EPAL – European Pallet Association was established in 1991. Since its inception, EPAL has been dedicated to the development and successful maintenance of the world’s transportation system. For exporting goods to European countries, the use of new EPAL pallets meeting export standards is essential. This article aids businesses in comprehending the origins and significance of this pallet type.
EPAL PALLET BRANDS
As an international association, the European Pallet Association eV (EPAL) is responsible for organizing the Euro EPAL pallet exchange group, which has been renowned in the market for over 30 years. In 2021, the European Pallet Association eV (EPAL) produced more than 100 million Euro EPAL pallets. This number didn’t stop there; in 2022, EPAL increased its production to a new record of 109.05 million Euro EPAL pallets. This reflects a growth rate of 7.55%, equivalent to an annual increase of approximately 7.65 million Euro EPAL pallets.
Exported goods destined for the European market are required to be accompanied by EPAL-standard pallets.
Goods exported to the European market are required to be accompanied by EPAL standard pallets.
- EPAL is the symbol of the European Pallet Association’s organizational system. The symbol consists of the letters “EPAL” inside an oval shape located in both the left and right corners of the pallet (effective since 08/ 2013).
- The standard European pallet comes in various sizes, with the most common one being 800 x 1200 x 144 mm. It is used in various industries. Manufacturers of pallets for Europe must adhere to the European Pallet Association (EPAL) standards.
- Material: Kiln-dried spruce wood with moisture content below 20%.
ADVANTAGES OF THE EUROPEAN STANDARD EPAL PALLET
- Global Safety: EPAL EUR pallets are used safely worldwide, adhering to standardized guidelines.
- Secure and Smooth Transportation: EPAL EUR pallets ensure secure and smooth transportation of goods, minimizing the risk of damage during transit.
- Stable Storage: EPAL EUR pallets guarantee the most stable storage of goods, reducing the chances of instability or collapse.
- Maximum Labor Safety: EPAL EUR pallets ensure maximum workplace safety due to their high-quality construction, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
EPAL Standard Pallet for European Export
EPAL 1 STANDARD EUROPEAN PALLET
In Europe, the EURO pallet, also known as the CEN pallet, is widely utilized across various industries with dimensions of 800 x 1200 x 144 mm. Manufacturers of EURO pallets must adhere to the European Pallet Association (EPAL), an organization that regulates even the minutest details, including nail types for pallet assembly and the wood used for pallet construction.
Stringent standards are established based on the existence of a common European pallet exchange organization. The mutual cross-border pallet exchange agreements primarily encompass EPAL EUR pallets (mainly EUR1 pallets). Large-scale transportation and logistics operations often employ a standardized pallet type, facilitating cost offset arrangements between senders and recipients, even in international transport involving countries within the European Common Market (EU).
This harmonization of cargo handling within the European economic region has led to simplification in the European common market system. However, EURO pallets are not the most efficient for container transport according to ISO standards, and their size slightly undershoots the width of standard containers.
Basic Specifications of EPAL 1 Pallet:
- Length: 1200 mm
- Width: 800 mm
- Height: 144 mm
- Approximate Weight: 25 kg
- Safe working load: 1500 kg
- Maximum additional load: 4,000 kg when stacking
MARKS AND SYMBOLS OF EPAL PALLETS
Raw EPAL
- Brand and Emblem of the European Pallet Association (EPAL): Recognize the official EPAL logo and brand, ensuring the pallet’s authenticity and quality.
- IPPC Logo and Plant Protection: Comply with plant protection regulations, such as heat treatment (HT), which is mandatory for EPAL pallets since January 1, 2020, to prevent the spread of pests.
- Country Code
- Registration Number of the Responsible Plant Protection Authority
- Heat Treatment (HT): EPAL pallets are heat-treated to eradicate pests. Look for the HT stamp as proof of proper treatment.
- EPAL Control Staple: The EPAL control staple signifies that the pallet conforms to EPAL standards and regulations.
- Repair Nail Holes (Only Applicable to EPAL Repair Pallets): If purchasing repair pallets, the presence of repair nail holes should be taken into account.
- License Number and Year-Month: Verify the license number and manufacturing date to ensure the pallet’s authenticity and quality.
When purchasing EPAL pallets, it’s important to verify their authenticity, adherence to regulations, and suitability for your requirements. Feel free to get in touch with DNS Solution directly at hotline: 079 3333 086 for expert advice and support when procuring a substantial quantity of EPAL pallets.
