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Choose the wrong pallet and the cost isn’t just freight—it could mean blocked clearance, wasted container space, or cargo sent back. Australia uses the 1165×1165mm pallet, built for RACE railway containers and warehouse racking, but this size doesn’t align with ISO containers used worldwide. Combine that with strict ISPM 15 rules on wood, and shipments can quickly run into trouble.
In this guide, we’ll walk through Australia’s pallet regulations for both imports and exports, show you where delays and extra costs really come from, and share practical ways to keep your loads compliant and secure.
What Is the Standard Exports Pallet In Australia?
The pallet size you need for exports to Australia is 1165×1165mm. It was set in 1993 by Standards Australia under AS 4068-1993, designed specifically to fit RACE railway containers, the core of local freight. Today, it remains the dominant pallet size in Australia for domestic warehousing, racking, and national freight distribution.
The same specification is not limited to Australia. New Zealand has also adopted the 1165×1165mm pallet for its local logistics operations, making it the recognized standard across both countries rather than just for exports.
For a detailed breakdown of Australian pallet dimensions, see our article: “What are the Standard Pallet Size in Australia.”
What Are the Core Export Pallet Regulations in Australia?
1. ISPM 15 Requirements for Wooden Pallets
Most pallets in Australia are still hardwood or softwood, and if you export with them, they must meet ISPM 15, the global rule for wooden packaging. Only factories approved under the Australian Wood Packaging Certification Scheme (AWPCS) can supply compliant pallets—so before you load, confirm that your supplier holds this certification.
ISPM 15 requires all wooden pallets to undergo one of three treatments before shipment:
- Heat treatment (HT)
- Methyl bromide fumigation (MB)
- Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation (SF)
These steps are completed at the pallet factory, not the port. To confirm compliance, look for the IPPC mark, which shows the logo, country code, treatment code, and a unique number—for example, “DB-HT” means the pallet was debarked and heat treated.
Notably, from 1 July 2025, all methyl bromide fumigation certificates for pallets exported to Australia must follow the updated format set by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Any non-compliant certificate could lead to clearance delays—or even a rejection of your shipment.
If you switch to plastic pallets, you avoid these requirements altogether. No heat treatment, no fumigation, and no certification issues—just choose a reliable plastic pallet supplier like Enlightening Pallet who can ensure consistent quality and provide all necessary certifications to support your clearance process.
2. Pallet Size Specifications
As we mentioned earlier, goods shipped into Australia are required to use the 1165×1165mm standard pallet. But if you are exporting pallets out of Australia, sticking to this size is not recommended. There are two main reasons:
- The Australian square pallet does not fit neatly into 20ft (6.1m) or 40ft (12m) ISO shipping containers.
- Shipments may need to be re-palletized at the destination to match the local pallet standards.
In ISO containers, pallets like 1200×1000mm or 1200×800mm can be loaded with far less wasted space, while the 1165×1165mm pallet leaves gaps that reduce both efficiency and stability.
The reloading issue is equally costly: goods may be shifted from Australian pallets to international sizes for container use, then re-palletized again if the destination rejects that size. Likewise, imports into Australia often require reloading onto 1165×1165mm pallets to fit RACE containers.
To avoid wasted space or costly reloading, confirm early which pallet sizes your destination accepts—or use modular plastic pallets that can be disassembled and reassembled to match local transport specs.
And if you’re unsure which size works best, note that Australia also recognizes several international pallet standards commonly used for exports to different regions:
| Export Destination | Common Pallet Size (mm) | Common Pallet Size (inch) | Notes / Export Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| North America | 1219 × 1016 mm | 48 × 40 in | Known as GMA pallet, widely used; ISPM 15 required for wood |
| Europe | 1200 × 800 mm | 47.2 × 31.5 in | Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL), must meet EPAL/ISPM 15 standards |
| South America | 1000 × 1200 mm | 39.4 × 47.2 in | Often used for food exports; ISPM 15 required for wood |
| Africa | 1100 × 1100 mm | 43.3 × 43.3 in | Common in regional trade; wood pallets subject to ISPM 15 |
| Asia | 1100 × 1100 mm / 1000 × 1200 mm | 43.3 × 43.3 in / 39.4 × 47.2 in | Both widely used; depends on industry and country-specific rules |
Still unsure which pallet size works best for exports outside Australia? See our detailed guide: What Are Standard Shipping Pallet Sizes.
3. Palletization Practices
Export rules are clear: under the CTU Code, every shipment must be palletized and secured. If not, customs will see it as unsafe cargo, which can delay or even stop your container at inspection.
This makes palletization essential. But here’s the challenge—even with careful stacking, the 1165×1165mm Australian pallet doesn’t match ISO containers, so gaps remain and cargo can move around during transit.
The safest approach is to combine palletization with flexible packaging. Use airbags, stretch film, straps, and corner protectors together—these small tools prevent shifting and keep shipments stable even on long ocean routes.
For cargo stacking on the pallet, we recommend staggered stacking. By offsetting each layer of boxes, the load interlocks more tightly, reducing pressure points, closing small gaps, and creating a stronger unit that stays secure during transport.
For a step-by-step guide, see our article “How Many Boxes Fit on a Pallet.”
Why More Exporters Are Choosing Plastic Pallets in Australia?
As mentioned earlier, plastic pallets don’t need fumigation or treatment like wood, removing one of the biggest regulatory headaches. This is why more shipments in and out of Australia are now moving on plastic. Beyond that, plastic pallets also help solve several export challenges you may face in practice:
1. Lower transport costs: even with the same base design, plastic pallets vary by mold, but overall they are lighter than wood, which means every shipment saves on freight.
2. Better fit for local industries: Australia relies heavily on food, dairy, meat, and agricultural exports, and because plastic does not absorb water, mold, or pests, it is far easier to clean and sanitize, giving exporters greater peace of mind.
3. Support for the circular economy: plastic materials such as HDPE or PP can be recycled and reused, unlike wood pallets that require continuous timber harvesting, so your business aligns more closely with sustainability goals.
4. Longer service life: plastic pallets generally last more than three times longer than wood, which reduces replacement cycles and helps stabilize your supply chain costs.
5. Consistent quality across standards: wood pallets vary in strength depending on timber, but plastic is molded to uniform specs, giving you the same reliability in Australian warehouses and when reloaded abroad.
From our production experience, the longer lifespan and consistent quality also mean fewer reloading issues when moving between Australia and overseas markets, which keeps the export process steady and predictable.
In conclusion
Exporting to and from Australia comes with unique challenges: wood pallets require ISPM 15 treatment, the 1165×1165mm size does not fit ISO containers, and sensitive goods like food or dairy demand strict hygiene. These are exactly the points where plastic pallets give you an advantage.
Nuestro export-ready plastic pallets for Australia remove fumigation requirements, reduce reloading with modular or international sizes, and protect goods with materials that resist moisture and pests. With a lifespan three times longer than wood and full certification support, you avoid repeat costs and keep cargo moving without surprises.
If you’re preparing a shipment, talk with us now—share your route and product type, and we’ll match you with pallets that pass inspection the first time and keep your exports on schedule.
