International Pallet Sizes & Standards
Shipping internationally? Different regions use different pallet standards. This guide covers ISO standard sizes, EUR/EPAL pallets, Asian and Australian standards, ISPM-15 phytosanitary requirements, and conversion tables to help you navigate global logistics.
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We supply ISPM-15 compliant, heat-treated pallets for export in all standard international sizes.
Global Standard
ISO 6780 Standard Sizes
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes six standard pallet sizes under ISO 6780. These dimensions are accepted for international trade and shipping.
| ISO # | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (in) | Region | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 1 | 1219 x 1016 | 48" x 40" | North America | Most common pallet worldwide. GMA standard in the US/Canada. ~30% of global production. |
| ISO 2 | 1000 x 1200 | 39.37" x 47.24" | Europe, Asia | EUR2 / EPAL 2 standard. Widely used in European industrial logistics and Asian markets. |
| ISO 3 | 1165 x 1165 | 45.87" x 45.87" | Australia | Australian standard pallet. Used throughout Oceania and parts of Southeast Asia. |
| ISO 4 | 1067 x 1067 | 42" x 42" | North America, Europe, Asia | Used in telecom, paint, and chemical industries across multiple continents. |
| ISO 5 | 1100 x 1100 | 43.30" x 43.30" | Asia Pacific | Dominant standard in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Widely used across the Asia-Pacific region. |
| ISO 6 | 800 x 1200 | 31.50" x 47.24" | Europe | EUR1 / EPAL 1 standard. The most common pallet in Europe. ~25% of all pallets in EU. |
European Standard
EUR / EPAL Pallet System
The European Pallet Association (EPAL) manages the most widely used pallet exchange system in the world. EPAL pallets are built to strict specifications and can be exchanged across the European logistics network.
General freight, grocery, retail. The standard European pallet used in supermarket supply chains and general logistics.
Weight
20-24 kg (44-53 lbs)
Max Load
1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) dynamic
Nails
78 special nails
Boards / Blocks
5 top / 3 bottom / 9 blocks
Industrial goods, automotive parts, heavy machinery. Larger footprint for bigger or heavier loads.
Weight
33-35 kg (73-77 lbs)
Max Load
1,250 kg (2,756 lbs) dynamic
Nails
96 special nails
Boards / Blocks
7 top / 3 bottom / 9 blocks
Same footprint as EUR 2 but lighter construction. Used in chemical and paint industries.
Weight
29-30 kg (64-66 lbs)
Max Load
1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) dynamic
Nails
81 special nails
Boards / Blocks
7 top / 3 bottom / 9 blocks
Quarter pallet for retail displays, point-of-sale, and small-batch distribution. Fits perfectly on EUR 1.
Weight
9.5-10 kg (21-22 lbs)
Max Load
500 kg (1,102 lbs) dynamic
Nails
36 special nails
Boards / Blocks
3 top / 3 bottom / 9 blocks
Asia Pacific
Asian & Australian Pallet Standards
Asia-Pacific nations have standardized around the 1100 x 1100 mm square pallet, while Australia uses its own unique 1165 x 1165 mm standard. Understanding these differences is crucial for trans-Pacific trade.
| Country / Standard | Dimensions (mm) | Dimensions (in) | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan (JIS) | 1100 x 1100 | 43.30" x 43.30" | Wood / Plastic | T11 standard pallet. Mandated by Japanese Pallet Association (JPA). Square shape preferred for automation. |
| South Korea (KS) | 1100 x 1100 | 43.30" x 43.30" | Wood / Plastic | Same as Japanese standard. Korean Standards Association (KSA) aligned to promote intra-Asian logistics. |
| Taiwan | 1100 x 1100 | 43.30" x 43.30" | Wood / Plastic | Aligned with Japan/Korea. Widely adopted by Taiwanese manufacturers for export to Asian markets. |
| China (GB/T 2934) | 1100 x 1100 / 1200 x 1000 | 43.30" x 43.30" / 47.24" x 39.37" | Wood / Plastic / Metal | China uses two primary sizes. 1100x1100 for domestic and Asian trade, 1200x1000 for European trade. |
| India | 1200 x 1000 | 47.24" x 39.37" | Wood / Plywood | Primarily uses the Euro 1200x1000 standard due to strong trade ties with Europe and the Middle East. |
| Southeast Asia | 1100 x 1100 / 1200 x 1000 | Various | Wood / Bamboo / Plastic | Mixed standards. 1100x1100 common for intra-Asian trade, 1200x1000 for European exports. |
Australian Standard (AS 4068-1993)
Australia uses a unique 1165 x 1165 mm (45.87" x 45.87") square pallet, managed by CHEP and Loscam in a pool system similar to Europe. This size was specifically designed to optimize Australian truck and rail configurations. The square design allows four-way entry and works with automated handling systems.
