The EUR pallet (also known as the Euro pallet or EPAL pallet) is the backbone of European logistics. Understanding its standards, specifications, and grades is essential for any business involved in supply chain operations across Europe.
What Is a EUR Pallet?
The EUR pallet is a standardized wooden pallet measuring 800mm x 1200mm x 144mm. Introduced in 1961 by European railway companies, it has become the most widely used pallet in Europe, with over 600 million currently in circulation.
EUR Pallet Specifications
EPAL Certification: What It Means
EPAL (European Pallet Association) is the organization that manages the EUR pallet standard. An EPAL-certified pallet guarantees:
- Consistent quality: Built to exact specifications with approved materials
- Traceability: Producer identification through branded markings
- Interchangeability: Any EPAL pallet can be exchanged for another of the same grade
- Repair standards: Only EPAL-licensed repair companies can work on EPAL pallets
How to Identify an EPAL Pallet
Look for these markings on the corner blocks:
- - EPAL logo (oval shape)
- - EUR marking
- - Producer code (letters and numbers)
- - IPPC/ISPM 15 treatment mark (if applicable)
Understanding Pallet Grades
EUR pallets are typically classified into three quality grades. Understanding these helps you choose the right pallet for your application:
Grade A (New/Like New)
Premium PricePallets that are new or have been used only a few times with no visible damage
Characteristics:
- No broken or missing boards
- Clean appearance
- Full structural integrity
- All nails secure
Best For:
Export, pharmaceutical, food industry, retail display
Grade B (Good Used)
Standard PricePallets with minor wear showing some use but fully functional
Characteristics:
- Minor cosmetic marks
- May have small repairs
- Structurally sound
- Passes all load tests
Best For:
General logistics, warehousing, internal use
Grade C (Standard Used)
Economy PriceFunctional pallets with visible wear and repairs
Characteristics:
- Noticeable wear marks
- Repaired boards acceptable
- Functional but weathered
- May have staining
Best For:
Storage, one-way shipping, heavy industry
Other EUR Pallet Sizes
While the standard EUR pallet (EUR 1) is the most common, EPAL also defines other sizes:
| Type | Dimensions | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| EUR 1 | 800 x 1200 mm | Standard (most common) |
| EUR 2 | 1200 x 1000 mm | Industrial, automotive |
| EUR 3 | 1000 x 1200 mm | Beverage industry |
| EUR 6 | 800 x 600 mm | Half-pallet, retail display |
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Needs
When to Choose Grade A
- Export shipments where pallets will not return
- Food and pharmaceutical industries with strict hygiene requirements
- Retail environments where pallets are visible to customers
- Automated warehouse systems requiring precise dimensions
When to Choose Grade B
- General warehousing and distribution
- Internal logistics within pooling systems
- Manufacturing facilities
- When cost and sustainability are priorities
When to Choose Grade C
- Internal storage and racking
- Heavy industrial applications
- One-way domestic shipments
- Budget-conscious operations where appearance is not important
ISPM 15 and Heat Treatment
For international shipping, pallets must comply with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15). This requires:
- Heat treatment (HT): Pallets heated to 56 degrees C core temperature for 30+ minutes
- Official marking: IPPC stamp with country code, producer number, and HT designation
- Debarked wood: All timber must be bark-free
Important Note
Not all EUR pallets are ISPM 15 treated. If you need pallets for export outside the EU, always verify that they carry the appropriate heat treatment marking.
Pallet Exchange System
One of the key advantages of EUR pallets is the exchange system. Within the EPAL network, pallets can be exchanged 1:1, meaning:
- Deliver goods on EUR pallets, receive the same number back
- No need to wait for your specific pallets to return
- Simplifies logistics and reduces empty running
- Maintains quality through network-wide standards
Need Quality EUR Pallets?
We stock all grades of EUR pallets with ISPM 15 certification available. Contact us for pricing.
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