EN ISO 8611-1:2025
(Main)Pallets for materials handling - Flat pallets - Part 1: Test methods (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Pallets for materials handling - Flat pallets - Part 1: Test methods (ISO 8611-1:2025)
This document specifies the test methods available for evaluating new flat pallets for materials handling.
The test methods are split into groups for
— nominal load testing,
— maximum working load testing, and
— durability comparison testing.
This document does not apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.
NOTE Specific tests for determining load capacity do not replace the value of conducting field tests on specific pallet designs.
Paletten für den Gütertransport - Flachpaletten - Teil 1: Prüfverfahren (ISO 8611‑1:2025)
Dieses Dokument legt die zur Verfügung stehenden Prüfverfahren für die Bewertung neuer Flachpaletten für den Gütertransport fest.
Die Prüfverfahren sind in folgende Gruppen unterteilt:
- Bestimmung der Nennlast;
- Bestimmung der maximalen Nutzlast und
- vergleichende Prüfungen zur Belastbarkeit.
Dieses Dokument ist weder anwendbar für Paletten mit festen Aufbauten noch für formstabile, selbsttragende Behälter, die mechanisch an den Paletten befestigt werden können und zur Festigkeit der Paletten beitragen.
ANMERKUNG Spezifische Prüfungen zur Bestimmung der Tragfähigkeit ersetzen nicht den Wert von Feldversuchen an speziellen Palettenausführungen.
Palettes pour la manutention - Palettes plates - Partie 1: Méthodes d’essai (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Le présent document spécifie les méthodes d’essai disponibles pour l’évaluation de palettes plates neuves pour la manutention.
Les méthodes d’essai sont réparties en groupes selon:
— les essais de la charge nominale;
— les essais de la charge maximale en service; et
— les essais comparatifs en matière de durabilité.
Le présent document ne s’étend pas aux palettes à superstructure fixe ou à conteneur autoportant rigide pouvant être fixés mécaniquement à la palette et contribuant à sa résistance.
NOTE Des essais spécifiques pour déterminer la charge nominale ne sauraient remplacer la valeur d’essais en conditions réelles d’utilisation pour des types de palettes spécifiques.
Palete za ravnanje z materiali - Ravne palete - 1. del: Preskusne metode (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Ta dokument določa preskusne metode, ki so na voljo za vrednotenje novih ravnih palet za ravnanje z materiali. Preskusne metode so razdeljene v skupine za: – preskušanje nazivne obremenitve; – preskušanje največje delovne obremenitve; – primerjalno preskušanje trajnosti. Ta dokument se ne uporablja za palete s fiksno nadgradnjo ali za trdne, samonosilne posode, ki se lahko mehanično pritrdijo na paleto in pripomorejo k trdnosti palete. OPOMBA: Posebni preskusi za določanje obremenitvene zmogljivosti ne nadomestijo izvajanja terenskih preskusov za posebne zasnove palet.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-maj-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN ISO 8611-1:2022
Palete za ravnanje z materiali - Ravne palete - 1. del: Preskusne metode (ISO 8611-
1:2025)
Pallets for materials handling - Flat pallets - Part 1: Test methods (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Paletten für den Gütertransport - Flachpaletten - Teil 1: Prüfverfahren (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Palettes pour la manutention - Palettes plates - Partie 1: Méthodes d’essai (ISO 8611-
1:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 8611-1:2025
ICS:
55.180.20 Večnamenske palete General purpose pallets
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 8611-1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 55.180.20 Supersedes EN ISO 8611-1:2022
English Version
Pallets for materials handling - Flat pallets - Part 1: Test
methods (ISO 8611-1:2025)
Palettes pour la manutention - Palettes plates - Partie Paletten für den Gütertransport - Flachpaletten - Teil 1:
1: Méthodes d'essai (ISO 8611-1:2025) Prüfverfahren (ISO 8611-1:2025)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 March 2025.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 8611-1:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 8611-1:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 51 "Pallets
for unit load method of materials handling" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 261
“Packaging” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2025, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN ISO 8611-1:2022.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 8611-1:2025 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 8611-1:2025 without any
modification.