Dimensions
1165 x 1165 mm
Max Dynamic Load
1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Pallet Weight
~30 kg (66 lbs)
Cross-Reference
US vs. International Size Comparison
When shipping from the US to international markets, finding the closest equivalent pallet size can save money on customs, warehousing, and handling at the destination.
| US Standard | Metric Equivalent | Closest International Size | Dimensional Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48" x 40" (GMA) | 1219 x 1016 mm | EUR 2 (1000 x 1200 mm) | +219mm L / -184mm W |
| 42" x 42" (Telecom) | 1067 x 1067 mm | ISO 4 (1067 x 1067 mm) | Exact match |
| 48" x 48" (Drum) | 1219 x 1219 mm | No direct equivalent | N/A |
| 48" x 42" (Chemical) | 1219 x 1067 mm | No direct equivalent | N/A |
| 40" x 40" (Dairy) | 1016 x 1016 mm | EUR 2 (1000 x 1200 mm) | +16mm L / -184mm W |
| 48" x 36" (Paper) | 1219 x 914 mm | EUR 1 (800 x 1200 mm) | +19mm L / +114mm W |
When to Use US Standard Pallets Abroad
- •Shipping to Canadian or Mexican markets (USMCA/NAFTA region)
- •Your receiver specifically accepts 48x40 GMA pallets
- •One-way shipments where pallets will not be returned
- •Product dimensions only fit US-standard pallet sizes
When to Switch to International Sizes
- •Exporting to European markets that use EUR/EPAL exchange pools
- •Shipping to Asia-Pacific where 1100x1100 is standard
- •Receiver requires pallets compatible with their racking/automation systems
- •Entering a pallet pool or exchange program at destination
Compliance
ISPM-15 Requirements
International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15) regulates the treatment of wood packaging materials used in international trade to prevent the spread of invasive species and plant diseases. Compliance is mandatory for wood pallets crossing international borders.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Heat Treatment (HT) | Core temperature of 56°C (132.8°F) for minimum 30 minutes. Most common treatment method for wood pallets. |
| Methyl Bromide (MB) | Chemical fumigation treatment. Being phased out in most countries due to ozone-depleting properties. Banned in EU and Canada since 2010. |
| Debarked (DB) | All bark must be removed from the wood. Small pieces of bark are allowed if they are less than 3 cm wide or 50 cm² total area. |
| IPPC Mark | Official International Plant Protection Convention stamp must be visible on at least two opposite sides of the pallet. Includes country code, producer number, and treatment code. |
| Recertification | Pallets that are repaired with new wood must be re-treated and re-stamped. The entire pallet must undergo treatment, not just the new components. |
| Exemptions | Processed wood materials (plywood, OSB, particle board, veneer) are exempt. Plastic and metal pallets are also exempt from ISPM-15. |
ISPM-15 Stamp Explained
IPPC Symbol
Wheat stalk logo of the International Plant Protection Convention
Country Code
Two-letter ISO country code (e.g., US, CA, DE, CN)
Producer Number
Unique ID assigned to the treatment facility by the NPPO
Treatment Code
HT (Heat Treatment), MB (Methyl Bromide), or DH (Dielectric Heating)
Quick Reference
Pallets by Region
North America
48" x 40" (1219x1016mm)
GMA / NWPCA
Dominates US, Canada, Mexico. CHEP blue, PECO red, iGPS plastic.
Europe
800 x 1200 mm (31.5"x47.2")
EUR / EPAL
Pallet exchange system. 500M+ EPAL pallets in circulation. Strict quality standards.
Asia Pacific
1100 x 1100 mm (43.3"x43.3")
JIS / KS / T11
Japan, Korea, Taiwan standard. Square shape for automation. Growing adoption across ASEAN.
Australia
1165 x 1165 mm (45.9"x45.9")
AS 4068
Unique square standard. CHEP and Loscam pool system. Optimized for Australian logistics.
Regional Standards
Understanding Regional Pallet Markets
Each major trade region has developed its own pallet ecosystem shaped by local truck sizes, warehouse standards, and regulatory requirements. Understanding these differences is critical for smooth international logistics.
