How important is heat treatment for pallets?

On the Tijuana border, BC Industrial Pallets & Containers has established itself as a strategic partner for companies requiring reliable export solutions. Within the world of industrial packaging, one of the most crucial processes for protecting the global logistics chain is the heat treatment (HT) applied to wooden pallets and packaging.

This procedure, required for virtually all international shipments, ensures that each pallet complies with the phytosanitary regulations that keep cross-border operations safe. But… how critical is this process really? We'll explain it here.

The essential function of heat treatment

Heat treatment (HT) consists of raising the internal temperature of the wood to 56°C for a minimum of 30 minutes, a standard established by ISPM 15.

This process eliminates insects, larvae, and microorganisms that could travel in the wood and pose a risk to the ecosystems of the destination country.

Without this treatment, packaging may be rejected, destroyed, or generate additional costs for exporting companies.

Why is it so important in exporting?

For the maquiladora industry, compliance with heat treatment is not optional:

It is an essential requirement for any shipment to cross the border without problems.

Its importance lies in:

1.⁠ ⁠International regulatory compliance

The United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, and virtually the entire world require ISPM 15. A pallet without HT cannot be legally imported.

2. Avoid customs delays and costs

A failed inspection can lead to:

Delivery delays

Fines

Return or destruction of the shipment

Costs of repackaging or immediate replacement

3. Global plant health protection

HT prevents the spread of dangerous pests such as the screwworm, longhorn beetles or nematodes, which can cause millions of dollars in damage to forests and agriculture.

4. More reliable supply chains

By ensuring that the wood is free of pests, companies ensure more stable, safe, and predictable operations.

Specialized services to ensure compliance

At BC Industrial Pallets & Containers we know that every exporter has specific requirements.

Therefore, we offer solutions designed to ensure full compliance with the heat treatment:

🔹 Manufacturing of pallets and packaging with HT certification

Applied under the international guidelines ISPM 15, with full traceability.

🔹 Officially marked with the HT seal

Each pallet includes the corresponding seal that validates the process before any customs office.

🔹 Packaging design for export

Adapted to customer standards, dimensions and specifications.

🔹 Consulting on international regulations

We support our clients to ensure their operations are 100% compliant with global phytosanitary requirements.

Commitment to quality and speed

The BC Industrial Pallets & Containers team works with controlled processes, constant inspections, and fast response times to ensure that every HT pallet is ready for export without delays.

Consistency and traceability of heat treatment are key to ensuring that supply chains flow smoothly.

Certifications that support trust

To ensure safe and reliable operations, we have internationally recognized tools and certifications:

ISPM 15 / NIMF-15

Pallet Design System™️ (PDS)

Global Shop Solutions ERP Software

IMMEX

Each of these accreditations strengthens overall security in export processes.

A strategic partner on the border

Located in Tijuana, BC, in the heart of the maquiladora industry, at BC Industrial Pallets & Containers we provide much more than heat-treated pallets:

We provide reliable logistics, international compliance, and solutions designed to ensure your product arrives at its destination without any issues.

📍 Valdivia Alley 27613, Quintas Campestre, El Refugio, Tijuana, BC 22255, Mexico

📞 +52 (663) 428-3685

📧 edson@bcindustrialpallets.com