When sourcing ISPM 15-certified pallets, there are two approved treatment methods: heat treatment (HT) and methyl bromide fumigation (MB). On paper, both satisfy the ISPM 15 standard — but in practice, only one is accepted in all major export markets. Here's what you need to know before your next shipment.
The Two ISPM 15 Treatment Methods
Heat Treatment (HT)
Heat treatment involves placing assembled pallets in a kiln chamber and raising the core temperature of the wood to 56°C, maintained for a minimum of 30 continuous minutes. This process kills all insects, larvae, and eggs living inside the timber without the use of any chemicals.
After heat treatment, the pallet is stamped with "HT" as part of the IPPC mark.
Heat treatment is the method used by CeyPall for all export pallets.
Methyl Bromide Fumigation (MB)
Methyl bromide fumigation involves exposing pallets to a toxic gas — methyl bromide — which penetrates the wood and kills pests. It was widely used before the environmental risks became clear.
After fumigation, the pallet is stamped with "MB" as part of the IPPC mark.
Why Methyl Bromide is Being Phased Out
Methyl bromide is an ozone-depleting substance listed under the Montreal Protocol. Its use has been progressively restricted since the 1990s and is now banned or heavily regulated in most developed countries.
More importantly for exporters: the European Union no longer accepts MB-treated pallets. Since 2010, all wooden packaging entering the EU must be treated with heat treatment (HT), not methyl bromide. This effectively rules out MB-treated pallets for any EU-bound shipment.
Which Treatment is Accepted Where?
Given that the EU, UK, and an increasing number of other markets reject MB-treated pallets, heat treatment is the universally safe choice. An HT-stamped pallet will never be rejected on treatment grounds in any ISPM 15-compliant country. An MB-stamped pallet may be rejected at the EU border.
The Practical Advice
If you are exporting to the EU or UK — or if you export to multiple markets and want one pallet type that works everywhere — always use heat-treated (HT) pallets.
At CeyPall, all of our export pallets are heat-treated to 56°C core temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, stamped HT, and supplied with a treatment certificate. We do not offer methyl bromide fumigation, and we recommend against it for any Sri Lankan exporter targeting international markets.
Summary
When in doubt, choose HT. It's safer, cleaner, and accepted everywhere.
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