What You Need to Know When Importing and Exporting Wooden Pallets
Wooden pallets from a place like 1/2 Price Pallets can be used for importing and exporting items. They have to meet regulations set by the department of agriculture and water resources. Below is a guide to the regulation process.
What you need to do
If you are using wooden pallets for importation, you will have to inform the department of agriculture and water resources and there are documents that you will need to send the department. Your pallets may be inspected at any time to check that they are meeting the required standards. Export pallets will need to meet the requirements of the country that you are sending them to. Some countries will use the same standards.
What are the standards?
If your pallet is made from a solid timber, it will have to meet a number of requirements. Firstly, the pallet must contain little or no bark. Bark can only be present if it could not be taken out during the manufacturing process. Additionally, if there is bark in the pallet, it has to be relatively closely compacted. If the level of bark does not meet the standard, there are a few options. The pallet can either be treated with a heat process, the pallet can be sent to a provider to remove the bark or the pallet may be exported or disposed of. The decision will be made by the department of agriculture and water resources. The pallets must have received a finish from a manufacturer or provider who has received certification under the regulations.
Once the pallet meets the standard
If the pallet successfully meets the requirements, it will be stamped to show this. This stamp consists of a trademark, country code, certification number and a code identifying which treatment the pallet received. If you would like to add further details such as your company name, a batch number or a manufacturing date, then these must not be printed in or over the stamp.
As long as you do not change the pallet in any way, the certification will last long term. If you do change the material or if pests enter the pallet, then the pallet will need to be examined again. If the pallet possesses pests, then it will no longer be able to be used.
Exemptions
Some types of wooden pallets do not have to be measured against regulations. This includes pallets that have been made using glue, pressure or heat and that are also made from certain types of wood, including plywood, veneer and board. Additionally, if the pallet is connected to a container or vehicle, it will not be required to meet the standards.