Choosing the right pallet size is more important than most exporters realise. The wrong dimensions can mean wasted container space, rejected shipments, or pallets that don't fit the destination warehouse's racking system. Here's everything you need to know about standard pallet sizes used in international trade — and which one is right for your cargo.
Why Pallet Size Matters
Pallet size affects how efficiently your goods fit inside a shipping container, whether the pallet is compatible with the destination warehouse's forklift and racking system, and how your freight costs are calculated. Most shipping containers and warehouse racking systems are designed around specific pallet dimensions. Using a non-standard size can reduce container utilisation and increase your freight cost per unit.
The Most Common International Pallet Sizes
1200 × 1000 mm — General Export Standard
This is the most widely used pallet size in international trade and the standard recommended by ISO. It fits efficiently in standard 20-foot and 40-foot shipping containers and is compatible with the racking and forklift systems used in most warehouses across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
If you're unsure which size to use and your destination is outside Europe or North America, this is usually the safest choice.
1200 × 800 mm — Euro Pallet (EUR/EPAL)
The Euro pallet is the standard for the European market. It is used across all EU member states and is the format required by many European importers and logistics operators. If you are exporting to Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, or any other EU country, your buyer may specifically request this size.
Two Euro pallets fit precisely side by side in a standard European truck — making this size highly optimised for European logistics networks.
1219 × 1016 mm — North American Standard (48″ × 40″)
This is the standard pallet size used in the United States and Canada. If you are exporting to North America, many buyers and distribution centres will expect this format. It is slightly larger than the Euro pallet and is optimised for North American truck and warehouse dimensions.
1100 × 1100 mm — Asia/Pacific Standard
Used widely across Japan, Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia. If your primary export market is Japan, South Korea, or Australia, this size may be required by your importer.
Custom Sizes
For industrial, machinery, or oversized cargo, custom pallet sizes are sometimes necessary. CeyPall manufactures pallets to any specification with full ISPM 15 heat treatment.
Which Size Should You Use?
If you are unsure, contact your freight forwarder or the destination importer to confirm their requirements before placing your pallet order.
A Note on Container Efficiency
A standard 20-foot container can fit approximately 10 pallets of 1200 × 1000 mm, or 11 Euro pallets (1200 × 800 mm). A 40-foot container can fit approximately 20–21 pallets of 1200 × 1000 mm. Choosing the right size for your container type directly impacts your cost per shipment.
Order ISPM 15 Pallets in Any Size
CeyPall manufactures all standard international pallet sizes — and custom dimensions on request — with full ISPM 15 heat treatment, IPPC stamping, and treatment certificates. Island-wide delivery across Sri Lanka.
Need ISPM 15-certified pallets?
Certified, IPPC-stamped, and delivered island-wide across Sri Lanka.