Manufacturer of wooden packaging since 1995
Chief Sales Officer
The benefits of heat treated wooden pallets are becoming increasingly important in modern logistics and international trade. Wooden pallets (any type - EPAL pallets, Stringer Pallets and Block Pallets) are essential for transporting goods worldwide, but untreated wood can carry pests and diseases that put ecosystems and agricultural industries at risk.
A heat treated pallet (HT pallet) is a wooden pallet that has been heated to a minimum core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes, eliminating pests and pathogens. This treatment makes the pallet ISPM 15-compliant, safe for export, and more durable than untreated pallets.
The main difference between heat treatment and chemical fumigation is that heat uses natural high temperatures to kill pests, while fumigation relies on toxic chemicals.
Heat treatment exposes wood to a core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes, which kills insect eggs, wood-boring beetles, mold, bacteria, and other harmful pathogens. This natural method reduces odors, improves hygiene, and leaves pallets safe for global transport without using any chemicals.
Chemical fumigation (typically with methyl bromide) relies on toxic chemicals that may not destroy insect eggs or fully eradicate infestations. It poses environmental risks, leaves chemical residues, and is increasingly restricted by international regulations.
The ISPM 15 standard requires all wooden pallets used in international trade to be treated to a minimum internal temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes. This process eliminates harmful pests and pathogens, making heat treated wooden pallets safe and compliant for global shipping.
Instead of a paper certificate, compliance is proven through a specific ISPM 15 stamp or mark placed on wood packaging material such as pallets, crates, or dunnage. This internationally recognized mark shows that the pallet has been treated—either by heat treatment (HT) or methyl bromide fumigation (MB)—to prevent the spread of pests.
The stamp includes the country code, treatment provider’s unique identifier, and the treatment method (HT or MB). For exporters, this means that shipments can move across borders smoothly without the need for additional phytosanitary certificates, reducing delays and ensuring the many benefits of heat treated wooden pallets are fully realized.
ISPM 15 certification is essential for international trade because it proves that wooden pallets are heat treated to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases that threaten ecosystems, agriculture, and forestry. By meeting this mandatory global standard, heat treated wooden pallets ensure smoother customs clearance, reduce the risk of shipment rejections or costly penalties, and prevent major supply chain disruptions.
1. Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free – Heat treatment uses no toxic fumigants, making pallets safe for food, pharmaceuticals, and more sustainable supply chains.
2. Enhanced Durability and Longevity – Treated wood resists pests, mold, and decay, giving pallets a longer service life and reducing replacement costs.
3. Improved Safety in Storage and Transport – Heat treated pallets lower the risk of contamination or structural failure, protecting goods during transit.
4. Global Trade Compliance (ISPM 15) – Certified pallets are accepted worldwide, reducing customs delays and ensuring smooth, cost-efficient exports.
The primary purpose of heat-treated wood is to prevent the spread of invasive pests, insects, and plant diseases across international borders. By heating the wood to a core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for at least 30 minutes, harmful organisms are destroyed without the use of chemicals.
This natural sterilization process not only protects ecosystems, agriculture, and forestry industries, but also ensures that heat treated wooden pallets comply with the ISPM 15 standard required for global trade.
In addition to biosecurity, heat treatment enhances pallet durability, hygiene, and safety, making it a sustainable alternative to chemical fumigation. For businesses, this means fewer shipment rejections, smoother customs clearance, and the long-term benefits of heat treated wooden pallets in international logistics.
Yes, heat-treated wooden pallets are significantly better than regular untreated pallets. Unlike standard pallets, they are more durable, resistant to mold, decay, and insect damage, ensuring longer service life in demanding supply chains. They are also ISPM 15-compliant, meaning they meet strict international regulations that prevent the spread of pests and diseases in global trade.
While heat treated wooden pallets may have a slightly higher upfront cost, their extended lifespan, safety for storing food and pharmaceuticals, and guaranteed acceptance at customs make them a cost-effective and reliable long-term solution.
For businesses engaged in export, this translates into fewer shipment delays, reduced risk of product loss, and all the long-term benefits of heat treated wooden pallets that untreated alternatives cannot provide.
Heat treated wooden pallets meet ISPM 15 standards, proving the wood is pest-free and safe for export. This greatly reduces the risk of shipments being rejected, delayed, or quarantined at customs, ensuring smoother international trade and more reliable global supply chains.
When your business operates in international trade, selecting ISPM-15 certified heat treated wooden pallets by Kronus is more than a regulatory requirement — it’s a strategic investment. Our pallets deliver durability, safety, sustainability, and widespread global acceptance. Make sure your supply chain remains reliable and compliant.
Get in touch with Kronus:
Phone: +371 67515952
Email: requests@kronus.eu
Address: Dauguļu iela 19, Ulbroka, Stopiņu pagasts, Ropažu nov., LV-2130, Latvia
