Several truckloads of counterfeit EPAL Pallets discovered in Belgium

European Pallet Association e. V. (EPAL)

PRESS RELEASE

Several truckloads of counterfeit EPAL Pallets discovered in Belgium

Düsseldorf, 23 June 2016 – At the end of May in Belgium, several truckloads of counterfeit EPAL Euro pallets were discovered and seized. This successful action took place in close cooperation between the European Pallet Association (EPAL) and the independent inspection company, Bureau Veritas, who on behalf of EPAL carry out unannounced, quality inspections worldwide.

Original EPAL Euro pallets can be recognised by the EPAL logo on all four corner blocks, and new pallets also have either a yellow or black control staple embossed with the ‘EPAL in oval’ marking on one of the middle blocks. Whereas counterfeit pallets are usually missing the EPAL control staple, and almost without exception have significant quality defects.

Bernd Dörre, the lawyer responsible for all legal questions on the use of EPAL Euro pallets, advises that, ‘Currently we have a large number of cases, especially in the Netherlands and Belgium, whereby counterfeit pallets have been found. We therefore think a reminder to refrain from ordering pallets with the EPAL branded marking from dubious sources, is worthwhile. If new or as new used EPAL Euro pallets are offered at prices clearly under the standard market prices, they are almost always counterfeit. The same applies in cases where used EPAL Euro pallets are ordered, but new or as new pallets are delivered. In these cases, the pallets should be carefully inspected. If there is reason to suspect that pallets are counterfeit, EPAL should be asked to inspect the pallets.’

EPAL advised only in October last year on the legal consequences connected with importing, storing and selling counterfeit EPAL Euro pallets.

About EPAL:The European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL) was founded in 1991 as the umbrella association of licensed producers and repairers of EPAL/EUR-pallets and box pallets. EPAL is globally responsible for the consistent quality of the EPAL load carriers and therefore uses an independent external quality inspection service. EPAL has been granting exclusive licenses for the production and repair of Euro pallets with the “EPAL in oval” branded marking on four corner blocks since 1st August 2013. EPAL is currently represented in more than thirty countries by fifteen National Committees which have committed themselves to implementing the EPAL objectives on a national basis. As a registered association, EPAL does not pursue any commercial interests and makes all its decisions in the interests of its industry, trade and logistics partners.

For further press information:European Pallet Association e.V. (EPAL)Andrea EngelsT +49 211 98 480 48 90M +49 172 69 325 95andrea.engels@epal-pallets.org