International shipping regulations require that wood packaging materials — including pallets — be treated to prevent the spread of invasive pests. The two primary methods are heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB). Choosing between them affects your cost, compliance, environmental impact, and market access.
Heat treatment involves raising the core temperature of the wood to 56°C (133°F) for at least 30 minutes. This kills insects, larvae, and fungi without chemicals. The process uses industrial kilns that circulate hot air through stacked pallets. The pallet is then stamped with the IPPC/ISPM 15 mark indicating HT compliance.
Methyl bromide fumigation uses a chemical gas to kill pests. The pallets are enclosed in a sealed chamber or covered with a gas-tight tarp, and methyl bromide is introduced at specific concentrations for set periods. While effective, methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance. Many countries have banned or restricted its use, and it's being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol.
The environmental difference is stark. Heat treatment's primary environmental impact is the energy used for heating — which can come from renewable sources. Methyl bromide, by contrast, directly depletes the ozone layer and is classified as a Category I acute toxin. It's also a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 5 times that of CO₂.
Market access is increasingly favoring heat treatment. The European Union banned methyl bromide for plant protection uses in 2010. Australia, Canada, and several Asian countries have imposed restrictions. Only heat-treated pallets are universally accepted worldwide. If your pallets might travel to multiple international destinations, HT is the safe choice.
For food and pharmaceutical applications, heat treatment is strongly preferred. Unlike fumigation, HT leaves no chemical residue on the wood. This matters for any product where chemical contamination is a concern. Many food safety certifications explicitly require heat-treated pallets.
Cost-wise, the two methods are comparable for small volumes. Heat treatment typically costs $2-5 per pallet depending on volume and size. Fumigation can be slightly cheaper per unit but requires specialized facilities and handling. At larger volumes, heat treatment's scalability gives it a cost advantage.
At Anaheim Eco Pallets, all our export-grade pallets are heat treated — never fumigated. We believe that sustainable practices should extend to every aspect of the pallet lifecycle, including treatment methods. Our heat treatment facility is ISPM 15 certified and regularly audited.
When ordering pallets for international shipping, always specify HT treatment and verify the ISPM 15 stamp before loading. Non-compliant shipments can be refused at the border, resulting in costly delays, repalletizing charges, and potential quarantine fees that can reach thousands of dollars.
If you're unsure whether your shipment requires treated pallets, our team can help you navigate the regulations for your specific destination. We stay current on international phytosanitary requirements so you don't have to.