In this blog, we will answer the question ‘What are heat treated pallets?’

A and M Pallets Ltd is an established and respected supplier and producer of a wide array of pallets. Our services are designed to provide many industries with safe, strong and superior pallets of many varieties. 

Our solutions are sure to help those in need of pallets for all sorts of logistical needs. We provide full pallet delivery and collection services in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Avon. 

What does it mean if a pallet is heat treated?

Heat treatment on a pallet is a specific process that uses thermal devices to prevent the spread of pest and diseases that may live in untreated wood. This is in line with ISPM 15, the ‘International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15.’

Here is a deeper look into the benefits and need for heat treating a pallet:

• As stated before, heat treatment effectively kills insects, larvae, fungi, and other harmful organisms that could be hidden within the wood. 

This prevents invasive species from being introduced to new environments during international trade, which could devastate local agriculture and ecosystems.

• Most countries globally require wood packaging materials used for international shipments to be ISPM 15 compliant. Failure to use heat-treated pallets can result in rejected shipments, fines, delays, or even destruction of goods at customs.
• The heat treatment process reduces the moisture content of the wood. This makes the pallets more resistant to warping, cracking, rotting, and the growth of mould and bacteria, ultimately extending their lifespan.
• By removing moisture, heat-treated pallets become lighter, which can lead to cost savings in shipping, especially for large volumes.
• Heat treatment uses only heat, avoiding the need for harmful chemicals like methyl bromide (which is largely phased out in many regions due to environmental and health concerns). This makes them safer for handling and easier to dispose of or recycle.
• Reduced moisture and pest infestation risks are particularly important for sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, preventing contamination or damage.

Once a pallet has been properly heat-treated and certified, it receives a specific ISPM 15 stamp or mark. This stamp typically includes:

• The IPPC logo.
• A two-letter country code (e.g., GB for Great Britain).
• A unique registration number for the treatment provider.
• The treatment code “HT” (for Heat Treatment).

What is the heat treating process?

The core of the heat treatment process generally involves heating the wood packaging material (pallets, crates etc) to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 consecutive minutes. This is typically done in large kilns or ovens. The process is carefully monitored to ensure the correct temperature and duration are maintained throughout the wood.

Do you always have to heat treat pallets?

No, you do not always have to have pallets heat-treated. The requirement for heat treatment primarily depends on where you are shipping the goods:

1. International shipping? YES, almost always.

ISPM 15 dictates that all solid wood packaging material used in international trade must be treated to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.

Since Brexit, all wood packaging materials (WPM) moving between Great Britain and the EU (and vice-versa) must be ISPM 15 compliant. This is a significant change from when the UK was part of the EU single market.

If you ship internationally using untreated wood pallets, your shipment risks being rejected, delayed, quarantined, fined, or even destroyed by customs in the destination country. This is a very common issue that businesses encounter if they aren’t aware of the rules.

2. Domestic shipping? NO, generally not.

If you are shipping goods within the UK (e.g., from Cornwall to Birmingham), there is no general requirement for your pallets to be heat-treated.

For domestic shipments, the focus is on the pallet’s structural integrity, size, and suitability for the goods being transported. You need to ensure the pallet is in good condition, can support the weight, and allows for safe handling (e.g., with forklifts).

However, if you’re shipping sensitive goods like food or pharmaceuticals, or storing items long-term, heat-treated pallets can still offer benefits like reduced moisture, mould resistance, and enhanced durability, even if not legally mandated.

Do metal or plastic pallets need heat treatment?

No, In general terms, and in regard to ISPM 15 regulations, metal and plastic pallets do not need heat treatment at all. Here’s why:

• ISPM 15 regulations are specific to solid wood packaging materials. This means metal and plastic pallets are exempt and can be used without heat treatment or fumigation methods. 
• Furthermore, metal and plastic are not a natural habitat or food source for insects or other organisms and pests, this means they pose no threat of biological cross-border contamination. 

As a result, plastic and metal pallets are seen as a quicker and hassle-free alternative in cases where wooden pallets/packing isn’t a requirement for the items being transported. 

Is heat treatment the only option?

Not at all, whilst heat treatment is the most common and preferred method globally, ISPM 15 officially recognises other treatments for solid wood packaging material. But this can vary depending on location. Here are the options:

Methyl Bromide (MB) Fumigation: 

This involves placing the wood in a sealed chamber and exposing it to methyl bromide gas. It’s effective at killing pests.

However, there’s a big caveat: Methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance and is highly regulated. It has been banned in the European Union (including the UK for this purpose) since 2010 for ISPM 15 treatments due to its environmental and health concerns. 

While still used in some other parts of the world (e.g., for quarantine and pre-shipment purposes in certain countries), its use is generally being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol.

Dielectric Heating (DH): 

This relatively newer method uses electromagnetic waves (like microwaves or high-frequency energy) to heat the wood to 60°C for 30 minutes. It’s particularly good for treating smaller pieces or wood with irregular shapes, as it ensures even heating.

Purchase heat treated pallets today

Need reliable, certified heat treated pallets? Contact A and M Pallets Limited for fully ISPM15-compliant solutions delivered across the UK.

As the South West’s largest independent producer and supplier of new and reconditioned pallets, we at A and M Pallets Ltd pride ourselves on providing unrivalled services and the best possible pallets since 1989. 

Our hard work, in addition to our loyal and ever-expanding customer base, has allowed us to provide comprehensive coverage through the South West and further afield though our four sites in St. Austell, Tavistock, Launceston and Willand. 

Producing over 45,000 pallets a month, you can be sure we will have what you are looking for, whether it is used pallets, new pallets, plastic pallets or ISPM15 heat treated pallets, we are here to help.

In this blog, we hope to have answered the question ‘What are heat treated pallets?’ Whilst providing helpful additional information, including our unparalleled services. Our expert team is here to help you on each step of your journey with us, for more information, you can contact us here, or find us below at:

• Head Office:
• Unit One Northcott Hamlet 
• Launceston 
• Cornwall 
• PL15 9RQ
• T: 01409 211386
• E: admin@aandmpallets.co.uk
• Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm

ST. Austell Office:

• Brighton Cross 
• Grampound Road 
• Truro 
• Cornwall 
• TR2 4HD
• T: 01726 882122
• E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
• Mon – Fri: 8am to 5pm

Tavistock Office:

• Haye Down Ind. Est. 
• Chillaton 
• Tavistock 
• Devon 
• PL19 0NN
• T: 01822 860456
• E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
• Mon – Fri: 7am to 5pm

Willand Office:

• 5 Willand Rd Bus. Park
•  Willand Road 
• Willand 
• Devon 
• EX15 2RF
• T: 01884 841942
• E: info@aandmpallets.co.uk
• Mon – Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm