Import rules · Asia-Pacific

Wood packaging import rules: Thailand

Thailand: ISPM 15 status for pallets and crates, approved treatments, the plant protection authority, common pallet sizes and main ports.

Last checked: 2026-10
ISPM 15 on imports
Required
Enforced since
—
Treatments
HT, MB, DH, SF per ISPM 15
Plant protection authority
National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS); plant quarantine operated by the Department of Agriculture
Common pallet sizes
1100 × 1100 mm
1200 × 1000 mm
1200 × 800 mm
Main ports
Laem Chabang, Bangkok, Map Ta Phut, Songkhla

Overview

Thailand's NPPO contact in the IPPC register is the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards, while hands-on plant quarantine inspection at ports and airports is carried out by the Department of Agriculture under the Plant Quarantine Act of 1964. Wood packaging arriving from abroad is expected to be treated according to ISPM 15 and bear the IPPC mark. If officers find infested or unmarked material they may order treatment, destruction or re-export at the importer's expense. The year when Thailand began enforcing the standard was not confirmed, so that field is empty. Laem Chabang, on the eastern seaboard about 120 km from Bangkok, is by far the largest container port and the base for the automotive and electronics supply chains, while Bangkok port, Map Ta Phut for petrochemicals and Songkhla in the south handle further traffic. Thai pallet practice mixes influences: Japanese-linked manufacturers use the 1100 × 1100 mm footprint, which is very widespread, 1200 × 1000 mm is common in food, beverages and general trade, and European and Australian-bound lines use 1200 × 800 mm or 1165 × 1165 mm. Plastic and rental pallets are growing in food processing, but wooden pallets, often rubberwood, remain the default, and exporters nearly always heat-treat and stamp them to satisfy overseas ISPM 15 rules.

Key points

  • The IPPC lists ACFS as the NPPO contact; import inspection is done by the Department of Agriculture's plant quarantine
  • Legal basis is the Plant Quarantine Act B.E. 2507 (1964) as amended
  • Non-compliant wood packaging can be treated, destroyed or re-exported
  • Heat-treated pallets are routine in the export industry

Frequently asked questions

Does Thailand require ISPM 15 for wooden pallets?

Yes, imported wood packaging should be ISPM 15-treated and marked; non-compliant wood may be treated, destroyed or re-exported.

Which pallet size is typical in Thailand?

1100 × 1100 mm is very common, especially in Japanese-linked industries, along with 1200 × 1000 mm.

Which port receives most containers?

Laem Chabang, on the eastern seaboard.

Sources

  1. IPPC country page – Thailand
  2. IPPC – country pages index

Import rules change. Confirm current requirements with the national plant protection organization or your importer before shipping. This page is general information, not legal advice.