While most companies exporting to foreign countries can still use wood pallets, many country's customs agents still require them to be inspected for insects. This can and does cause unnecessary and lengthy delays. The problem with wood pallets is that it is impossible to verify just by looking if they have been properly treated for insects, says Penny Peirce of Handling Innovations, an online supplier of plastic pallets. Therefore most wood pallets are held pending verification of certification of bug treatment. Often paperwork gets lost or destroyed. Plastic pallet, however, are not susceptible to insect infestation and, therefore, go right through customs. I have found that many companies will pay a little extra for plastic pallets to avoid the customs delays on their export pallet shipments.