European Pallet Market
800 x 1200 mm EUR/EPAL Standard
Europe operates the world's largest pallet exchange system with over 500 million EPAL pallets in circulation. The EUR 1 pallet (800 x 1200 mm) was designed to fit European truck trailers and warehouse racking systems. Unlike the US market where pallets are typically bought and sold, the European system relies on a formal exchange protocol where shippers swap pallets at delivery points.
EPAL pallets are manufactured to exacting standards with specific lumber dimensions, nail patterns, and quality grades. Only licensed producers can manufacture EPAL-branded pallets. This standardization means any EPAL pallet from any producer in any country will perform identically, which enables the exchange system to function across 30 countries seamlessly.
Exchange Pool Size
500+ million EPAL pallets
Countries in System
30+ European nations
Key Consideration for US Exporters
European receivers may require goods on EUR pallets. Shipping on GMA pallets may incur re-palletizing fees at the destination. Confirm pallet requirements with your European buyer before shipping.
Asia-Pacific Pallet Market
1100 x 1100 mm T11 Standard
Japan led the standardization effort in Asia-Pacific with the T11 pallet (1100 x 1100 mm), which was adopted by South Korea and Taiwan. The square design was chosen specifically for compatibility with automated warehouse systems and robotic handling equipment, which are widespread in Japanese logistics.
China uses both the 1100 x 1100 mm standard for intra-Asian trade and the 1200 x 1000 mm standard for trade with Europe. This dual-standard approach reflects China's position as a trading partner to both Asian and European markets. Southeast Asian nations use a mix of both standards depending on their primary trading partners.
Dominant Material
Plastic pallets (growing)
Automation Focus
High (especially Japan)
Key Consideration for US Exporters
ISPM-15 compliance is strictly enforced at Asian ports. Ensure heat treatment stamps are clearly visible. Some Asian countries also require additional fumigation certificates.
Latin American & Middle Eastern Markets
Mixed Standards
Mexico and most of Central America use the 48x40 GMA standard, aligned with US and Canadian logistics. This makes cross-border trade within the USMCA region straightforward from a pallet perspective. South American countries vary in their standards, with Brazil using a 1000 x 1200 mm pallet similar to the European standard, and Argentina commonly using 1000 x 1000 mm.
Middle Eastern markets generally accept both GMA and EUR standard pallets. The 1200 x 1000 mm size is increasingly dominant in the Gulf states due to strong European trade links. India primarily uses the European 1200 x 1000 mm standard. US exporters shipping to these regions should confirm pallet requirements on a per-customer basis.
Mexico & Central America
48x40 GMA (aligned with US)
Brazil
1000 x 1200 mm (PBR standard)
Middle East
1200 x 1000 mm (EUR-aligned)
Export Expertise
Export Pallet Tips from Portsmouth, VA
Located adjacent to the Port of Virginia, one of the busiest deep-water ports on the East Coast, Universal Pallet Supply has extensive experience providing export-ready pallets for international shippers.
Order heat-treated pallets at least one week before your shipment date
The heat treatment process takes 6 to 12 hours per batch, and scheduling depends on demand. Ordering early ensures your pallets are treated, stamped, and ready when your container arrives for loading. Last-minute requests may incur rush fees.
Verify the destination country accepts heat-treated (HT) wood pallets
Most countries accept HT pallets, but some may have additional requirements. Australia, for example, has exceptionally strict biosecurity rules that may require additional documentation. Confirm requirements with your freight forwarder before ordering.
Consider the pallet size your receiver expects
Shipping on a US-standard 48x40 pallet to a European warehouse that uses EUR 1 pallets (800x1200mm) may cause handling issues at the destination. Your European buyer may need to re-palletize your goods, adding cost and delay. Ask your buyer what pallet size they prefer.
Keep your ISPM-15 documentation organized
Maintain records of your heat treatment certificates, treatment facility information, and IPPC stamp details. Some customs authorities and buyers request this documentation in addition to the physical stamp on the pallet. Universal Pallet Supply provides certificates of treatment upon request.
Use one-way export pallets to reduce costs
For outbound international shipments where the pallet will not return, use Grade B or #2 Recycled pallets with heat treatment. You get ISPM-15 compliance at a fraction of the cost of Grade A, and since the pallet stays at the destination, there is no reason to pay for premium cosmetic quality.
Shipping Internationally?
Universal Pallet Supply provides ISPM-15 compliant, heat-treated pallets in all standard international sizes. We handle the compliance so you can focus on your business.