EPAL, the European Pallet Association, was founded in 1991 with a strong emphasis on the development and ensuring the prosperity of the global transportation system. For exporting goods to European countries, designing EPAL pallets according to export standards is an important factor. In today’s article, we will help businesses understand the origin and significance of EPAL EURO Pallet (EPAL 1).
THE EPAL PALLET BRAND
As an international association, the European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) is responsible for organizing the exchange of Euro EPAL pallets and has established a solid reputation in the market spanning over half a century. Along with other members of the Euro pallet association, they have developed a successful model, witnessing millions of pallets being used each year. Following the success of producing over 100 million Euro EPAL pallets in 2021, the European Pallet Association eV achieved a record milestone in 2022 with more than 109.05 million Euro EPAL pallets meeting the standard. These numbers indicate an annual growth rate of 7.55% or 7.65 million Euro EPAL pallets.
- EPAL is the symbol representing the European Pallet Organization system. “EPAL in oval” on the left and
right corner block (since 08/2013).
- The European standard pallet comes in various sizes, with the most common dimensions being 800x1200x144mm. These pallets are widely used in various industries. Pallet manufacturers for the European market must adhere to the standards of the European Pallet Association (EPAL).
- Standard dimensions: 800x1200x144mm
- Material: Kiln-dried spruce wood with moisture content below 20%.
EPAL pallets are a new standard for EPAL pallets in the Asian market. EPAL pallets are suitable for local and global cargo transportation needs.
- EPAL EUR pallets are used safely worldwide and across borders.
- EPAL EUR pallets ensure smooth and hassle-free cargo transportation.
- EPAL EUR pallets guarantee stable cargo storage.
- EPAL EUR pallets ensure maximum labor safety thanks to the highest quality pallets.
EPAL EURO PALLET (EPAL 1) MEETS EUROPEAN STANDARDS
In Europe, EURO pallets, also known as CEN pallets, are widely used in various industries with standard dimensions of 800x1200x144mm. European pallet manufacturers must comply with the regulations of the European Pallet Association (EPAL). EPAL manages every small detail, including the type of assembly used to build pallets and the type of wood used for pallet production.
These strict standards are based on the existence of a common pallet exchange organization across Europe. Pallet exchange agreements across national borders apply only to EURO pallets with EPAL EUR standards (primarily EURO1 pallets). Large international transportation transactions will use the same type of pallet, and the process of settling costs between the sender and receiver is even regulated, even in the case of international transportation involving countries participating in the European common market system.
The harmonization of cargo transportation handling in the European economic area has helped simplify the European common market system. It should be noted that EURO pallets are not the best choice for ISO standard container transportation due to their smaller dimensions compared to the width of the container.
MARKS AND SYMBOLS OF EPAL EURO PALLET (EPAL 1)
1/2: The brand and symbol of the European Pallet Association: Official logo and EPAL brand recognition.
3: IPPC brand, symbol following the principles of plant (forest) protection (mandatory since January 1, 2020, for EPAL pallets).
4: Country code.
5: Registration number of the responsible plant (forest) protection agency: Mandatory for EPAL pallets from January 1, 2020.
6: Heat treatment method: Here, HT stands for heat treatment, which eliminates pests.
7: EPAL control staple (mandatory): Identifies pallets that meet EPAL standards.
8: Repair nails (Only appears with EPAL repair pallets).
9: License number, year – month.
In Vietnam, there are not many licensed facilities for producing export-standard EPAL pallets. Mostly, pallet workshops will import used EPAL pallets to sell to customers. Therefore, when purchasing EPAL pallets, customers need to be cautious, research thoroughly, and specify their technical requirements.
