551/212 Le Van Khuong, Tan Thoi Hiep, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City - 098 6784 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn · Zalo: Chat on Zalo now
Tell us your destination, pallet type and volume, and ICD supplies ISPM-15 heat-treated wooden pallets with full export documentation and a fast quote.
