One Pallet Size Does Not Fit All
If you're shipping products internationally from Tucson or anywhere in Arizona, one of the most common — and most expensive — mistakes is assuming your standard 48×40 GMA pallet will work everywhere. It won't. Different regions of the world use different pallet standards, and shipping on the wrong size can mean wasted container space, rejected shipments, or racking incompatibility at your customer's warehouse.
This guide covers the major international pallet sizes, regional requirements, ISPM-15 compliance, and how to choose the right pallet for each export market.
The Six ISO-Standard Pallet Sizes
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes six pallet dimensions under ISO 6780. These cover the majority of global trade:
| ISO Size (inches) | ISO Size (mm) | Primary Region | Common Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 × 40 | 1219 × 1016 | North America | GMA Pallet |
| 47.24 × 39.37 | 1200 × 1000 | Europe, Asia | EUR/EPAL (EUR2) |
| 45.87 × 31.50 | 1165 × 800 | Europe | EUR1 (Euro Pallet) |
| 42.00 × 42.00 | 1067 × 1067 | Australia, N. America | Australian Standard |
| 43.30 × 43.30 | 1100 × 1100 | Asia-Pacific | T11 (Japanese) |
| 31.50 × 47.24 | 800 × 1200 | Europe | EUR (rotated) |
European Pallet Standards: EUR/EPAL
Europe is the most standardized pallet market in the world, thanks to the European Pallet Association (EPAL) and its predecessor, the UIC (Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer).
EUR1 (800 × 1200 mm / 31.5" × 47.24")
The EUR1 is the most common pallet in Europe, used extensively in grocery, retail, and general manufacturing. It's designed to fit European truck and container dimensions (2,400 mm interior width accommodates exactly three EUR1 pallets across).
EUR2 (1200 × 1000 mm / 47.24" × 39.37")
The EUR2 is common in European chemical, beverage, and industrial sectors. It's very close in size to the North American GMA 48×40 but is not interchangeable — the 0.76-inch width difference and 0.63-inch length difference can cause problems in European racking systems.
EPAL Certification
EPAL-certified pallets carry a branded mark and can be exchanged within the European pallet pool. If your European customers participate in the EPAL exchange system, they may require EPAL-marked pallets. Non-EPAL pallets won't be accepted into the pool and may need to be replaced at the customer's expense — which they'll pass back to you.
Asia-Pacific Pallet Standards
Japan: T11 (1100 × 1100 mm)
Japan's standard pallet is the T11, adopted by the Japanese Pallet Association. It's a square format that fits efficiently in Japanese domestic containers and warehouse racking. If you're exporting to Japan, using a GMA 48×40 will result in wasted container space and potential compatibility issues.
Australia: 1165 × 1165 mm (45.87" × 45.87")
Australian Standard pallets, managed by CHEP Australia, are square-format pallets designed for the Australian domestic supply chain. The 42×42 inch ISO standard is also widely accepted.
China and Southeast Asia
China doesn't enforce a single standard. You'll encounter 1200 × 1000 mm (similar to EUR2), 1100 × 1100 mm (T11), and even 1200 × 800 mm (EUR1) depending on the industry and region. Always confirm pallet size requirements with your Chinese customer or freight forwarder before shipping.
ISPM-15: The Non-Negotiable Requirement
Regardless of pallet size, all wood packaging materials (including pallets) shipped internationally must comply with ISPM-15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). This standard requires:
- Heat treatment (HT): Wood core temperature must reach 56°C (132.8°F) for a minimum of 30 minutes
- Debarking (DB): All bark must be removed from pallet lumber
- IPPC stamp: Each pallet must carry the International Plant Protection Convention stamp showing the treatment method, country of origin, and producer registration number
Shipping on non-compliant pallets can result in:
- Shipment rejected at the port of entry
- Fumigation at destination (at your cost, typically $500–$2,000 per container)
- Destruction of the pallets and re-palletization (additional cost and delay)
- Potential quarantine of your goods
Our ISPM-15 heat treatment facility in Tucson provides certified treatment with proper IPPC marking for all export shipments.
Country-Specific Requirements to Know
| Destination | Preferred Pallet Size | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| EU / UK | 800×1200 or 1000×1200 mm | EPAL mark for pool exchange; ISPM-15 |
| Japan | 1100×1100 mm (T11) | ISPM-15; high cleanliness standards |
| Australia | 1165×1165 mm | ISPM-15; Australian quarantine is strict |
| Mexico | 48×40 (GMA) | ISPM-15 required despite proximity |
| Canada | 48×40 (GMA) | ISPM-15 (since 2005) |
| China | 1200×1000 or 1100×1100 mm | ISPM-15; size varies by buyer |
| Middle East | 1200×1000 mm | ISPM-15; some markets prefer plastic |
| South Korea | 1100×1100 mm | ISPM-15; Korean re-inspection at port |
How to Choose the Right Pallet for Each Market
- Confirm with your buyer. Before the first shipment, ask your international customer what pallet size their warehouse expects. Don't assume.
- Check container fit. Standard 20' and 40' shipping containers have interior dimensions of approximately 2,330 mm × 5,867 mm (20') or 2,330 mm × 12,032 mm (40'). Run the math for your pallet size to maximize floor utilization.
- Verify ISPM-15 compliance. This is mandatory for all wood pallets crossing international borders, with very few exceptions.
- Consider one-way export pallets. For many international shipments, your pallets won't come back. Using recycled pallets at lower cost makes economic sense for one-way trips.
- Account for pallet weight. Ocean freight is charged by weight or volume (whichever is greater). Lighter pallets save money on every container.
Common Export Pallet Mistakes
- Shipping GMA 48×40 pallets to Europe: They don't fit European racking or trucks efficiently. Your customer will need to re-palletize.
- Forgetting ISPM-15 for Mexico and Canada: Just because they're neighbors doesn't exempt them from phytosanitary requirements.
- Using MB-treated pallets: Methyl bromide treatment (stamp "MB") is banned or restricted in most countries. Always use heat treatment ("HT").
- Not checking pallet weight limits for ocean containers: Container floor load limits are typically 3,000–4,500 lbs per pallet position. Verify with your shipping line.
Exporting from Tucson? Visit our international pallet size guide or contact us for export pallet solutions built to your destination's requirements.