HT vs. KD Pallets: Why Exporters Can’t Afford to Get This Wrong
Pallets might look simple, but for exporters, the way that wood is treated can mean the difference between a clean release and your freight getting held or turned away.
KD and HT get mixed up constantly, and when they do, exporters are usually the ones paying the price. While both involve heat, their purpose is totally different. Confusing them can lead to destroyed inventory or having your entire shipment rejected at the border.
Let’s clarify the mission for each treatment and help you determine exactly what your next load requires.
1. Heat Treatment (HT): The Non-Negotiable Pass for Global Trade
The Mission: Compliance and Pest Elimination
HT is what brings your pallets into ISPM 15 compliance.
It's not optional for global shippers—it’s mandatory.
Bottom Line: HT is your ticket to crossing borders.
2. Kiln Drying (KD): The Best Defense Against Mold and Decay
The Mission: Moisture Control and Product Protection.
Kiln Drying (KD) addresses a different threat entirely: water damage, mold, and warping. Wood naturally retains moisture, which can cause significant problems, especially in long-term storage or humid environments.
Important Note
KD pallets alone DO NOT satisfy ISPM 15 export requirements.
Bottom Line: KD is your insurance against product degradation and contamination.
Can a Pallet Be Both KD and HT?
Yes—And Often, It's the Smartest Choice.
The best solution often involves both processes.
We frequently provide KDHT-certified pallets for clients who handle hygiene-sensitive products (requiring the mold-prevention of KD) and export internationally (requiring the pest-prevention of HT).
KDHT gives you both benefits: lower moisture for product protection and the certification required to move freight across borders. Look for the KDHT stamp for dual certification.
Pallet Pro's Guarantee
We don’t just drop pallets at your dock. We make sure they’re built right, stamped right, and ready for export. Every HT pallet meets the 56°C/30-minute ISPM 15 standard, and every KD pallet is dried to the moisture level your products need.
Don't risk a rejected shipment or contaminated product. Let Pallet Pro help you spec the right pallet — KD, HT, or KDHT — so your next export moves without issues.
