Table of Contents
- 1. ISPM-15 standard and wood treatment requirements
- 2. Standard US wooden pallet sizes
- 3. Documents needed to export wooden pallets to the US
- 4. Notes for shipping wooden pallets to the US
- 5. Quick document checklist
- Related articles
- Frequently asked questions about exporting wooden pallets to the US
- Contact and wooden pallet quote from ICD
Reviewed and updated by ICD - Week 30/2026
To export wooden pallets to the United States, every pallet must be treated to the ISPM-15 standard (heat treatment to 56C core for 30 minutes, or methyl bromide fumigation) and stamped with the IPPC mark. Untreated or unmarked wood packaging is refused entry by APHIS at the port. Alongside treatment, you prepare a set of shipping and customs documents so the load clears US Customs and Border Protection without delay. This guide walks through the treatment requirement, the standard US pallet footprint, and the full document checklist.
1. ISPM-15 standard and wood treatment requirements
The United States requires all imported wooden pallets to comply with the ISPM-15 standard set by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). ISPM-15 governs the treatment of Wood Packaging Material (WPM) to prevent the spread of plant pests and insects. APHIS (the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) enforces this at the border. Pallets must be treated by one of two approved methods.
| Treatment method | Required condition | IPPC code |
|---|---|---|
| Heat treatment | Wood core reaches a minimum 56C for at least 30 minutes | HT |
| Methyl bromide fumigation | Fumigation for at least 16 hours | MB |
Note: the US still accepts methyl bromide for imported WPM, but heat treatment is the preferred and more widely used method because methyl bromide is being phased down for environmental reasons.
Required ISPM-15 mark information
After treatment, each pallet must carry the IPPC stamp with the following information so inspectors can verify it.
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IPPC symbol | The wheat-ear logo identifying compliant WPM |
| Country code | Two-letter ISO code of the producing country (for example, VN) |
| Facility code | Unique number of the registered treatment facility |
| Treatment type | HT (heat treatment) or MB (methyl bromide) |
If a pallet is not treated correctly and lacks the ISPM-15 mark, the shipment will not be allowed into the United States.
2. Standard US wooden pallet sizes
Wooden pallets exported to the US generally follow standard sizes. Although the US has no single mandatory national pallet size, the most widely used footprint is the GMA pallet.
| Pallet size | Metric (mm) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 48 x 40 inches (GMA) | 1219 x 1016 | The most common US shipping and warehousing footprint |
| 42 x 42 inches | 1067 x 1067 | Drums, paint, telecom |
| 48 x 48 inches | 1219 x 1219 | Drums and heavy industrial loads |
Other sizes can be used depending on the buyer or the product line, but 48 x 40 inches is the standard in most cases and is widely accepted across the US.
3. Documents needed to export wooden pallets to the US
When exporting wooden pallets to the US, prepare the documents below so customs clearance and import go smoothly. The exact set depends on whether the pallets are the cargo itself (new pallets for sale) or wood packaging for other goods.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| ISPM-15 compliance / IPPC mark | Confirms the pallets were treated and bear the IPPC stamp on each unit |
| Commercial Invoice | Describes the pallets (quantity, wood type, size, value), seller and buyer details, and Incoterms |
| Packing List | Lists quantity, pallet size, packing method, and details of each package in the shipment |
| Bill of Lading | Proves the goods were handed to the carrier (ocean or air) |
| Customs entry / CBP declaration | Declares product type, weight, HS code, and value to US Customs and Border Protection |
| Phytosanitary Certificate | For some shipments, confirms the wood is free of dangerous pests or disease |
| Lacey Act Declaration | Required when wooden pallets are the imported product; declares wood species and country of harvest to prove legal sourcing |
| EPAL certificate (if applicable) | For EPAL-standard pallets, confirms they meet the European Pallet Association specification |
| Insurance Certificate | For high-value or special shipments, protects the goods during transit |
| Other transport documents | Any extra paperwork required by the buyer or authorities |
Important distinction: when pallets serve only as wood packaging for other cargo, ISPM-15 marking is the key requirement and a Lacey Act declaration is generally not needed. When the wooden pallets are themselves the imported merchandise, the Lacey Act declaration (PPQ Form 505) becomes mandatory.
4. Notes for shipping wooden pallets to the US
Choose a reputable shipping partner
Selecting a professional forwarder experienced with wood packaging exports matters. They help you comply with US customs rules and keep the shipment moving smoothly.
Inspect pallets before export
Pallets must be in good condition, with no damage or rot, and the IPPC mark must be legible. Damaged pallets may fail inspection and be returned or destroyed at your cost.
Confirm the correct size
If you do not match the agreed pallet footprint, the goods may be delayed or refused at the port. Confirm dimensions in writing with the buyer before production.
5. Quick document checklist
| No. | Document | When required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ISPM-15 / IPPC mark | Always |
| 2 | Commercial Invoice | Always |
| 3 | Packing List | Always |
| 4 | Bill of Lading | Always |
| 5 | CBP customs entry | Always |
| 6 | Phytosanitary Certificate | If required |
| 7 | Lacey Act Declaration | If pallets are the merchandise |
| 8 | EPAL certificate | If applicable |
| 9 | Insurance Certificate | High-value shipments |
| 10 | Other transport documents | As requested |
Preparing this full set helps your business avoid clearance and customs problems and ensures the shipment reaches the US quickly, without legal or financial risk.
Related articles
| Wooden pallets for export | What is the ISPM-15 standard? | What is methyl bromide fumigation? |
Frequently asked questions about exporting wooden pallets to the US
1. Do all wooden pallets shipped to the US need ISPM-15 treatment?
Yes. The US requires every wooden pallet (and all wood packaging material) entering the country to be ISPM-15 compliant, treated by heat or methyl bromide and stamped with the IPPC mark. Untreated wood is refused at the port.
2. What does the IPPC mark on a pallet mean?
It certifies the wood was treated to ISPM-15. The mark shows the IPPC wheat-ear symbol, the two-letter country code, the registered facility number, and the treatment type (HT for heat treatment or MB for methyl bromide).
3. What is the standard pallet size for the US market?
The most common is the 48 x 40 inch GMA pallet (1219 x 1016 mm). It is the standard footprint for US shipping and warehousing, though other sizes are accepted depending on the product and buyer.
4. Is a Lacey Act declaration always required?
No. The Lacey Act declaration is required when the wooden pallets are the imported merchandise, declaring wood species and country of harvest. When pallets are only packaging for other goods, ISPM-15 marking is the key requirement and the Lacey declaration is generally not needed.
5. What happens if a pallet fails US inspection?
If a pallet is untreated, unmarked, damaged, or carries live pests, APHIS can refuse the WPM. The shipment may be re-exported, treated on arrival, or destroyed, all at the importer’s expense and with delays.
6. Can ICD supply ISPM-15 treated pallets ready for US export?
Yes. ICD produces heat-treated wooden pallets with the IPPC mark, cut to US footprints such as 48 x 40 inches, with a 2-year warranty. Send your dimensions, load weight, and destination port for a quote.
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
Send your pallet dimensions, load weight, and destination port, and ICD will supply ISPM-15 treated, IPPC-marked wooden pallets and quote right away.