International
Standard
ISO 8611-1
Fourth edition
Pallets for materials handling —
2025-02
Flat pallets —
Part 1:
Test methods
Palettes pour la manutention — Palettes plates —
Partie 1: Méthodes d’essai
Reference number
ISO 8611-1:2025(en) © ISO 2025
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
© ISO 2025
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Measurements . 3
5 Precision and accuracy of tests and apparatus . 3
6 Test load . 3
7 List of tests . 3
8 Tests . 4
8.1 Test 1 — Bending tests .4
8.1.1 Purpose .4
8.1.2 Procedure .5
8.1.3 Measurements .6
8.2 Test 2 — Forklifting tests .7
8.2.1 Purpose .7
8.2.2 Procedure .7
8.2.3 Measurement .8
8.3 Test 3 — Compression tests for blocks or stringers .9
8.3.1 Purpose .9
8.3.2 Procedure .9
8.3.3 Measurement .10
8.4 Test 4 — Stacking test .11
8.4.1 Purpose .11
8.4.2 Procedure . 12
8.4.3 Measurement . 12
8.5 Test 5 — Bottom deck bending tests . 12
8.5.1 Purpose . 12
8.5.2 Procedure . 12
8.5.3 Measurement . 13
8.6 Test 6 — Wing pallet bending tests .14
8.6.1 Purpose .14
8.6.2 Procedure .14
8.6.3 Measurements . 15
8.7 Test 7 — Airbag bending tests . 15
8.7.1 Purpose . 15
8.7.2 Procedure . 15
8.7.3 Measurement .18
8.8 Test 8 — Static shear test .18
8.8.1 Purpose .18
8.8.2 Procedure .18
8.8.3 Measurement .19
8.9 Test 9 — Corner drop test . 20
8.9.1 Purpose . 20
8.9.2 Procedure . 20
8.9.3 Measurement . 20
8.10 Test 10 — Shear impact tests .21
8.10.1 General .21
8.10.2 Purpose .21
8.10.3 Procedure .21
8.10.4 Measurement .21
8.11 Test 11 — Top deck edge impact test . 22
iii
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
8.11.1 Purpose . 22
8.11.2 Procedure . 22
8.11.3 Measurement . 23
8.12 Test 12 — Block impact test . 23
8.12.1 Purpose . 23
8.12.2 Procedure .24
8.12.3 Measurement .24
8.13 Test 13 — Static coefficient of friction test . 25
8.13.1 Purpose . 25
8.13.2 Procedure . 25
8.13.3 Measurement . 26
8.14 Test 14 — Slip angle test . 26
8.14.1 Purpose . 26
8.14.2 Procedure . 26
8.14.3 Measurement . 26
9 Test report .27
9.1 General information — All materials .27
9.2 Information for wooden and wood-based composite pallets . 28
9.3 Information for plastics pallets . 28
9.4 Information for pallets made of other materials . 28
Bibliography .29
iv
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 51, Pallets for unit load method of materials
handling, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 261, Packaging, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN
(Vienna Agreement).
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition (ISO 8611-1:2021), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the requirement for a specific bending angle in Test 2 was removed, so the angle in Figure 2 was adjusted
accordingly;
— keys in Figure 2 was corrected because there was an error in the symbols displayed on the Key of
Figure 2.
A list of all parts in the ISO 8611 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
v
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Introduction
The forces to which pallets are exposed during use vary significantly. The test procedures described in this
document are approximate simulations of pallet use. These tests help the pallet designer to establish an
initial acceptable balance between the cost and the performance of a pallet design. It is intended that all
results of tests performed using this protocol be confirmed and verified using field trials before publication
of performance or the commercial implementation of a new pallet design.
