CP pallets: which model to choose?

The logic of CP pallets in 2 minutes

CP pallets (« Chemical Pallets », ECTA/VCI standard) are the workhorse of the European chemical industry — from continental production sites to the container terminals of the North Sea ports. They split into two families you need to understand before picking a model:

CP1 to CP5 — skid pallets. Open bottom deck (3 runners), 9-block structure. Lighter build, suitable when stacking is not critical. Indicative capacity of 1,500 kg dynamic / 4,000 kg static for CP1, CP3, CP4 and CP5, varying by manufacturer (CP2: no indicative value): the CP specification sets no handling load per model.

CP6 to CP9 — perimeter-base pallets. Closed frame underneath, reinforced structure. Better stacking stability thanks to the peripheral frame. For the CP8 and CP9, manufacturers often state higher values (2,000 kg dynamic / 6,000 kg static, as an indication).

Choose by packaging type

You ship steel or plastic drums

→ CP1 (1000×1200) or CP6 (1200×1000, perimeter base). The 1000×1200 format is optimised for 4 drums of 200 L in a 2×2 layout. If you stack loaded pallets, prefer the CP6 for its superior stability. The CP1 is the best-selling CP model in Europe.

You ship bags (25–50 kg)

→ CP1 or CP4 (1100×1300, the largest skid format). The CP4 is recommended for bulky bags or wide palletisation patterns. For standard bags on the 1000×1200 footprint, the CP1 is enough.

You ship big bags (FIBC)

→ CP8 (1140×1140, perimeter base with central hole). The central hole allows the big bag to be discharged directly on the pallet — a feature unique to the CP8. Reinforced 2,000 kg dynamic capacity to carry filled big bags.

You ship octabins

→ CP3 (1140×1140, skids) or CP9 (1140×1140, perimeter base). The square 1140×1140 format is optimised for octagonal containers. The CP9, with its perimeter frame and 6,000 kg static capacity, is ideal for heavy octabins — common in polymer flows shipped in containers.

You ship cartons or fibre drums

→ CP2 (800×1200, the only CP in the Euro format) for standard cartons. CP5 (760×1140) for 20' or 40' sea-container optimisation. The CP2 has the advantage of being compatible with logistics systems calibrated for the 800×1200 footprint.

Choose by logistics constraint

You need to optimise the sea container

A direct concern for containerised exports through Antwerp, Rotterdam or Le Havre: the 1140×1140 mm format (CP3, CP8, CP9) is designed to fit an ISO container precisely. Two 1140 mm pallets side by side = 2,280 mm, almost the full internal width of a container (2,330 mm). Very little wasted space.

The CP5 (760×1140) is the « half » format designed for three pallets across the container width: 3 × 760 = 2,280 mm.

You need to stack loaded pallets

Choose the perimeter-base models CP6 to CP9. The closed bottom frame provides a stable seat for stacked pallets. Manufacturers often state 6,000 kg static for the CP8 and CP9, as an indication: have the permissible load checked for the number of stacking levels.

You need reinforced load capacities

For the CP8 and CP9, manufacturers often state higher values (2,000 kg dynamic / 6,000 kg static, as an indication). For CP1 and CP3 to CP7, indicative values are 1,500 / 4,000 kg, varying by manufacturer (CP2: no indicative value): the CP specification sets no handling load per model. Whatever model you choose, have its permissible load confirmed, in handling as well as in racking.

Reference nominal racking loads under the CP specification (edition 7, table 13): about 520 kg (CP1), 750 kg (CP2), 460 kg (CP3), 500 kg (CP4), 690 kg (CP5), 930 kg (CP6), 830 kg (CP7), 1,000 kg (CP8) and 810 kg (CP9), that is, 50% of the average breaking load measured on pallets made of low-strength timber that still meets the specified quality. The specification states that these values also apply to less severe uses than racking, such as block stacking. They are reference values for a new pallet tested as described in the specification; for a used pallet, a concentrated load or another racking configuration, have the permissible load checked.

You export outside the European Union

Any wooden pallet leaving the EU — including via the North Sea container terminals — must be ISPM 15 treated (heat treatment at 56 °C for 30 minutes, IPPC marking). Treatment is available on request for all 9 CP models. Everything about ISPM 15 →

Quick selection table

The 4 most requested models

In practice, 4 CP models cover the vast majority of needs across the European chemical industry — and of the enquiries we receive from abroad:

CP1 — the all-rounder. 1000×1200 format, suited to drums, bags and cans. The best seller.

CP3 — the maritime one. Square 1140×1140 format, container-optimised. Ideal for octabins and drums leaving Europe by sea.

CP6 — the stackable CP1. Same footprint as the CP1, but with a perimeter frame for stacking.

CP9 — the reinforced heavy-duty model. 1140×1140, perimeter base, 6,000 kg static. For heavy loads and intensive stacking.

Frequently asked questions

Can CP and EPAL pallets be mixed in the same warehouse?

Yes, but mind the dimensions. The CP2 (800×1200) is the only CP in the Euro format. All the others have specific dimensions that are not compatible with racking calibrated for 1200×800. Check the compatibility of your storage systems.

Do CP pallets circulate in an exchange pool like EPAL?

The CP system is a manufacturing standard, not a formalised exchange pool like EPAL. In practice CP pallets circulate between chemical-industry operators — including around the big port clusters — and are repaired and reused, but there is no official exchange pool comparable to the EPAL pool. How pallet exchange and pooling work →

Do CP pallets need ISPM 15 treatment for export?

Yes, like any solid-wood pallet leaving the EU. ISPM 15 treatment is available on request for all CP models. More about ISPM 15 →

How does delivery work outside France?

📦 Delivery by full truckload from 300 pallets — below that, pickup at one of our 3 depots in the Paris region, France. Realistic lead times by destination are listed on our European delivery page; loading and pickup details are on the pickup & delivery page.