Asian pallet sizes: T11 (1100 × 1100) and 1200 × 1000

Asia has two standard pallet sizes: 1100 × 1100 mm (43.3 × 43.3 in), usually called T11, and 1200 × 1000 mm (47.2 × 39.4 in). Both are in ISO 6780. Japan and Korea standardized on T11 for their pallet pools, and China's national standard lists both sizes. In practice many other sizes are in circulation, so always confirm the receiver's size.

#Asian pallet sizes at a glance

#Japan

Japan's standard pallet is the T11, 1100 × 1100 × 144 mm, defined by JIS Z 0601 as a pool pallet for through transport. JIS covers wooden and plastic types. Summaries of the standard give a maximum load of 1 tonne. The size was chosen to suit Japanese trucks and containers. Both wood and plastic T11 pallets circulate in Japanese pools. 1200 × 1000 (T12) is the second common size, and some industries keep their own sizes, so check the receiver's requirements. See the 1100 × 1100 page.

#South Korea

Korea uses 1100 × 1100 mm as its national standard pallet, and Korean rental pools are built around it. 1200 × 1000 mm is also used. Exporters shipping to Korea should default to T11 unless the consignee asks otherwise.

#China

China's national pallet standard, GB/T 2934 (2007 edition), is based on ISO 6780 and selects two sizes: 1200 × 1000 mm and 1100 × 1100 mm. Many other sizes circulate, including 1200 × 800 and 1200 × 1100 mm. CHEP pools 1200 × 1000 and 1200 × 1200 pallets in China. EPAL describes its EPAL 3 (1000 × 1200 × 144 mm) as its Asian standard. The 1200 × 1000 is the safer default for exports to China, but confirm with the receiver.

#Southeast Asia and India

Southeast Asian markets use both 1100 × 1100 and 1200 × 1000, often depending on whether the supply chain is linked to Japanese, Korean, Chinese or European companies. CHEP lists 1200 × 1000 wooden pallets for India and a 1200 × 1200 three-runner pallet for India and China. Treat these as common rather than universal: check with the consignee.

#Why 1100 × 1100?

Two 1100 mm pallets take 2200 mm across, which fits inside the roughly 2350 mm inside width of an ISO container with room for loading. The square shape also means the pallet can go in either way. Australia's 1165 × 1165 pallet, by comparison, leaves almost no clearance two across, which is why Australian exporters to Asia often switch to 1100 × 1100. See Australian pallet sizes.

#How Asian sizes compare with other regions

The 1200 × 1000 and 48 × 40 are close enough that loads sized for one often fit the other, but racking and automated systems built for one may not accept the other. The 19 mm and 16 mm differences matter in tight equipment. See pallet sizes in mm.

#Materials in Asian supply chains

• Plastic pallets are common in Japanese and Korean pools and in closed loops. They are exempt from ISPM 15. See plastic pallet sizes.
• Wood pallets for export must be ISPM 15 treated and marked. Many export pallets are one-way. See export pallet.
• Presswood and paper pallets are used for one-way exports because they are exempt from ISPM 15.

#Shipping to Asia from North America or Europe

A 48 × 40 or 1200 × 800 pallet will reach Asia, but it may not fit the receiver's racking or pool. For container loads, consider:

1. The receiver's size (T11 or 1200 × 1000).
2. Container fit: see pallets per container, and each size page's computed table.
3. ISPM 15 treatment for wood, or an exempt material.

To draw a custom block pallet at an Asian size, start from the 1200 × 1000 template in the designer and set the size.