1. Importance of Pallets in Fresh Produce Export
Egypt is one of the largest exporters of fresh produce, shipping millions of tons of potatoes, onions, garlic, and citrus annually to Europe, Russia, and the Gulf. The success of these agricultural shipments heavily relies on the quality of the export wooden pallets supporting them.
Using substandard pallets can lead to cargo collapse, moisture buildup, fungal decay, or customs rejection at destination ports for failing ISPM-15 compliance.
2. Standard Pallet Dimensions for Vegetables
Pallet configurations vary based on vegetable type and shipping destination:
- Industrial 120 × 100 cm Pallet: The most popular size for potatoes and onions. Fits 60×40 cm carton boxes and big bags perfectly, holding up to 1,200 kg of product.
- Euro 120 × 80 cm Pallet: The mandatory standard for European supermarket delivery. Ideal for high-value packed vegetables like green beans and spring onions.
- 100 × 100 cm Pallet: Frequently used for shipping bulk onion bags to specific regional ports.
3. ISPM-15 Heat Treatment Rules by Destination Port
While all international ports enforce the ISPM-15 standard, some markets have specific regulations:
- European Union: Enforces the IPPC logo with the HT mark. Methyl bromide chemical fumigation is banned since 2010.
- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Accepts HT certified pallets; some ports require additional phytosanitary documents from the Ministry of Agriculture.
- Russian Federation: Demands clear ISPM-15 stamps and enforces strict inspection for wood borers and bark presence.
4. Best Practices for Stacking Produce on Pallets
To ensure your agricultural cargo arrives in optimal condition:
- Limit Height to 1.6 Meters: The optimal height to ensure vertical stack stability and prevent bottom box crushing.
- Install Corner Boards: Heavy-duty cardboard edge protectors prevent box collapse during transport.
- Allow Proper Airflow: Fresh vegetables require ventilation. Avoid wrapping pallets with airtight stretch wrap; instead, use perforated wrap or strap wrapping.
5. Produce Export Seasons and Pallet Supply Timing
Plan your export wooden pallet orders in advance of agricultural peaks:
- Potatoes: January - May (Main Season) & September - November (Nile Season)
- Onions: March - June
- Green Beans: October - March
We advise signing seasonal supply contracts with El Negma Pallets at least one month before the harvest season to guarantee supply and lock in optimal timber rates. Contact us at +201080012261 to reserve your seasonal supply.

