Quality classes

GS1 Germany initiated a study together with BSH, DHL, EDEKA, Globus, Henkel, Hornbach, MARS, Rewe, Schenker and others. The result is a set of practical recommendations for pallet exchange: used pallets are graded into classes A, B and C, plus “not serviceable”.

The GS1 classification for used euro pallets

Class A

Light sorted

A grade below new pallets. Serviceable for storage, transport and MFH. Signs of use, but no soiling. All prescribed markings legible, no protruding splinters, no twisted blocks. ISPM 15 / IPPC not guaranteed.

Class B

Light/dark unsorted

A grade below class A. Serviceable for storage, transport and MFH. Signs of use, darkening of the timber permitted. All prescribed markings legible, no protruding splinters, no twisted blocks.

Class C

MFH not guaranteed

A grade below class B. Serviceable for storage and transport – but MFH capability is not guaranteed. Not unreservedly suitable for automated high-bay racking and conveyor systems.

MFH = machine-handling capable, conveyor-compatible, suitable for high-bay racking.

Side by side

What the classes
look like in practice.

Sorting

Used euro pallets of quality class A, light sorted — Class A – light, sorted

Used euro pallets of quality class B, light and dark mixed — Class B – light/dark, unsorted

Used euro pallets of quality class C — Class C – MFH not guaranteed

Damaged euro pallets that are no longer serviceable — Not serviceable

Interpretation

What the classification
means for you

GS1 study

To simplify pallet handling for all customers of the WORLD pallet – including the participants in the study – the WORLD pallet is classified in line with the GS1 recommendation. This ensures consistent handling across industries and sectors.

Key changes introduced by the GS1 study

The term “serviceable” under EN 13698-1 replaces the term “exchangeable”.
Quality classes for used pallets were defined across industries and sectors.
For the first time a document exists that reflects the perspectives of everyone involved – manufacturing, retail and logistics service providers.

What else the study shows

In the long run pallet exchange cannot be an economical solution for efficient pallet management, because there is still no obligation to exchange. That is exactly where our “resale with added value” logistics concept comes in.

Buying used

Used euro pallets
in classes A, B and C

Trade

Alongside our own production, Falkenhahn AG trades in used euro pallets. Classes A, B and C are available – classified against the same criteria set out above, and from the same hands that build the new pallets.

Which class fits depends on the process: if the pallet runs through conveyor systems or into automated high-bay racking, class A or B applies. For storage and transport without machine contact, class C is usually sufficient.

Tell us the class, the quantity and the delivery address – you will have a quote within 24 hours on working days. The used classes are listed as a pallet type in the enquiry form.

Enquire about used pallets

◆Class A and BMachine-handling capable, conveyor-compatible, high-bay racking capable.

◆Class CFor storage and transport, without guaranteed MFH capability.

◆Classified under GS1The same criteria as in the open exchange pool.

◆Quote within 24 hoursClass, quantity and delivery address are enough.