The counterfeiting of pallets, particularly EUR / EPAL certified pallets, is a worrying phenomenon in the logistics sector. These pallets are designed according to strict standards guaranteeing their strength, safety and compliance with international regulations. However, fraudulent copies are circulating on the market, jeopardising the safety of goods, workers and logistics infrastructures.
EUR / EPAL pallets are widely used in Europe and throughout the world, particularly for transporting heavy goods. Their robustness and standardisation make them an ideal support for logistics chains. However, their popularity also makes them a target for counterfeiters.
Fraudulent pallets are often made from inferior materials and do not meet the strength standards imposed by EPAL and the UIC. These counterfeits can:
- Break under load and cause accidents.
- Fail to comply with the required phytosanitary treatments, encouraging the spread of parasites.
- Cheat buyers by charging them for a product that does not meet quality standards.
A number of counterfeit pallets have been seized in recent years, with penalties imposed on the manufacturers and distributors involved.
Measures taken by manufacturers and certification bodies
In response to this scourge, the European Pallet Association (EPAL) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), which manage the certification of EUR / EPAL pallets, have introduced measures to combat counterfeiting:
- Frequent inspections of approved manufacturers.
- Filing of complaints and legal proceedings against manufacturers of counterfeit pallets.
- Raising awareness among companies and hauliers of the risks of fraudulent pallets.
- Working with customs and the authorities to identify suspect shipments.
Approved manufacturers must comply with strict specifications and are subject to regular audits to guarantee the conformity of their products.
Identification of certified pallets: manufacture and marking
Genuine EUR / EPAL pallets can be distinguished by a number of manufacturing and marking features:
- Certified nails, staples and thimbles.
- Mandatory markings:
- EPAL or EUR logo on the side dice.
- Approved manufacturer's code indicating country and approval number.
- UIC licence number, proving official manufacturing authorisation.
- ISPM 15 (HT) marking attesting to the heat treatment required for export.
- Other specific markings, such as date of manufacture and type of nails used.
Any pallet missing one or more of these elements should be considered suspect.
Checks and inspections
EUR / EPAL pallets are checked at several levels:
- By approved manufacturers, who must comply with the standards and be audited regularly.
- By EPAL and the UIC, via unannounced checks at production sites.
- By customs, which can inspect imported and exported pallets.
- By carriers and companies, who must ensure the authenticity of the pallets they use.
In case of doubt, suspicious pallets can be reported to the certification bodies.
Advice
Fraudulent pallets often have visible anomalies. Here are a few tips to help you identify them:
- Check the markings: a blurred, badly engraved or missing logo is a sign of counterfeiting.
- Look at the quality of the wood: wood that is too light, badly planed or with cracks may be suspect.
- Look at the heat treatment (HT): a EUR / EPAL pallet must be marked with the ISPM 15 symbol.
- Beware of prices that are too low: an abnormally low price may conceal illegal production.
- Buy from certified suppliers: give preference to approved manufacturers to guarantee the authenticity of the pallets.
The use of EUR / EPAL certified pallets is essential to guarantee the safety of goods and people. By knowing the distinctive features of genuine pallets and remaining vigilant against counterfeits, businesses can avoid risks and contribute to a safer, more reliable market.
Need certified pallets? Trust approved manufacturers!