Euro Pallet Types and Their Specific Requirements

Euro pallets are essential for efficient goods transportation across Europe and beyond. To ensure consistent quality and safe handling, specific requirements govern their construction and repair. This article outlines the different types of Euro pallets and the criteria they must meet.

EPAL Euro Pallet Repair Criteria

EPAL (European Pallet Association) sets stringent standards for Euro pallet quality. If a pallet exhibits any of the following defects, it must be repaired according to EPAL’s Technical Regulations:

• General Deterioration: This includes significant cracks or breaks in deckboards or blocks, rendering the load capacity unreliable. Excessive dirt that could contaminate cargo also necessitates repair.
• Block Damage: Several severely cracked or broken blocks compromise the pallet’s structural integrity.
• Unacceptable Components: The use of overly thin boards or narrow blocks falls outside the acceptable standards.

Pallets deemed unusable must be repaired by a licensed EPAL repair company using approved components that adhere to the EPAL Technical Regulations. Unauthorized repairs are subject to legal action. Repairing a pallet should restore it to a usable condition that meets the required quality classification.

ISPM 15 Compliance for International Shipping

Compliance with ISPM 15 (International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15) is crucial for using pallets in international trade. EPAL pallets are manufactured according to IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) guidelines, ensuring their global usability.

Key aspects of ISPM 15 compliance for EPAL pallets include:

• Heat Treatment: Since January 1, 2010, all new EPAL pallets undergo mandatory heat treatment according to ISPM 15.
• Marking: ISPM 15 treated pallets are identifiable by the IPPC mark branded on both middle blocks of the long side.
• Methyl Bromide Prohibition: Treatment with Methyl Bromide (MB) is strictly prohibited for EPAL pallets.

Specific Requirements for EPAL Euro Pallets

In addition to the repair and ISPM 15 requirements, EPAL Euro pallets must adhere to specific dimensional and construction standards:

Deckboard, Stringer, and Bottom Board Specifications

• Thickness: Deckboards must have a thickness between 22 and 24 mm (allowing for up to 25 mm with ridges).
• Stringer Design: Bottom edges of stringers must be chamfered (beveled). Poplar wood is not permitted for stringers.
• Bottom Boards: All bottom boards must have chamfered top edges on both long sides.

Nail Positioning and Specifications

• Diagonal Stiffness: The precise placement of the 78 nails ensures the pallet’s diagonal stiffness.
• Nail Pattern: The nail pattern must be uniform and repetitive, maximizing strength and stability.
• Placement: Nails must be positioned at the maximum permissible distance from each other, and at least 20 mm from component edges, within the structural standard.
• Head Mark: All nails used in EPAL Euro pallet construction feature a two-letter head mark for identification and quality control. Only EPAL-approved and independently tested nails are permissible.

These stringent requirements for Euro pallet types ensure consistent quality, safe handling, and compliance with international regulations for the efficient movement of goods worldwide.