EPAL, the European Pallet Association, defines a family of standardized load carriers: the EPAL 1 Euro pallet (1200 × 800 mm), the EPAL 2 and EPAL 3 (1200 × 1000 mm), the EPAL 6 and EPAL 7 half pallets (800 × 600 mm), the EPAL box pallet (1200 × 800 × 970 mm) and the CP1 to CP9 pallets for the chemical industry. All are produced and repaired only by EPAL licensees and carry the EPAL brand and ISPM 15 mark.
Overview of the standard EPAL flat pallets
| Type | Length × width × height (mm) | Weight | Boards / blocks / nails | Safe working load | Max. stacked load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPAL 1 (EUR 1) | 1200 × 800 × 144 | about 25 kg | 11 / 9 / 78 | 1,500 kg | 5,500 kg |
| EPAL 2 | 1200 × 1000 × 162 | about 35 kg | 17 / 9 / 133 | 1,250 kg | 4,250 kg |
| EPAL 3 | 1200 × 1000 × 144 | about 30 kg | 13 / 9 / 84 | 1,500 kg | 4,500 kg |
| EPAL 6 half pallet | 800 × 600 × 144 | about 9.5 kg | 13 / 9 / 69 | 750 kg | 1,500 kg |
| EPAL 7 half pallet | 800 × 600 × 163 | about 9.5 kg | 13 / 3 / 42 | 500 kg | 1,500 kg |
"Max. stacked load" is the load permitted on the bottom pallet when laden pallets stand on a solid, even surface. The load figures are not racking ratings; see pallet load capacity. Sizes and weights are the nominal values published by EPAL.
Flat pallets in detail
EPAL 1: the Euro pallet
The EPAL 1 is the original and by far the best-known type. It has three blocks along each long side, four-way entry and chamfered bottom boards. It is the basis of the open exchange system and has its own guide in the Euro pallet (EUR/EPAL 1).
EPAL 2 and EPAL 3: the 1200 × 1000 mm formats
Both are 1200 × 1000 mm pallets, but they differ in design purpose.
- EPAL 2 is a heavier industrial pallet with 17 boards and 133 nails. Its bottom frame consists of boards that allow transport on chain or roller conveyors, which makes it suitable for automated lines. Its height is 162 mm and its safe working load is 1,250 kg.
- EPAL 3 has 13 boards and 84 nails and is positioned by EPAL as the "new Asian standard" within its range, for goods flows between Europe and Asia where 1200 × 1000 mm and 1100 × 1100 mm pallets dominate. It has a height of 144 mm and a safe working load of 1,500 kg.
The wider 1200 × 1000 mm world, including the UK standard and non-EPAL variants, is covered in the 1200 × 1000 mm industrial pallet.
EPAL 6 and EPAL 7: half pallets
Half pallets measure 800 × 600 mm (31.5 × 23.6 in), half the area of an EPAL 1, and are used for retail-ready displays, promotions and smaller consignments. Both have a safe working load of 500 kg.
- EPAL 6 is a smaller scale version of the Euro pallet with 13 boards, 9 blocks and 69 nails.
- EPAL 7 is built differently: it has only 3 blocks and 6 steel angle brackets reinforcing the frame, plus 13 boards and 42 nails, and a height of 163 mm. EPAL notes its popularity in the food and drink industry, discount stores and retail.
For other display formats, including the 600 × 400 mm quarter pallet, see display, half and quarter pallets.
EPAL box pallet
The EPAL box pallet is an exchange pallet with a steel lattice frame and four wooden boards, measuring 1200 × 800 mm with a height of 970 mm. EPAL calls it the most widely used exchange box pallet in the world and an essential tool of the automotive industry. Its features:
- Weight of 70 kg (current design) or 85 kg (earlier models);
- Safe working load of 1,500 kg (earlier design: 900 kg);
- Loading volume of 0.75 m³;
- Two hinged panels for access;
- Maximum stacking load of 6,000 kg on the bottom unit on a solid, level surface;
- Marking with an embossed EPAL oval and a control seal.
Repairs are permitted only by licensed operations, using dimensionally correct parts. Box pallets are part of the wider range of wooden boxes and cases and collars discussed elsewhere in this guide.
EPAL CP pallets for the chemical industry
The CP series (CP1 to CP9) are EPAL load carriers designed for the chemical industry. They use 18–20 mm deck and bottom boards, thinner than on the standard EPAL pallets. Dimensions published by EPAL for several of them:
| Type | Dimensions (mm) | Boards / blocks / nails |
|---|---|---|
| CP1 | 1000 × 1200 × 138 | 15 / 9 / 81 |
| CP2 | 800 × 1200 × 138 | 13 / 9 / 60 |
| CP3 | 1140 × 1140 × 138 | 15 / 9 / 81 |
| CP4 | 1100 × 1300 × 138 | 15 / 9 / 87 |
| CP6 | 1200 × 1000 × 156 | 20 / 9 / 84 |
The remaining CP formats (CP5, CP7, CP8 and CP9) are also part of the series, but their dimensions are not reproduced here. The full background is in CP chemical pallets.
Common rules for all EPAL pallets
- Wood and construction: poplar is not allowed for stringer boards, and wane on stringer boards is prohibited; nails must be EPAL-approved and marked.
- Heat treatment: EPAL pallets newly produced since 1 January 2010 are heat treated according to ISPM 15 and carry the IPPC mark.
- Repairs: damaged pallets may only be repaired by EPAL-licensed repairers, and a repaired pallet receives a repair nail with the repairer's licence number.
- Marking: the branding and codes are explained in how to read EPAL pallet markings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between EPAL 1, EPAL 2 and EPAL 3?
EPAL 1 is the 1200 × 800 mm Euro pallet. EPAL 2 and EPAL 3 are both 1200 × 1000 mm; EPAL 2 is a heavier industrial pallet (about 35 kg) designed for conveyor use, while EPAL 3 (about 30 kg) is aimed at Asian-compatible logistics.
Which EPAL pallet is the half pallet?
The EPAL 6 and EPAL 7, both 800 × 600 mm. The EPAL 6 carries up to 750 kg and the EPAL 7 up to 500 kg; both are used mainly in retail and display logistics.
How many EPAL types are there?
The EPAL range comprises the flat pallets EPAL 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, the EPAL box pallet and the CP1 to CP9 chemical pallets.
Can EPAL pallets be produced by anyone?
No. Only licensed producers and repairers may apply the EPAL brand. See how to get an EPAL licence.
Sources
- EPAL Euro Pallet (EPAL 1) — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 2 pallet — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 3 pallet — European Pallet Association
- EPAL 6 half pallet data sheet — EPAL data sheet hosted by Qimarox
- EPAL 7 half pallet — European Pallet Association
- EPAL box pallet — European Pallet Association
- EPAL CP1 pallet — European Pallet Association
- EPAL CP4 pallet — European Pallet Association