Knowledge centre
Frequently asked questions
Short answers, and where the honest answer is “it depends” or “we cannot say”, we say that instead of inventing certainty.
- What size is a Euro pallet?
- The Euro footprint is 1200 x 800 mm. An EPAL 1 pallet is 1200 x 800 x 144 mm overall. Other pallets sharing the 1200 x 800 deck are Euro-format, but their construction may differ.
- What is the difference between a Euro pallet and an EPAL pallet?
- Euro-format describes the 1200 x 800 mm footprint. EPAL is a registered trademark and quality pool: a pallet is only an EPAL pallet if it was produced or repaired by an EPAL licensee and carries the corresponding EPAL marks. Size and pool status are separate claims.
- How heavy is an EPAL 1 pallet?
- The EPAL reference specification gives approximately 25 kg. A used pallet that has absorbed moisture can be noticeably heavier, which matters where pallets are handled manually.
- What load can a Euro pallet carry?
- The EPAL reference specification gives a safe working load of 1500 kg, and up to 5500 kg as the bottom pallet in a laden stack on a solid, level floor. Those are reference figures with conditions attached and cannot be assumed for unbranded pallets, damaged pallets or your particular racking.
- Do my pallets need to be heat treated to send goods to the EU?
- Solid wood packaging material moving between Great Britain and the EU must meet ISPM 15 treatment and marking requirements. Heat treatment, shown by the code HT within the IPPC mark, is the method almost universally used. Plastic pallets are not wood packaging and sit outside the standard.
- Is a certificate enough evidence of ISPM 15 compliance?
- The ISPM 15 mark on the wood, rather than a certificate, is the key evidence. Marks can be checked at the border and non-compliant wood packaging may be rejected or destroyed, so what is stamped on the block is what matters.
- Does an EPAL mark mean the pallet is ISPM 15 compliant?
- No. EPAL marking concerns the trademark and quality pool. Plant-health status depends on treatment and the IPPC mark. Check both separately.
- What are the rules for sending pallets to Northern Ireland?
- Wood packaging moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland must be ISPM 15 treated and marked. Arrangements for movements from Northern Ireland to the EU are unchanged. Treat the two legs as separate questions.
- Can I call an unmarked 1200 x 800 pallet an EPAL pallet?
- No. It should be described as an unbranded or unstamped Euro-format pallet. Describing it as EPAL, unstamped EPAL or EPAL-style misleads whoever buys or receives it next.
- Do you have a minimum order?
- Pallet sales start at 100 pallets per order. Collection enquiries are considered from 10 pallets upwards. Availability and routes are confirmed in writing.
- Do you deliver same day?
- Same-day delivery is possible on orders placed before 10am where the route is serviceable and confirmed. Nationwide next-day may be possible on larger orders. Nothing is promised until it is confirmed in writing.
- Do you publish prices and stock levels?
- No. Grade availability changes constantly and a published figure would be misleading. Tell us the quantity, route and date and we will quote in writing, confirming specification and availability.
- Do you supply UK standard or CP pallets?
- No. We specialise in the 1200 x 800 Euro format only, in timber and plastic. If you need another footprint we will say so rather than sell you something unsuitable.
- Can you tell me whether my consignment is compliant?
- No. We supply pallets and explain what is marked on them. We are not an inspection body, we do not issue phytosanitary certificates and we do not give legal or customs advice. The pallet checker returns cautious categories only.
Still unclear?
Send photographs of the marked blocks with your enquiry and we will tell you what we can see — and what we cannot.