Criteria
From EPAL Quality Classification poster, EPAL 08/2023.
- Missing component
- Unacceptable component not complying with the EPAL Technical Regulations (e.g. undersized, rotten, wane)
- Broken board, crossways, partly or completely
- Twisted block with more than approx. 1 cm protrusion
- Visible nail tips, or more than 2 nail shanks per pallet
- Dirt or contamination that may transfer to the payload (paint, oil, odour, mould, damp stains)
- Repair not to specifications
- No legible EPAL markings
Characteristics
- Not exchangeable under the EPAL Terms of Exchange
- Must not be used in the open exchange pool without repair
- Exchangeability is restored only by an EPAL-licensed repair company
In practice
This is the class that most surplus euro pallets in North American import yards end up in, simply because a single broken board is enough. The rule that matters is repair: only EPAL-licensed repair operations may repair EPAL pallets, and EPAL says unlicensed repair will be prosecuted.
If you hold not-fit-for-use pallets in the US or Canada, the options are an EPAL-licensed repairer (search EPAL's licensee list), sale as non-EPAL wood, or recycling. Use the recycle form and say how many and where.
Typical use: Licensed repair or recycling. For a North American holder, recycling is usually the realistic route.
Defects that put a pallet here
- Missing board
- Missing block
- Split block showing nail shanks
- Twisted block over 10 mm
- Splintered deck or bottom board
- Board broken across or diagonally
- Rot, decay or damaged stringers
- Contamination that could reach the payload
- Heavy splintering on several blocks
- Unacceptable components
- Visible nail tips or too many nail shanks
- Repair not to specification
- No legible EPAL marking
- Box pallet: deformed stacking frame or corner posts
- Box pallet: bent base frame or feet
- Box pallet: front panel will not open or close
- Box pallet: missing or broken board
- Box pallet: torn mesh with protruding wire
- Box pallet: rust or dirt that could reach the payload
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.