Resource
The complete guide to making the right call for your use case, your load and your destination — with an interactive decision tree. Written for professional buyers anywhere in the EU.
Choosing a pallet is not just about dimensions. Five criteria determine the right model: the use pattern (multi-rotation or single use), the payload, the geographical destination, the industry sector, and the handling method. Answer these questions in order and you will eliminate 90% of the irrelevant options.
This is the first question to settle. If your pallet shuttles between your sites or your customers' sites, you need a multi-rotation exchange pallet (EPAL, VMF) — in Europe these circulate in an open pool where a compliant pallet is handed over for every pallet received. If the pallet travels with the goods to the final customer and never comes back, a one-way pallet is enough — and costs noticeably less. New to the European exchange culture? Our guide to pallet exchange and pooling →
The weight of your goods determines the required build strength. Light pallets (400 kg) suit low-density products. Semi-heavy models (750–850 kg) cover the majority of logistics uses. Heavy models (1,000–1,500 kg) are reserved for industrial loads. EPAL and CP pallets offer the highest ratings (1,500 kg dynamic, 4,000–6,000 kg static). Not sure how to read those figures? Dynamic vs static load explained →
For transport inside the EU, ISPM 15 treatment is not mandatory (except Portugal) — including for our own deliveries from the Paris region to your site. For export outside the EU — and to the UK since Brexit — it is imperative. Our one-way pallets are delivered with ISPM 15 treatment included. For second-hand EPAL, treatment is available on request. Everything about ISPM 15 → · 2026 country list →
Some sectors impose specific pallets. The chemical industry uses CP1 to CP9 pallets (ECTA/VCI scheme). The glass industry requires VMF pallets. Retail favours 800×600 half-pallets for in-store display. The pharmaceutical sector asks for sorted EPAL pallets with reinforced traceability.
A 4-way pallet (EPAL, CP, most one-way models) can be picked up by forklift or pallet truck from any side. A 2-way pallet (some half-pallets) can only be picked up from the open sides. If you run automated lines, a machine-grade EPAL is required: consistent dimensions and build quality keep conveyors and automatic palletisers running.
Answer the questions — we guide you to the right product.
ECTA/VCI scheme. 9 models for the chemical industry. Pick the model to match your container dimensions and packaging type.
See CP pallets →The only format accepted for transporting empty glass bottles and jars — the standard of the French glass industry. 1000×1200×154 mm, exchange pallet.
See the VMF pallet →The European standard. 1200×800×144 mm, 1,500 kg dynamic. Grade 1 for near-new condition, grade 2 for the best value for money.
See EPAL pallets →Straight to the shelf, no unloading. 2 half-pallets = 1 Euro pallet footprint. Ideal for display and point-of-sale.
See half-pallets →Single-use, economical. 5 boards, 3 bottom boards. Available in 1200×800 and 1200×1000 mm. ISPM 15 treatment included for export.
See one-way pallets →Versatile, 750–850 kg dynamic. 5 or 7 boards as needed. Available with overhanging deck or flush edges. ISPM 15 included.
See one-way pallets →Reinforced build for substantial loads. 22 mm boards, 3 bottom boards. 1,000 kg dynamic. ISPM 15 included.
See one-way pallets →For exceptional loads or out-of-gauge dimensions, we manufacture to your specification. Quote within 48 h.
Custom pallets →| Family | Main dimensions | Dynamic load | Rotation | ISPM 15 | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EPAL Euro pallet | 1200×800×144 mm | 1,500 kg | Multi | Optional | Universal |
| One-way | 1200×800 / 1200×1000 | 400–1,000 kg | Single | Included | Export, one-way flows |
| CP chemical | Variable (9 models) | 1,500–2,000 kg | Multi | Optional | Chemicals, petrochemicals |
| Half / quarter | 800×600 / 600×400 | 200–500 kg | Variable | Included | Retail, display |
| VMF | 1000×1200×154 mm | 1,000–1,500 kg | Exchange | — | Glass industry |
| Custom | To specification | To specification | Variable | Optional | All |
Three essential standards to know before you choose.
The European standard. 600M+ pallets in an open exchange pool. Licensed manufacturing and repair.
Mandatory phytosanitary treatment for export outside the EU. 56 °C / 30 min.
Wood from sustainably managed forests. Compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
To go further before you decide.
Real cost over 3 years, loads, standards, environment. The most complete comparison.
ISPM 15 obligations, countries concerned, checklist, mistakes to avoid.
CP1 to CP9 — selection by packaging, logistics constraints and stacking.
From 750 to 1,500 kg dynamic. Comparison table, choice by use, reinforced custom builds.
The most common questions about choosing a wooden pallet.
For any export outside the European Union, the wooden pallet must be ISPM 15 treated: heat treatment at 56 °C for at least 30 minutes, with the IPPC mark. One-way ISPM 15 pallets are the economical choice for single shipments; second-hand EPAL pallets can be treated on request. Inside the EU no treatment is required — with one exception, Portugal — and the UK requires ISPM 15 since Brexit. Everything about ISPM 15 →
The EPAL pallet is built for multi-rotation: it circulates in the open European exchange pool and can complete dozens of cycles. Dimensions 800×1200 mm, 1,500 kg dynamic load, certified by the EPAL/EUR marking. The one-way pallet travels with the goods and does not come back: cheaper per unit, but single use. A good option for distant exports and deliveries with no return logistics. Detailed comparison →
It depends on the model. Light one-way pallets carry around 400 kg dynamic. Semi-heavy models 750–850 kg. Heavy models 1,000–1,500 kg. EPAL and CP chemical pallets offer the highest ratings: up to 1,500 kg dynamic and 4,000–6,000 kg static (racking). Always distinguish the dynamic load (in motion) from the static load (on the ground or in a rack). Dynamic vs static load →
An authentic EPAL pallet carries several mandatory markings: the oval EPAL logo on the corner blocks, the IPPC ISPM 15 mark (e.g. FR-XXX HT), an approved producer number, the year of production and a quality-control identification. Dimensions must be exactly 800×1200×144 mm. If in doubt, check the consistency of the markings on the blocks and the build quality (11 boards, 78 nails, precise dimensions). EPAL markings and counterfeits →
The chemical industry uses CP pallets (Chemical Pallets) under the ECTA/VCI scheme, numbered CP1 to CP9. CP1 to CP5 are stringer-base pallets (open base), CP6 to CP9 are perimeter-base (closed base). The right model depends on the packaging type (drums, IBCs, bags), stacking constraints and the handling system. CP guide: which model? →
Delivery by full truckload from 300 pallets — below that, pickup at one of our 3 depots in the Paris region, France. Quote within 24 hours — our team replies in French and English.