Mục lục
- ISO 6780: the six standard pallet sizes
- ISPM 15: phytosanitary treatment for all wooden packaging
- Market-specific requirements beyond ISO and ISPM 15
- Practical guidance for Vietnamese exporters
- Quick-reference checklist before shipping on wooden pallets
- Related articles
- Frequently asked questions about wooden pallet international standards
- Contact ICD Vietnam
Wooden pallets are a critical component in export logistics, carrying goods across borders in containers, on racking, and through automated warehouses. For any international shipment, the pallet must meet the size and treatment standards of the destination market - failing to comply means delays, rejection at the port of entry, and added cost. This guide covers the three layers of standards that matter most: ISO 6780 for dimensions, ISPM 15 for phytosanitary treatment, and the market-specific requirements for Europe and North America.
ISO 6780: the six standard pallet sizes
ISO 6780 defines six footprint dimensions that allow pallets to be compatible with forklifts, racking systems, and container loadings worldwide. Choosing a size outside this list risks poor fit in standard storage and transport equipment.
| Dimensions (mm) | Primary region of use |
|---|---|
| 1100 x 1100 | Asia (widely used in Vietnam, Japan, Korea) |
| 1000 x 1200 | Europe and Asia |
| 800 x 1200 | Europe (Euro pallet, the most common EU size) |
| 1067 x 1067 | North America, Europe and Asia |
| 1219 x 1016 | North America (48 x 40 inch) |
| 1165 x 1165 | Australia |
Adopting an ISO 6780 size from the outset means your pallets will fit standard racking, forklift tines, and container configurations without modification. For exporters shipping to multiple regions, selecting 1000 x 1200 mm offers broad compatibility across Europe and Asia.
See also: ISO 6780:2003 - pallet dimensions standard
ISPM 15: phytosanitary treatment for all wooden packaging
ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is a mandatory requirement for all wooden packaging material used in international trade, including pallets, crates, dunnage, and cable reels. Its purpose is to prevent the spread of insects and plant pests across borders through raw wood.
Approved treatment methods
| Method | Code | How it works | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat treatment | HT | Core temperature raised to minimum 56 degrees C and held for at least 30 minutes | No chemicals used; the globally preferred method for food-contact and consumer goods |
| Methyl bromide fumigation | MB | Chemical gas applied under sealed conditions to kill pests | Banned or restricted in most countries, especially the EU, due to ozone depletion; only use where the destination country still accepts MB |
The IPPC mark
After treatment, each pallet must be stamped with the IPPC mark - the symbol of the International Plant Protection Convention - together with the country code, producer code, and treatment method (HT or MB). The mark is proof of compliance and is checked at every customs clearance point. A pallet without a valid IPPC mark will be refused entry or sent for re-treatment at the importer’s cost.
Market-specific requirements beyond ISO and ISPM 15
European market: EPAL certification
Shipping to Europe means complying not only with the 800 x 1200 mm Euro pallet size but also with the standards of the European Pallet Association (EPAL). EPAL pallets are manufactured and repaired under a licensed quality system, inspected at every stage, and stamped with the EPAL logo. The mark signals that the pallet meets structural load requirements and can be pooled and exchanged within the European logistics network.
Key requirements for EPAL pallets: dimensions 800 x 1200 x 144 mm, heat treated to ISPM 15 (HT), and stamped with both the IPPC mark and the EPAL mark.
See also: Exporting wooden pallets to Europe - what you need to know
North American market: GMA standard
The United States and Canada use a de facto standard set by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA). Unlike EPAL, there is no single licensing body; instead, buyers specify GMA-grade pallets when sourcing. The dominant size is 48 x 40 inches (1219 x 1016 mm). ISPM 15 heat treatment remains mandatory for all wooden pallets imported into the USA and Canada.
See also: GMA standard in the wooden pallet industry
Practical guidance for Vietnamese exporters
Domestically, Vietnamese manufacturers commonly produce pallets to custom dimensions suited to their specific cargo. This works well for inland transport. For export shipments, however, the requirement changes: the pallet must match the ISO 6780 footprint of the destination market, carry a valid ISPM 15 IPPC stamp, and - for Europe - meet EPAL structural requirements.
Using a non-compliant pallet on an export shipment creates real risk: rejection at the port of entry, mandatory re-palletisation at destination, and demurrage while the goods wait. Switching to a certified export wooden pallet from the outset eliminates these risks and typically adds negligible cost relative to the total shipment value.
Quick-reference checklist before shipping on wooden pallets
| Checkpoint | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pallet size | Matches an ISO 6780 footprint for the destination region |
| ISPM 15 treatment | Heat treated (HT) to core 56 degrees C for 30 min minimum |
| IPPC mark | Stamped with country code, producer code, and HT or MB |
| EU shipments | EPAL mark present; dimensions 800 x 1200 x 144 mm |
| US / Canada shipments | 48 x 40 inch (1219 x 1016 mm), GMA grade, ISPM 15 HT |
Related articles
| Export wooden pallets: regulations and policy | Wooden pallet exports to Europe: what to know | Exporting wooden pallets to the US: A-Z guide |
Frequently asked questions about wooden pallet international standards
1. What is ISO 6780 and why does it matter for wooden pallets?
ISO 6780 is the international standard that defines six approved pallet footprint dimensions. Using one of these sizes ensures your pallet is compatible with forklifts, racking, and container configurations at every point in the global supply chain.
2. Is ISPM 15 treatment mandatory for all wooden pallet exports?
Yes. ISPM 15 treatment is required for all wooden packaging material - including pallets - used in international trade between signatory countries. Heat treatment (HT) to a core temperature of 56 degrees C for 30 minutes is the most widely accepted method.
3. What is the IPPC mark and where must it appear?
The IPPC mark is the official stamp confirming that a wooden pallet has been treated to ISPM 15. It must appear on at least two opposite sides of each pallet and include the country code, producer registration number, and the treatment method (HT or MB).
4. What is the difference between an EPAL pallet and a standard Euro pallet?
Both share the 800 x 1200 mm footprint, but an EPAL pallet is manufactured and repaired under a licensed quality system monitored by the European Pallet Association. The EPAL mark confirms structural compliance and allows the pallet to be exchanged within European pallet pools. A generic Euro-sized pallet without the EPAL mark does not carry this guarantee.
5. What size wooden pallet is standard for exports to the United States?
The GMA standard size is 48 x 40 inches (1219 x 1016 mm). All wooden pallets imported into the US must also carry an ISPM 15 IPPC stamp with heat treatment (HT).
6. Can Vietnamese manufacturers produce ISPM 15-compliant pallets?
Yes. ICD Vietnam produces wooden pallets heat treated to ISPM 15 with IPPC stamps, in ISO 6780 dimensions including 1100 x 1100 mm, 800 x 1200 mm, and 1219 x 1016 mm, to meet the requirements of Asian, European, and North American markets.
7. Is methyl bromide (MB) treatment still accepted for pallet exports?
MB is banned or restricted in the European Union and many other markets due to its ozone-depleting properties. Heat treatment (HT) is the globally safe choice and is accepted in all ISPM 15 signatory countries. Only use MB treatment where the destination country explicitly still permits it.
Contact ICD Vietnam
Hotline: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
Email: sales@icdvietnam.com.vn | Zalo: Chat Zalo
