What the classification says
Surface moisture due to use or environment is permitted (classes A, B, C). New pallets: max. 22% residual moisture.
How to spot it
Damp surfaces after rain or a reefer are common. Mould or damp stains are a different matter: they count as contamination.
Why it matters
Pallets that sat in rain, a damp warehouse or a refrigerated container are often wet on the surface. The classification allows this in classes A, B and C, and only new pallets have a moisture limit: a maximum of 22% residual moisture after chamber drying. The line to watch is between moisture and contamination: mould, mildew smell and damp stains are contamination, which makes a pallet not fit for use. Store wet pallets under cover with air around them before grading.
Effect on the pallet's class
Allowed in A, B and C. A new pallet must be chamber-dried to 22% or less. See Class C for the full criteria.
Repair
Dry under cover; no repair.