Australia has always been strict about this, and mainland China is instituting new guards against conifer eating pestilence brought in on wooden pallets. Brasil also has new import rules concerning the use of wood in packing material. Some US lawmakers are urging fumigation of pallets coming into the US to combat the long-horn beatle. Affected countries have instituted special import controls to guard against a dangerous and harmful pest called Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Certain insects and worms attack indigenous conifer tree forests and can be brought into a country by shipments using solid wood packing materials.
Brazil now requires fumigation of liftvans in certain cases.
Australian authorities often select inbound shipments for fumigation at a cost that is borne by the importing consignee. Mainland China requires certification that the pallets used are free from such pestilence. No additional treatment for overseas shipping is necessary because the high heat manufacturing process burns out all infestations. Some companies may prefer to use a full service pallet management firm. Pallet Solutions can make life easier for traffic managers needing new pallets, recycled skids, and pallet disposal.