If EPAL half pallets display one or more of the following faults, the pallets are not exchangeable and should be repaired in accordance with EPAL’s Technical Regulations.Non-exchangeable EPAL half pallets:
A board is missing.
A block is missing or split in such a way that more than one nail shank is visible. Twisted blocks must not protrude more than 10 mm.
A bottom or deck board is splintered in such a way that more than one nail shank is visible.
Twisted blocks must not protrude more than 10 mm.
A board is broken transversally or diagonally.
Further features of poor general condition:
The safe working load is no longer guaranteed (rotten and decayed, heavy splintering, damaged stringers).
The pallet is contaminated in such a way that this may lead to the contamination of the payload.
Heavy splintering is visible on several blocks.
Unacceptable components have clearly been used (e.g. boards that are too thin, blocks that are too small).
Repair provisions
EPAL half pallets which are not fit for use in accordance with the quality classification should be repaired in accordance with the EPAL Technical Regulations.
EPAL half pallets may only be repaired by licensed repair operations.
The repairing of EPAL half pallets without an EPAL licence shall be legally prosecuted.
Only dimensionally accurate components may be used in accordance with the EPAL Technical Regulations.
Following repair, EPAL half pallets should meet the quality classification for fit for use.
ISPM 15
Compliance with the ISPM 15 standard is the most essential condition for the unrestricted use of load carriers in the international movement of goods. EPAL wooden load carriers are produced and repaired according to the strict IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention) standard and can therefore be used across borders.
Since 01/01/2010, all newly produced EPAL 6 half pallets are heat treated in accordance with ISPM 15.
EPAL 6 half pallets treated according to ISPM 15 can be recognised by the branded markings on both central blocks on the long sides.
It is prohibited to treat EPAL half pallets with methyl bromide (MB).
Desgin features
These provisions also apply to repaired EPAL pallets.
Deck boards-stringers-bottom boards
EPAL 6 half pallet bottom and stringer boards must have a thickness of between 22 and 24 mm (stringers up to 25 mm), deck boards at least 17 mm.
There must not be any wanes on the stringers.
Poplar wood is not permitted for stringers.
The bottom boards must be chamfered on the upper edge of both 600-mm sides.
Chamfered bottom boards
Nail position
The position of the 69 nails used is stipulated in order to guarantee the diagonal rigidity of the pallet.
The nail pattern must be even and repetitive.
In accordance with the construction standard, the nails must be positioned with the greatest possible distance between them and at least 20 mm from the edges of the components.
All nails used to construct EPAL half pallets bear a head marking comprising two letters.
Only those nails that have been approved by EPAL, and which have additionally been verified by a neutral testing institute, may be used to assemble EPAL half pallets.
