Criteria
From EPAL Quality Classification poster, EPAL 08/2023.
- Adhesions such as cardboard, foil, tape or labels permitted; after removal a higher class is possible
- Signs of heavy use, but no dirt or contamination that may transfer to the payload
- Slightly twisted blocks permitted (≤ 1 cm protrusion)
- At least one EPAL marking legible on each side
- Splitting permitted in the wood
- Max. 1 nail shank visible per component and 2 per pallet; nail tips must not be visible
- May have been repaired, with a repair marking nail as proof of licensed repair
Characteristics
- Pallet has already been used
- Mainly dark-coloured
- Surface moisture from use or environment is permitted
In practice
Class C is the last class that is still exchangeable under the EPAL Terms of Exchange. It is also the only one the poster does not mark as MCH-suitable, so keep class C out of automated conveyors and high-bay racking.
Note the one-centimetre rule: the poster allows slightly twisted blocks up to 1 cm protrusion in class C, and lists a twisted block with more than about 1 cm protrusion as a not-fit-for-use fault. EPAL's product pages give the same limit as 10 mm.
Typical use: Manual handling, floor storage and one-way loads where the pallet will not run through automated systems.
Defects that put a pallet here
Status of the classification
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.