The nominal load, determined according to this test protocol, does not represent a payload and cannot be
verified using field trials. The nominal load is a minimum payload level for use in determining maximum
working load according to the procedures in ISO 8611-3. The maximum working load can be verified for
a specified payload and intended use, using field trials. It is intended that the publication of the maximum
working load include a description of the payload and the intended modes of use of the pallet.
It is essential to exercise care when comparing the results of tests with historic experience using existing
pallet designs. User expectations of pallet performance vary. Some require greater and some accept lower
levels of performance. Users are accepting different levels of risk when using pallets. Because of the varied
performance expectations of pallet users, it is possible that the results of tests do not always reflect the
user's perception of pallet performance in use.
It is possible that the nominal load does not reflect users' perception of pallet performance because the
nominal load does not represent a payload. It is intended that maximum working loads be used to compare
with the historic performance of existing pallet designs.
Regarding the use of the ISO 8611 series:
— this document describes the test methods;
— ISO 8611-2 describes the performance requirements and selection of tests;
— ISO 8611-3 describes tests for determining maximum working loads for known payloads.
This document and ISO 8611-2 are recommended to be used in determining nominal load. The nominal load
is the lowest safe load value for the specified support conditions, independent of the type of load (excluding
concentrated loads).
This document, ISO 8611-2 and ISO 8611-3 are recommended to be used in determining maximum working
loads for known payloads.
The nominal load for the intended use is established by the selection of tests in this document; and the
performance requirement is established from criteria in ISO 8611-2.
The following three types of intended use with specified support conditions are defined:
— handling of loaded pallets with racking and stacking;
— handling of loaded pallets without racking;
— handling of loaded pallets without racking or stacking.
To determine the maximum working load through testing given in ISO 8611-3, the deflection under the
known payload cannot exceed the limiting deflection (see ISO 8611-3:2011, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4) established
in this document and ISO 8611-2. The maximum working load is the greatest payload that a pallet can be
permitted to carry in a specific loading and support condition.
Guidance is given in ISO 8611-3:2011, Annex A as to the general effect on performance of different load types
and stabilization methods. These can only give guidance as to the likely result from tests with the known
payload.
Other tests for durability evaluation are specified in this document.
vi
International Standard ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Pallets for materials handling — Flat pallets —
Part 1:
Test methods
1 Scope
This document specifies the test methods available for evaluating new flat pallets for materials handling.
The test methods are split into groups for
— nominal load testing,
— maximum working load testing, and
— durability comparison testing.
This document does not apply to pallets with a fixed superstructure or a rigid, self-supporting container
that can be mechanically attached to the pallet and which contributes to the strength of the pallet.
NOTE Specific tests for determining load capacity do not replace the value of conducting field tests on specific
pallet designs.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 445, Pallets for materials handling — Vocabulary
ISO 2244, Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads — Horizontal impact tests
ISO 8611-2, Pallets for materials handling — Flat pallets — Part 2: Performance requirements and selection of tests
ISO 12777-1, Methods of test for pallet joints — Part 1: Determination of bending resistance of pallet nails, other
dowel-type fasteners and staples
EN 13183-2, Moisture content of a piece of sawn timber — Part 2: Estimation by electrical resistance method
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 445 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
breakage of one of the components
fracture of a structural element which significantly affects the strength, stiffness (3.9) or functionality of a pallet
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
3.2
concentrated load
load concentrated over an area of less than 50 % of the pallet top deck
3.3
maximum working load
greatest payload (3.5) that a pallet is permitted to carry in a specific loading and support condition
Note 1 to entry: This varies according to the type, distribution, arrangement and means of stabilization of the load and
the system of support, and can be lower or higher than the nominal load (3.4) (see ISO 8611-2 and ISO 8611-3).
3.4
nominal load
R
lowest test load (3.10) value for the specified support conditions, independent of the type of load (excluding
concentrated loads (3.2))
Note 1 to entry: “Specified support conditions” refers to the range of conditions of use in ISO 8611-2:2025, 7.1.
