The EPAL pallet 1200×800 mm is the official pallet standard of the European market - managed and licensed by the European Pallet Association (EPAL). It is mandatory for many EU partners, especially supermarket chains, food distribution and textile exports. The 1200×800×144 mm size, with a permitted tolerance of ±3 mm, is tightly controlled.
The names "Euro pallet" and "EUR pallet" refer to the same standard. According to EPAL, more than 600 million EPAL pallets circulate within the European pool - the largest pallet rental and exchange network in the world. A pallet meeting the EPAL standard can be returned or exchanged at any EPAL collection point across the EU.
Strict EPAL specifications - no compromise
An EPAL pallet is not just a "1200×800 pallet". EPAL defines dozens of mandatory specifications; the most important are below:
| Specification | EPAL standard |
|---|---|
| Overall dimensions | 1200 × 800 × 144 mm (±3 mm) |
| Dynamic load (fork lift) | 1,500 kg |
| Static load (rack) | 4,000 kg |
| Top deckboards | 5 boards (3 wide + 2 narrow) |
| Bottom deckboards | 3 boards (under the 3 stringers) |
| Foot blocks | 9 blocks (3×3 layout) |
| Nails / bolts | 78 nails (exactly specified) |
| Pallet weight | 20-24 kg |
| Phytosanitary treatment | HT (Heat Treatment) - ISPM-15 |
| Entry | 4-way |
The EPAL mark: how to read and verify it
The EPAL mark on a pallet is the most important legal proof when exporting to the EU. Each foot of a valid EPAL pallet must carry a stamp with four elements:
- EPAL logo - the oval EPAL symbol in the centre
- IPPC code - format XX/YYY/ZZ, where XX is the country code (VN), YYY the facility registration number, ZZ the treatment code (HT)
- EUR mark - on the left-hand foot
- Inspection code - a serial number allowing traceability
A pallet carrying the EPAL logo but without a full IPPC code is a counterfeit of the standard - a breach of EPAL rules that can be rejected at import. This is common in the Vietnamese market and worth watching for. Our pallets are ISPM-15 heat-treated with a full IPPC mark.
For export teams: why EPAL matters more than "the right size"
For export teams, many businesses confuse an ordinary 1200×800 mm pallet with an EPAL pallet. An ordinary 1200×800 mm pallet of the same size but without EPAL certification will not be accepted into the pallet pool of EU supermarket chains (Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, REWE) - chains that require EPAL pallets to be returned after unloading. The hidden cost: a non-return charge of 10-15 euros each. For a load of 500 pallets per container, that is 5,000-7,500 euros not budgeted for. Confirm your EU partner's pallet requirement before ordering.
For procurement teams: EPAL 1200×800 or EPAL 1200×1000?
For procurement teams, the size choice depends on the export market. EPAL 1200×800 mm (EUR-1) is mandatory for European trucks and most EU warehouse systems - a standard 2.4 m wide EU truck holds exactly three rows of 800 mm pallets. EPAL 1200×1000 mm is more common in Vietnam for domestic warehouses and exports that do not require an EPAL pool. If you export to EU supermarkets or a partner requires the EPAL pool: choose 1200×800 mm. In other cases, the EPAL 1200×1000 mm is more flexible.
Applications requiring the EPAL 1200×800 pallet
- Export to EU supermarket chains: Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, Rewe and Tesco require the EPAL pool
- Food and beverage exports to the EU: per EU food-safety hygiene rules
- Textiles and footwear into the EU: many EU brands specify EPAL pallets in their contracts
- Reefer container exports to the EU: the 800 mm size optimises space in a 2.4 m container
Frequently asked questions
Are EPAL pallets made in Vietnam genuinely up to standard?
EPAL licenses production to facilities that meet its technical standard and submit to periodic audits. ICD Vietnam produces EPAL pallets under EPAL licence to the correct specifications. However, the Vietnamese market has many "fake EPAL" pallets - made to the right size but without a genuine EPAL licence. Ask your supplier for their EPAL licence number to verify on epal-pallets.org before placing a large order.
How does the EPAL pallet pool work in Vietnam?
The EPAL pool lets an exporter buy EPAL pallets once, use them to ship goods, and have the EU partner return them after unloading (or be charged if not returned). In Vietnam this works mainly for businesses with regular EU partners. Contact ICD Vietnam for advice on choosing between one-time purchase and the pool system.
Can EPAL pallets be used for domestic warehouses?
Yes - but it is usually too costly for domestic needs. EPAL pallets meet ISPM-15 and other high standards, so they cost 30-50% more than ordinary pallets. Use EPAL for domestic warehouses only when the warehouse plans to export to the EU in future, or a domestic partner specifically requires the EPAL standard.
Request a quote for EPAL 1200×800
Need EPAL pallets for an EU export order? ICD Vietnam advises free of charge on the right standard and quantity. See the EPAL 1200×1000 mm if your market does not require an EPAL pool.
Need a quote for the EPAL pallet 1200×800 mm? Request a quote with your size, quantity and destination.
- North Vietnam: 0983 797 186 / 090 345 9186 / 090 5859 186
- South Vietnam: 098 6784 186
- Email: Sales@icdvietnam.com.vn
- Zalo: 090 345 9186