Understanding Wood Treated Pallets in Australia

Australia has unique ecosystems and agriculture that must be protected. To do this, it imposes strict biosecurity laws for sanitising natural resources like wood. This rule also applies to products made with raw materials like pallets. But how do you remove contaminants from pallet wood?

Wood pallets go through various cleaning processes to comply with Australian standards. To help you better understand them, we’ve answered some important questions. 

Are Wood Pallets in Australia Treated?

In Australia, wood pallets are treated to prevent pests and other contaminants. They are typically treated with heat or chemicals like methyl bromide.

Why Are Pallets Treated?

Pallets are treated to remove pests like fungus and bacteria that cause illnesses. Other reasons include: 

• Compliance: Australia has strict sanitising and pest control standards to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and illness. Wood can contain contaminants that infect plants, crops, and other landscapes, and pallets must be treated before entering the country to remove them and comply with biosecurity rules.  
• Quality: Chemical and heat treatments remove insects and bacteria that decay wood. Pallets are, in turn, better quality, more durable and long-lasting. 
• Pest Control: Protecting Australian ecosystems is one of the main reasons for treating pallets. Foreign bacteria can harm wildlife and cause disease. Once in the country, they can spread rapidly and be difficult to get rid of. Therefore, prevention is key. 

How To Tell if Your Pallet Wood Is Treated?

Knowing if your pallet wood is treated can be tricky, but there are some signs you can look for:

1. Look for Stamps

One way to identify if pallet wood is treated is to check for stamps or markings. Heat-treated pallets are typically marked with an “HT”, and chemically treated ones have an “MB” for methyl bromide. These stamps are often placed on the side of pallets but can also be in other areas. 

2. Ask for Documentation

Manufacturers must provide proof that pallets have been treated. Don’t take your supplier’s word for it — Ask them for documents or information that confirm treatments. If none are available, it indicates that pallets have not been treated. 

3. Feel the Surface

Inspecting the surface is another way to tell if your pallet wood is treated. Untreated timber is often rougher and has more splinters. Feel the surface and inspect for rough versus smooth textures. This method can be less straightforward than others, and getting a professional second opinion is always best. 

4. Examine the Colour 

Chemical treatments often make treated pallets look different from untreated ones. They may have a shiner or polished appearance. 

5. Smell the Wood

Another indication is the odour. In high concentrations, methyl bromide can leave a musty smell on wood, but it can also be odourless and difficult to detect. Heat-treated pallets may also have little to no scent, and getting a second opinion in both instances is essential. 

6. Water Test 

Another way to know if your pallets are treated is to perform a water test. Heat-treated pallets are often more resistant to moisture damage. You can test this theory by pouring water directly onto the pallets. If the water absorbs quickly, it’s likely untreated, but it may be treated if it glides off the wood surface and does not absorb as easily.

7. Professional Inspection 

One of the best ways to know if your pallets are treated is with professional advice. Industry experts work with pallet wood daily and know what to look for. They can tell you whether your pallets were heated or chemically treated and help you make a more informed decision. 

Choose Reputable Pallet Suppliers 

Getting wood pallets from reputable sources is always the best option. If you need a reliable and trustworthy supplier, we can help.

Cooperage Pallets & Boxes is a trusted industry name and a leading pallet manufacturer. We offer high-quality, ISPM15-compliant heat-treated pallets for all your business needs.

Our pallets are certified under the Australian Wood Packaging Scheme (AWPCS). 

Get a free quote.