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Yes, in most cases, heat-treated pallets are required for international shipping from Surrey whenever the shipment uses solid wood wood-packaging material that is crossing into a country that follows ISPM-15 rules. Canadian guidance says treated wood packaging must bear the proper ISPM-15 mark, and export pallets must meet the minimum treatment and marking requirements before they leave for many destinations.
For Surrey exporters, the safest rule is simple: if the pallet is made from solid wood and it is leaving Canada, assume it needs to be heat-treated unless your specific destination says otherwise.
Why the Rule Exists
ISPM-15 exists to stop pests and fungi from traveling through wood packaging in global trade. Heat treatment brings the wood core to 56°C for at least 30 minutes, which is the standard referenced in export guidance and compliance materials.
That is why untreated pallets can be rejected, held, or even destroyed by customs officials in the country of import.
When Heat Treatment Applies
Heat-treated pallets are usually required when:
- You are exporting goods outside Canada in solid wood pallets, crates, or skids.
- The destination country follows ISPM-15.
- The shipment uses non-manufactured wood packaging material.
- The pallet is being reused after export and still needs proper certification.
For Surrey businesses that ship to the U.S., Europe, Asia, or other international markets, heat-treated pallets are often the default requirement, not an optional upgrade.
What Compliance Requires
To be compliant, a heat-treated pallet should:
- Be heat-treated to the required core temperature.
- Carry the correct ISPM-15/IPPC stamp.
- Be produced through an approved treatment program.
- Be free of anything that would void the treatment mark through improper repair or alteration.
If the pallet does not meet these rules, the shipper can run into customs delays and extra costs.
Are There Exceptions?
There are some exceptions, but they are narrow. Plastic pallets, pallets made wholly from processed wood, or shipments to certain destinations with different rules may not need heat treatment.
Even so, most Surrey exporters still choose heat-treated wood pallets because they are widely accepted and reduce the chance of compliance problems.
How AR Pallets Help Surrey Exporters
AR Pallets supplies Surrey businesses with heat-treated pallets that are built for export compliance and local handling needs. That means you can get custom sizes, proper treatment, and the right marking in one place.
At 12140 Old Yale Rd, Surrey, BC, AR Pallets serves businesses that need export-ready wood packaging without delays. If your operation ships regularly, having a local source makes it easier to keep the same pallet spec for every outbound load.
What Surrey Businesses Should Do
Before exporting from Surrey, make sure you:
- Confirm the destination country’s wood packaging rules.
- Request heat-treated pallets from a compliant supplier.
- Ask for ISPM-15 stamping and documentation.
- Avoid repairing or modifying export pallets without checking whether the mark still applies.
- Keep a consistent pallet spec for repeat shipments.
These steps lower the risk of customs rejection and help your shipment move faster.
Bottom Line for Surrey Exporters
If your goods are leaving Surrey on solid wood pallets, heat-treated pallets are usually required and almost always the safest option. They keep you aligned with ISPM-15 rules and help avoid expensive border issues.
Order Export-Ready Heat-Treated Pallets in Surrey
Trusted Heat-Treated Export Pallet Experts in Surrey
Surrey businesses that ship internationally rely on AR Pallets for compliant heat-treated pallets built for export, handling, and repeat orders.
AR Pallets LTD, located at 14529 66 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 5M2, Canada, helps you choose the right heat-treated pallet for your destination and load requirements. Call (604) 367-7884 or email info.arpallets@gmail.com to request a compliant quote, confirm export requirements, or place your next order today.
