Why do molded pallets not need fumigation for export?

Trade between countries is frequent, with frequent imports and exports of goods. During this process, untreated wood products are likely to harbor insects and their eggs, introducing pests that could disrupt the ecological balance of the importing country, leading to biological invasions and potentially serious damage to agriculture and forest resources. 

The USDA has issued guidelines to reduce the risk of pest introduction from wood packaging. Because wood packaging is often reused, its true origin and, therefore, its treatment are difficult to ascertain. Therefore, the USDA has adopted the international standard for wood packaging, adopted by the Interim Plants Committee of the International Plant Protection Convention on March 15, 2002. By adopting this international standard, the US government harmonizes trade requirements with other countries that have adopted or are in the process of adopting ISPM 15. To regulate wood packaging entering North America, ISPM 15 will be implemented in the United States, Mexico, and Canada starting September 16, 2005. Inbound wood packaging will be quarantined according to the operational guidelines and procedures of the US Customs and Border Protection Agency. To avoid delays or rejections of shipments of wooden packaging at US ports due to non-compliance, importers should ensure that all wooden packaging has been treated and marked in accordance with ISPM15 and APHIS regulations. 

There are currently two main methods for fumigating wooden pallets: heat treatment and methyl bromide fumigation. For heat treatment, the core of the wood is brought to a specific temperature and maintained for at least 30 minutes. For fumigation, the wood must be fumigated in a sealed area at a prescribed methyl bromide dosage for at least 16 hours, then placed in a ventilated area to reduce the fumigant concentration to a safe level. The production process for molded pallets involves drying sawdust to less than 8% moisture and then pressing it under high temperature and pressure. This process destroys potentially harmful insects and their eggs, preventing them from reproducing. 

Therefore, no fumigation is required during export, a requirement already clearly defined by customs regulations. This is why molded pallets are so quickly distributed and widely praised by customers. Their convenience reduces costs and improves efficiency, making them the preferred packaging option for exporters.