Can plastic pallets be used for export?

Plastic Pallets are one of the best options for exporting goods.

The main reason for their advantage, is they are exempt from the ISPM15 (International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures) regulations, which requires all wood packaging materials to either be fumigated or heat treated by a certified pallet supplier, prior to export.

The fumigation/heat treating process is to kill potential invasive insects that may be burrowed in the wood. Treating the pallets prior to export will prevent insect infestation at the country of import.

The fumigation/heat treating process itself can be time-consuming and costly, adding anywhere from $5.00 – $10.00 on top of the standard cost of the pallet, resulting in a final cost that is often higher than that of a plastic pallet.

Plastic pallets are impervious to insect infestations, mold, and mildew, therefore, do not need to be fumigated or heat treated.  If needed, they can simply be cleaned with water or any cleaning solution.

They are also lightweight, weighing about 15lbs, in opposed to the 45lbs weight for a wood pallet. This difference in weight makes using plastic pallets for airfreight shipments the obvious choice, as the 25lb difference will result in a lower airfreight rate.

Plastic pallets are easy to handle and transport, has no splinters or nails to deal with, and are durable enough  to hold up against the rigors of international shipping.