Pallets are marked for three reasons: to prove regulatory compliance (the ISPM 15 stamp), to identify the producer or pool (brands such as EPAL), and to track the load (labels, barcodes, RFID or QR codes). Each purpose has its own rules, and the method must keep the mark permanent and legible for the life of the pallet.
Types of marks on a pallet
| Purpose | Example | Who sets the rules |
|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary | ISPM 15 mark showing country code, producer number and treatment code | National plant protection organization (NPPO), under ISPM 15 |
| Brand and licence | EPAL oval with licence number, year and month; pool logos | Pallet system or pool owner |
| Producer identification | Company name, logo, batch or date code | The manufacturer, sometimes the customer |
| Logistics identification | SSCC label, barcode, QR code, RFID tag | Customer, supply chain standards; see pallet labelling and SSCC |
| Handling information | Maximum load, "do not stack", orientation | Customer or packaging standards |
Regulatory marks must never be confused with commercial marks. A logo or label cannot replace an ISPM 15 mark, and an ISPM 15 mark says nothing about quality or ownership.
The ISPM 15 mark: what it must contain and how it must look
The international standard ISPM 15 requires that treated wood packaging carry a mark with at least these elements:
- The IPPC symbol (the wheat-ear emblem)
- The ISO two-letter country code and a unique number assigned by the NPPO to the producer
- The treatment code, such as HT for heat treatment, MB for methyl bromide fumigation, DH for dielectric heating or SF for sulfuryl fluoride
The standard asks that the mark be legible, permanent and not transferable, and placed in a visible location, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the unit. For pallets, inner faces of blocks can be acceptable because inspectors can see them. The mark is not to be hand drawn, and the use of red or orange should be avoided because those colors are used in dangerous goods labeling. The full layout and examples are in the ISPM 15 mark.
Marking can be done only by companies authorized under the NPPO's system, and only after the treatment is complete or under the program's supervision. Applying a mark without treatment is a serious violation; see ISPM 15 non-compliance.
Marking methods compared
Hot branding (heat stamping)
A heated metal die burns the mark into the wood. It is permanent, cannot be easily transferred and is robust in rain, abrasion and repeated handling.
- Pros: very durable, no consumables except dies, accepted everywhere
- Cons: needs temperature control and ventilation; the mark is less sharp on rough or very wet wood; dies wear; the burn is harder to read on dark or dirty wood; each design change needs a new die
Ink stamping and stencilling
A rubber or metal stamp or stencil applies ink or paint. It is cheap and flexible and common for the ISPM 15 mark and customer marks.
- Pros: low cost, easy design changes, fast on flat surfaces
- Cons: the ink must be durable, non-water-soluble and heat-stable for the pallet's life; smudging and fading are common problems; it requires careful operator practice
Inkjet and laser marking
Industrial inkjet printers print text, codes and logos on the moving pallet. Laser markers burn marks without ink. Pallet block makers note that modern chipwood blocks can accept inkjet printing and QR codes.
- Pros: variable data such as dates and serial numbers, high speed, crisp codes, no stamps to change
- Cons: higher equipment cost; ink adhesion depends on the surface and moisture; printheads need maintenance; the mark must be tested for permanence
Labels and tags
Adhesive labels or tags are used for logistics data such as SSCC, product and batch numbers. They are not the way to apply the ISPM 15 mark unless the NPPO's rules allow it, and the mark must remain permanent and non-transferable. Check with the competent authority before using any label for a regulatory purpose.
RFID and QR codes
RFID tags, nailed or glued to the pallet, and printed QR codes, make a unique identity possible for each pallet, supporting tracking, loss control and pool management; see pallet tracking and IoT and pallet loss and control. They supplement but do not replace the required marks.
| Method | Durability | Variable data | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot branding | Very high | Low (fixed dies) | ISPM 15 and brand marks |
| Ink stamp or stencil | Medium | Low | ISPM 15 (where permitted), customer marks |
| Inkjet | Medium to high with proper ink | High | Dates, batch codes, QR |
| Laser | High | High | Codes and identification |
| Label | Low to medium | High | Logistics data |
| RFID tag | High | Very high | Tracking, pooling |
EPAL branding
The EPAL Euro pallet is the best-known example of mandatory brand marking. According to EPAL, all four corner blocks must have the EPAL trademark branded in since 1 August 2013, and the central block must be branded with the licence number plus the year and month of production. Lower edge boards are chamfered, and new pallets carry a forgery-proof control staple on the central block. These marks allow inspectors to identify genuine pallets and the repairer; see EPAL markings and fake Euro pallets.
Practical rules for plants
- Mark at a fixed station under a documented procedure, so that unmarked or untreated pallets cannot be stamped.
- Keep marking tools under control. Dies and stamps with the producer number must be locked away and issued only to authorized staff.
- Check legibility on a sample of pallets after drying, stacking and handling, and replace worn dies early.
- Avoid prohibited colors and choose ink approved for heat-treated wood if marking before treatment.
- Keep records of treatment and marking linked by batch, see ISPM 15 documentation.
- Place marks where they remain visible when pallets are stacked, wrapped or loaded into a container.
- Do not mark repaired pallets carelessly. Repaired and reused packaging has its own rules; see reused and repaired wood packaging.
Frequently asked questions
Can an ISPM 15 mark be hand-written?
No. The mark must follow the standard layout, be applied by an authorized producer and be legible and permanent, and it should not be hand drawn.
Which marking method is best for ISPM 15?
Hot branding is the most durable and widely used, but ink stamps, stencils and laser or inkjet marking are used where the authority allows and where the mark stays permanent and legible.
Where should the mark be placed on a pallet?
It should be visible, preferably on at least two opposite sides of the unit. On pallets, the sides of blocks are common positions.
Do QR codes or RFID tags replace the required marks?
No. They add tracking information, while the ISPM 15 mark and brand marks such as EPAL are separate requirements.
Sources
- Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade (ISPM 15) — International Plant Protection Convention
- ISPM 15 marking requirements workshop material — International Plant Protection Convention
- EPAL Euro Pallet Quality Characteristics — European Pallet Association
- First conference of European manufacturers of EPAL wood-chip blocks — European Pallet Association
- ISPM 15 — Wikipedia