What Is a Euro Pallet? Standard Euro Pallet Sizes for Export

A Euro pallet (Europallet, EPAL pallet) is a wooden pallet built to a European standard for shipping and storage. The most common type, the EUR/EPAL 1, measures 1200 x 800 x 144 mm. Its fixed dimensions standardise container loading, suit forklift and pallet-truck handling, and keep goods consistent as they move across Europe.

History of the Euro pallet

The Euro pallet was first developed in the 1960s, born from the need to standardise transport equipment in the European rail industry. Rail companies across Europe cooperated to create a single, uniform solution for moving goods, and the result was a pallet with a fixed footprint.

Over the following decades the Euro pallet became a global reference. Beyond rail, it is now used widely in road, air and sea freight thanks to its consistency and the way it interlocks with standard racking, conveyors and handling equipment.

Standard Euro pallet dimensions

The standard EUR/EPAL 1 footprint is 1200 x 800 mm, with a height of 144 mm. This footprint fits neatly into European truck and container spaces and is the reference against which the other EUR sizes are defined (half pallet, quarter pallet and so on).

Types of Euro pallet by material

Euro pallets are grouped by material and construction. Each type has its own strengths, suited to different shipping needs.

Plastic Euro pallet

Plastic Euro pallets are made from rigid plastic, usually HDPE or PP. They resist moisture and chemicals and are easy to clean, which makes them ideal for the food and pharmaceutical industries where hygiene and safety standards are strict. See more on plastic export pallets.

Wooden Euro pallet

The wooden Euro pallet is the most common type, made from hardwood or softwood. Its biggest advantages are a lower price and easy repair when damaged. The trade-off is that wood is more prone to moisture and is less durable than plastic, so it is typically used in industries without strict hygiene requirements.

Euro pallet sizes versus ISO pallet standards

The European standard (Euro pallet) and the ISO standard differ in size and design. The Euro pallet uses a fixed 1200 x 800 mm footprint, while ISO pallets come in several sizes depending on the region, such as 1200 x 1000 mm or 1140 x 1140 mm.

Converting between the two needs care so that goods are loaded and handled safely. This matters most in export operations, where matching pallet footprints directly affects shipping cost and how well goods are protected in transit.

EUR and EPAL pallet types on the market

Reference: EPAL Euro Pallet and the related EPAL 2, 3 and 6 half-pallet pages.

Standards a Euro pallet must meet

A Euro pallet must comply with the strict EPAL standards covering material, dimensions and load capacity. It must also meet hygiene and safety requirements, especially when used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

These standards do more than guarantee pallet quality: they build trust and safety into international shipping by ensuring every certified pallet behaves the same way under load. See also what the ISO 9001:2008 standard is.

Advantages and disadvantages of the Euro pallet

Every Euro pallet, wood or plastic, has its own strengths and weaknesses, so weigh them carefully against your specific needs before choosing.

How to choose a Euro pallet: advice from ICD Viet Nam

1. Choose the right material

Choose plastic for hygiene-critical goods (food, pharma, cold storage) and wood when cost and repairability matter more than moisture resistance.

2. Choose the right size

Match the pallet footprint to your container and the goods being shipped: EUR/EPAL 1 (1200 x 800 mm) for EU exports, EUR 2 (1200 x 1000 mm) for heavier loads.

3. Confirm load capacity

Specify static, dynamic and racking loads for your goods so the pallet is rated correctly and will not fail in storage or transit.

4. Ask for an EPAL certificate

Order from a supplier that can provide EPAL certification, which proves the pallet was made and inspected to the European Pallet Association standard.

EPAL certification for pallets

EPAL certification confirms that a pallet was produced and inspected to the strict standards of the European Pallet Association. Buying from EPAL-certified suppliers is the simplest way to guarantee quality and safety for your goods.

Using EPAL-certified pallets does more than protect the load: it raises a company’s credibility and demonstrates a commitment to international standards in every shipment.

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Frequently asked questions about Euro pallets

1. What is the standard Euro pallet size?

The standard EUR/EPAL 1 Euro pallet measures 1200 x 800 mm with a height of 144 mm. This footprint is the European reference for shipping and storage and fits standard truck and container loading.

2. What is the difference between EUR and EPAL pallets?

EUR refers to the original European pallet specification; EPAL is the licensing and inspection system run by the European Pallet Association that certifies pallets to that specification. An EPAL 1 pallet is a EUR 1 pallet carrying the EPAL quality stamp.

3. How is a Euro pallet different from an ISO pallet?

The Euro pallet uses a fixed 1200 x 800 mm footprint, while ISO pallets come in several footprints such as 1200 x 1000 mm or 1140 x 1140 mm depending on the region. Matching footprints matters when planning export loading.

4. Should I choose a wooden or plastic Euro pallet?

Choose plastic (HDPE or PP) for hygiene-critical goods such as food and pharmaceuticals because it resists moisture and chemicals. Choose wood when a lower price and easy repair matter more, in industries without strict hygiene rules.

5. Why does EPAL certification matter for exports?

EPAL certification proves a pallet was made and inspected to European Pallet Association standards. It assures consistent quality and load safety and is often expected by overseas buyers as part of compliance with international standards.

Contact and Euro pallet quote from ICD