How Are Wholesale Timber Pallets Treated In Australia?

The new world order makes it mandatory for every company to use wholesale timber pallets for import and export that comply with regulations set by the IPCC or International Plant Protection Convention. This means there is a liberty to not treat the pallets used for domestic purposes. But there is nothing bad in treating them as well, apart from the fact that this will become a somewhat expensive deal. This treatment is given in different ways depending on the pallet usage, and in this guide, we have covered the main methods of pallet treatment in Australia.

HOW ARE PALLETS TREATED IN AUSTRALIA?

In most cases, you will find wooden pallets being heat-treated or treated with methyl bromide pesticide. Both methods work meritoriously to eliminate microscopic germs like parasites, fungi and other pests that survive inside the timber. When treated, they are stamped or branded with an identification code that signifies that the pallets have been treated and the treatment method.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE HEAT TREATMENT OF WHOLESALE TIMBER PALLETS?

According to the vendors of plastic pallets, heat treatment is the most common method of treatment and also the most preferred by the IPCC. In this method, steam, kiln drying, microwave or radio frequency heating is used to treat the wood to 50 or 60 degrees. This temperature is enough to kill any pests present on export pallets or wholesale timber pallets. The main features of heat treatment are –

The identification code for heat treatment is 'HT'

The IPCC recommends heat treatment

The wood is heated to 56–60 degrees

WHAT IS METHYL BROMIDE TREATMENT?

Wholesale timber pallets are also treated in methyl bromide solution, where fumigation kills the pests in the wood. The limitation of this treatment is that it can't be used for materials thicker than 20 cm. It is a less common method IPCC recommends than heat treatment. The main features of methyl bromide treatment are – 

The identification code for methyl bromide treatment is 'MB'

Methyl bromide treatment is less common than heat treatment

Methyl bromide-treated pallets cannot be used in the garden or as furniture

WHAT IF WHOLESALE TIMBER PALLETS ARE LEFT UNTREATED?

If you find pallets with no stamp indicating the treatment method, this means that they are not treated. You must contact the vendor to confirm the treatment or non-treatment of wholesale timber pallets or export pallets. You should not use them for export purposes if you have untreated pallets. You should not use them as your garden, furniture or firewood.

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