Pallet stamp checker
Is this pallet wood safe to use?
Tell us what’s stamped on the pallet and what you want to make. We’ll tell you whether it’s a good idea, and why.
0 of 4 answered
Know your wood
How to read a pallet stamp
- IPPC symbol
- Shows the pallet meets the international standard ISPM 15 for wood packaging.
- Country code
- Two-letter ISO code of the country where it was treated (e.g. US, GB, PH, CN).
- Producer number
- The registered company that treated or made it.
- Treatment code
- How the wood was treated (see the table below).
Where to find it
Look on the side of the wooden blocks or the ends of the long runners (stringers). Most pallets have it on at least two sides. It’s often faint, so try a torch held at a low angle.
Pallet treatment codes explained
| Code | Meaning | Chemicals? | General verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| HT | Heat treated: wood core held at 56 °C for 30 minutes | No | Good for most projects |
| DH | Dielectric heating (microwave/radio-frequency heat) | No | Good for most projects |
| KD | Kiln dried; reduces moisture, not an ISPM 15 code on its own | No | Good for most projects |
| MB | Methyl bromide fumigation | Yes | Avoid for indoor, food, animals, burning |
| SF | Sulfuryl fluoride fumigation | Yes | Avoid for indoor, food, animals, burning |
| DB | Debarked; often printed alongside other codes | No | Check the treatment code too |
| No stamp | Usually a domestic pallet; treatment unknown | Unknown | Use with care |
Other warning signs
- Solid blue, red or brown paint usually means a pooled rental pallet, which isn't free to take.
- Dark stains, an oily feel or a chemical smell.
- Pallets used for chemicals, fertiliser or industrial parts. Ask the business where it came from.
- Heavy rot or soft spots: the wood won't hold screws.
FAQ
What does HT mean on a pallet?
Heat treated. The wood was heated until its core reached 56 °C for at least 30 minutes to kill pests. No chemicals are involved, which makes HT pallets the best choice for DIY projects.
Is MB pallet wood dangerous?
MB means the wood was fumigated with methyl bromide, a toxic pesticide. Most of the gas disperses after treatment, but the standard DIY advice is to avoid MB pallets for anything indoors, near food or animals, or for burning.
Are pallets with no stamp safe?
Usually they're domestic pallets that were never treated, but there's no way to confirm it. They're fine for outdoor decorative projects; avoid them for food or animal use.
Can I burn pallet wood?
Clean, unpainted HT pallets burn fine in a fire pit or wood stove once the nails are removed. Never burn painted, stained or MB/SF-stamped wood.
Can I use pallet wood for a vegetable garden?
HT pallets are generally considered fine. Line the planter walls anyway, so the wood lasts longer and soil doesn't sit against it.
Can I take pallets from behind a shop?
Always ask first. Many pallets are owned by rental pools or are returned to suppliers for money.
Projects that suit pallet wood
Small Planter
A compact box planter for herbs or a windowsill pot.
Window Box Planter
A long, narrow planter for a sill or balcony rail.
Garden Planter Box
A sturdy freestanding planter for the patio.
Bird Feeder
A small hanging feeder with a tray and simple roof.
Bird Table
A freestanding feeding platform on a post.
Garden Sign
A painted or burnt-lettered sign on a stake or wall.