Is pallet wood treated? That question often appears when people plan to export goods, build furniture, or store items in a warehouse. The answer depends on the type of pallet and its purpose. For global shipments, treatment isn’t optional, it’s a legal requirement.
In this article, you’ll learn how wood treatment works, what marks to check, and how PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) ensures every pallet meets international standards. Keep reading because this information can help you avoid customs rejection and protect your products during long-distance transport.
Why Pallet Treatment Exists
Wood comes from trees, and trees naturally host insects, mold, and fungi. When untreated wood travels across borders, it can carry pests that damage ecosystems in other countries. That’s why the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) created the ISPM-15 regulation in 2002. This rule requires all solid wood packaging, including pallets, crates, and dunnage to be treated before export.
So, when someone asks, is pallet wood treated, the correct answer is yes, if it follows ISPM-15. The rule protects both the environment and your cargo. In 2023, over 12,000 export containers faced delays in Asian ports because their packaging lacked valid treatment marks. That delay costs businesses millions in lost time and replacement fees.
Heat Treatment: The Standard of Safety
Among several methods, heat treatment (HT) stands as the safest and most effective. In this process, we heat the wood until the core temperature reaches 56°C (132.8°F) for 30 minutes. This temperature kills insects, larvae, and spores without using any chemicals.
So, is pallet wood treated through heat? At BMR, absolutely yes. Every export pallet undergoes heat treatment inside a high-precision kiln with digital monitoring. The process leaves the pallet clean, dry, and safe for international use. It also increases strength and reduces moisture, extending the pallet’s lifespan by up to 40% compared to raw, untreated wood.
How Heat Treatment Works in Practice
Inside BMR’s facility, large chambers hold hundreds of pallets. Sensors record real-time data while the temperature slowly climbs. Once the wood core reaches 56°C, the system maintains it for 30 minutes. When the process ends, the pallets receive an HT stamp and an IPPC logo to show compliance.
Chemical Treatment: The Old Way
Before ISPM-15, many pallets were treated using methyl bromide (MB), a fumigant that kills pests quickly. But research from the World Health Organization proved methyl bromide harms human health and damages the ozone layer. By 2010, most countries had banned it.
Today, you can still find old pallets stamped with “MB.” Avoid them. They may release harmful gas, especially when stored in hot warehouses. So when you hear someone ask is pallet wood treated, remember that modern pallets use heat, not chemicals.
How to Identify a Treated Pallet
Checking whether your pallet is treated takes only seconds. Look for a rectangular stamp on the side. If you see HT, that means it’s heat-treated and approved for export. If you find MB, it means methyl bromide — unsafe for reuse. And if there’s no stamp, the pallet is likely untreated and should stay for domestic transport only.
BMR’s Commitment to Certified Quality
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources (BMR) is one of Indonesia’s leading producers of ISPM-15-certified wooden pallets. Every unit passes through strict treatment, inspection, and moisture testing before shipment. With a monthly production capacity exceeding 120,000 pallets, BMR serves clients across Japan, Australia, Singapore, and the European Union.
When clients ask, is pallet wood treated, BMR can provide digital logs showing exact temperature data from the kiln process. This transparency proves full compliance and eliminates risk during customs checks.
In addition, BMR sources wood from legally certified plantations, ensuring every pallet supports sustainable forestry and long-term environmental balance.
Real Data, Real Performance
Tests show that BMR’s heat-treated pallets handle 15–20% higher compression force than untreated pine. They resist humidity swings better, reducing warping and mold growth during sea transport. A smoother surface also reduces product contamination — a crucial advantage for exporters in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The data proves it: heat treatment doesn’t just meet regulations, it improves performance.
Benefits That Go Beyond Compliance
Treated pallets do more than satisfy customs officers. They make warehouse operations smoother and safer. Because the wood contains less moisture, the pallets stay lighter, easier to move, and less likely to grow mold. They also resist termite attacks, keeping both warehouse floors and stacked goods clean.
Additionally, over 18 countries accept ISPM-15-certified pallets. That means exporters don’t need separate pallet standards for each destination. One global standard equals simpler logistics and fewer rejections.
Why Top Exporters Choose BMR
Exporters prefer BMR because of its accuracy, transparency, and consistent results. The company calibrates its heat chambers every six months, maintains wood moisture below 20%, and designs pallets that match client needs — from heavy-duty automotive parts to lightweight consumer goods.
This combination of engineering, certification, and sustainability keeps BMR ahead in the Southeast Asian market. It’s why major manufacturers continue to rely on BMR pallets year after year.
Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Global Shipping
So, is pallet wood treated? Yes — at least the reliable ones are. Treated pallets protect your cargo, stop pest spread, and meet every global regulation. Among all treatment options, heat treatment stands out as the safest and most sustainable.
PT. Bumi Mandiri Resources leads this mission with advanced heat-treatment technology, certified wood sourcing, and commitment to global compliance. Each pallet carries the mark of quality and the strength of Indonesian craftsmanship.
If your business needs pallets that pass inspection the first time, don’t take chances with untreated wood. Contact BMR today and get certified heat-treated wooden pallets built for performance, sustainability, and smooth global shipping.
E-mail: info@bmr-pallets.com
WA: +62 8119-787-911
