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ISPM 15: export without a stamp

Wooden pallets need heat treatment and a stamp for export. Plastic pallets do not. Here you can read what ISPM 15 involves and what it means for your exports.

4 min readUpdated: 15 October 2026Written by Sabine Oudshoorn
On this page
  1. What is ISPM 15?
  2. Why are plastic pallets exempt?
  3. What are the benefits?
  4. The best plastic pallets for export

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 stands for International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15. The standard was drawn up by the IPPC and is designed to stop insects and plant diseases from travelling around the world in wooden packaging. Wooden pallets, crates and dunnage must therefore be treated, usually with heat, and bear an official stamp.

Why are plastic pallets exempt?

ISPM 15 only applies to packaging material made of solid wood. Plastic is not a natural material in which insects or fungi can settle. A plastic pallet therefore needs no treatment and no stamp, wherever you export to.

What are the benefits?

  • No treatment costs and no hassle with certificates.
  • No delays at customs due to rejected or incorrectly stamped pallets.
  • No risk of the shipment being returned or destroyed.
  • Always a clean, dry pallet, free from mould and insects.

The best plastic pallets for export

For export, light nestable export pallets are usually the best choice. They weigh little, which saves on freight costs, and they carry 2,500 kg static. Choose the size that suits your container and your destination: 1200 x 800 for Europe, 1200 x 1000 for the UK, 1100 x 1100 for Asia or the 1220 x 1020 mm pallets for the US.

Please note: always check the current requirements of the destination country. Rules can change.

Sabine Oudshoorn

Written by

Sabine Oudshoorn Business Development

Sabine Oudshoorn works in Business Development at Q-Pall. She helps companies across Europe choose the right plastic pallet: from size and load class to use in racking, for export or in hygienic environments.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is ISPM 15?

ISPM 15 is an international standard of the IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) for wood packaging material in international transport. The wood must be treated, usually with heat, and must bear an official stamp.

Are plastic pallets exempt from ISPM 15?

Yes. ISPM 15 only applies to packaging made of solid wood. Plastic pallets are not covered by it, so they need no treatment or stamp.

Does ISPM 15 also apply within the EU?

For transport within the EU, ISPM 15 is usually not mandatory, except in a number of specific situations. For export to countries outside the EU, such as the US, China, Australia or the UK, the standard is checked.