| Class | Exchangeable | Machines and racking | In short |
|---|---|---|---|
| New | Yes | Yes | Chamber-dried |
| Class A | Yes | Yes | Mainly light-coloured |
| Class B | Yes | Yes | Mainly dark-coloured |
| Class C | Yes | No | Mainly dark-coloured |
| Not fit for use | No | No | Must not be used in the open exchange pool without repair |
| Unsorted | by agreement | No | Exchanged one-to-one between market players |
Before you rely on a class
The EPAL Quality Classification is a non-binding recommendation. It applies only when the companies involved agree to use it. Without that agreement, only the EPAL Terms of Exchange apply, under which new and used EPAL Euro pallets of classes A, B and C are exchangeable without restriction.
Under EPAL's Terms of Exchange, which apply when no other agreement is made, new pallets and used pallets of classes A, B and C are exchangeable without restriction. The classes matter most when a buyer and seller agree to use them, for example when an exporter's customer will only accept class A or B for an automated warehouse, or when an importer sells a sorted lot.
Reading the table
"Machines and racking" follows the MCH marking on EPAL's poster: new, A and B are marked as suitable for machines, conveyor systems and high-bay racking; C and not fit for use are not. Unsorted pallets have no fixed criteria; the parties agree them case by case. Each class sheet lists the full criteria and characteristics from the poster, with typical uses.
Colour is the most visible difference and the least reliable. Check structure, adhesions and legible marks first; the defects index lists each fault and the class it leads to.