Two pallets can look identical, measure identically and cost noticeably different amounts. The difference is the licence and the stamp, and it decides whether your customer will accept the pallet or send it back. Here is what separates an EPAL pallet from a UIC one, and when each is the right choice.
What an EPAL pallet is
- Size 1200 × 800 × 144 mm.
- Weight approximately 25 kg.
- Assembled with 78 nails in a precisely defined pattern.
- Marked with the oval EPAL stamp on the corner blocks.
- Heat treated in accordance with ISPM 15.
- Repairable by a licensed operator — ours is licence BG-308.
- Exchangeable within the European pool.
What a UIC pallet is
- The same external dimensions as an EPAL pallet.
- No EPAL licence and no EPAL stamp.
- Fully compatible with European racking, forklifts and conveyors.
- Not part of the exchange system.
- No licensed repair route.
- Suited to internal logistics.
Side by side
| EPAL | UIC | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 1200 × 800 mm | 1200 × 800 mm |
| Licence and stamp | Yes, oval EPAL mark | No |
| Exchangeable | Yes | No |
| Licensed repair | Yes | No |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
When you need EPAL
- The large retail chains require exchangeable pallets, and will not accept anything else.
- Your goods go to buyers who work inside the EPAL pool.
- The pallets circulate for years and you want to be able to have them repaired and re-certified.
When UIC is enough
- Movement inside your own warehouse or plant.
- One-way shipments where the pallet is not coming back.
- Anywhere you are simply trying to bring the cost of packaging down.
The common mistake
A pallet measuring 1200 × 800 is not automatically a euro pallet. The dimensions are the easy part to copy; the licence is not. Before you accept a delivery as EPAL, look for the oval stamp on the corner blocks. If it is not there, what you have is a UIC pallet, whatever the invoice says.
Buying either
G-PAL supplies both, and repairs EPAL pallets under licence BG-308. Call +359 877 166 555 or email [email protected]. More about our EPAL licence.
