A Technical Guide to Export Pallets

Since 1974, Plain Pallets has been supplying custom export pallets to clients from all over the world. In that time, we have learnt the importance of export pallet dimensions.

We were lucky. We learnt the easy way, through extensive research into the various international standards held by different countries. With this expert guide to export pallet dimensions, we hope we can help you avoid learning the importance of compliant pallets the hard way: through customs delays and wasted resources.

Dimensions for Export Pallets

Each country has its own unique specifications for export pallet dimensions. Sometimes, specifications even differ between regions.

“Adhering to these different export pallet dimensions will ensure satisfaction and convenience for your overseas clients – and hopefully lead to repeat business.”

Depending on whether you are shipping pallets to the United States, Europe or Australia your pallets will need to be made to different dimensions. These dimensions will be the same for both timber and plastic export pallets, as well as both new and second-hand.

• Dimensions for US Export Pallets: 1,217 x 1,017mm (SWL* 1,000kg)
• Dimensions for Euro Export Pallets: 1,200 x 800mm (SWL 1,200kg)
• Dimensions for Aus Export Pallets: 1,100 x 1,100mm (SWL 1,000kg)
• Dimensions for UK Export Pallets: 1,200 x 1,000mm (SWL 1,000kg)
• Dimensions for Asian Export Pallets: same as Aus.

As you can see, the dimensions required by different countries – as well as the maximum SWL – differ greatly.

When sending pallets overseas, dimensions are an important consideration, as it ensures your pallets will be able to suit the receiving customer’s racking and transport. Adhering to these different export pallet dimensions will ensure satisfaction and convenience for your overseas clients – and hopefully lead to repeat business.

“If your pallets don’t fit the dimensions of the receiving nation, you risk unhappy customers. If they do not adhere to international ISPM15 standards, then you put yourself and your goods at risk of extra time and substantial extra cost.”

International Standards for Export Pallets

If you regularly ship overseas or have goods travelling back-and-forth between countries, it is important to consider ISPM15 regulations when choosing your pallet supplier.

If your timber export pallets are not treated according to ISPM15 international standards, you are putting yourself and your goods at risk of custom sanctions.

ISPM15 standards relate to the treatment of wooden products being sent overseas. If your wooden pallets adhere to these international standards, then your goods should not have any trouble clearing customs.

At Plain Pallets, we have never had a shipment quarantined or refused entry to a port. With over 40 years’ expertise in ISPM15 international standards, we are able to supply you with custom-compliant pallets for shipment anywhere in the world.

What Can Happen if Your Pallets Don’t Fit Custom Regulations?

If your wooden pallets are not treated according to ISPM15 international standards, your shipment is at risk of being quarantined, meaning it will need to be re-fumigated. If this occurs, you will be required to pay a substantial extra amount for your shipment.

Worst case scenario, your shipment will be returned to its country of origin. If this happens, not only will you have to pay for new pallets that adhere to international standards, you will also have to cover the cost of re-shipment.

Summary

With export pallet dimensions differing so much from country to country, and strict international customs standards to consider, there’s no point risking the extra time and cost of non-compliant pallets.

If your pallets don’t fit the dimensions of the receiving nation, you risk unhappy customers. If they do not adhere to international ISPM15 standards, then you put yourself and your goods at risk of extra time and substantial extra cost.

Plain Pallets has over 40 years’ experience supplying compliant export pallets for shipment all over the world, and to date we have never had a problem with our export pallets.

Whether you're after timber or plastic pallets, custom-made or second-hand, call Plain Pallets on 03 9545 7344 for compliant pallets every time.

*SWL = Safe Working Load (sometimes referred to as NWL, or Normal Working Load)