Note 2 to entry: Nominal load does not represent an actual payload (3.5) on a pallet in use. The nominal load is used for
comparing the performance of different pallets.
3.5
payload
Q
load carried by the pallet in use
Note 1 to entry: This can be above, identical to or below the nominal load (3.4).
3.6
platen
solid, rigid surface on a test machine used for applying a load to test a sample pallet
3.7
racking
storage of unit loads in drive-in or beam racks with free, unsupported spans
3.8
stacking
placing of pallets with unit loads one upon the other without recourse to intermediate shelves or racking (3.7)
3.9
stiffness
relative deformation of a pallet or component under load
Note 1 to entry: High stiffness means small displacement, deflection or deformation for a given load.
3.10
test load
P
load applicators, the load board or load box and the applied load itself including the datum load (1,5 % ± 0,5 %
of the ultimate load (3.11))
3.11
ultimate load
U
load at which compression, displacement or deflection is no longer contained, resulting in the destruction of
the specimen or breaking of one component (3.1), or when displacement, deformation or deflection becomes
excessive
Note 1 to entry: See ISO 8611-2:2025, Table 1.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
4 Measurements
Pallets selected for testing shall be measured to ensure that materials, construction and dimensions conform
to their associated written specification.
The mass and the material of each pallet shall be determined and recorded at the time of testing.
The moisture content of wooden pallets shall be measured and recorded in accordance with EN 13183-2 at
the time of testing.
The recorded deflection at each location in the test is the deflection at the end of the full test load period
(or relaxation period) minus the deflection after positioning the datum load. The average of the maximum
deflections recorded for each replicate shall be reported and used for further analysis.
Clause 9 gives further details on what should be recorded during testing and in the written report.
5 Precision and accuracy of tests and apparatus
The test apparatus shall satisfy the following requirements:
a) in the design of the test equipment, the tolerances on all dimensions shall be ±2 %;
b) the accuracy of measuring equipment for tests shall be ±0,5 mm;
c) the accuracy of positioning of every component, excluding the test load, shall be ±2 mm; measurement
gauges shall be positioned to ±4 mm;
d) the accuracy of positioning of the centre of application of test load (where used) shall be ±10 mm;
e) the total mass of the test load applied shall be within ±3 % of the prescribed value.
No part of any test rig shall distort an amount greater than ±3 mm when under maximum test load. Distortion
of the test rig shall be taken into account in measuring deflections of the pallet.
NOTE 1 Using heavy duty steel box sections in the construction of fixtures in tests 1 and 6 (see Table 1) normally
results in central distortions approaching the 3 mm given limit.
The inclined plane apparatus shall be constructed as specified in ISO 2244 and shall permit inclined travel
distance to change by 250 mm increments from 250 mm to 1 250 mm, each increment to within ±5 mm.
NOTE 2 Experience suggests that the interlaboratory test precision for conducting tests 1a and 7a is 16,7 %; and
19,8 % when conducting tests 1b and 7b.
6 Test load
A general value for the test load is not fixed. The test load for each test shall be determined in accordance
with ISO 8611-2.
The test load shall be applied with a testing machine, hydraulic or air pressure, or with dead load and shall
increase continuously or in steps to the failure (for determination of ultimate load) or up to the fixed value
(for qualification tests).
7 List of tests
Table 1 provides a matrix of the tests (in this document) that shall be performed on flat pallets. Tests
numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 shall be performed with new pallets. Tests 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7 may be carried out
on one test sample (first stiffness, then strength, when there is a declared nominal load) or on two separate
samples.
NOTE The tests are grouped into the three sections shown in Table 1. The selection of tests and evaluation of
pallet performance are set out in ISO 8611-2 and ISO 8611-3.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
8 Tests
8.1 Test 1 — Bending tests
8.1.1 Purpose
The purpose of these tests is to determine the bending strength (test 1a) and bending stiffness (test 1b) of
the pallet in racking situations.
Table 1 — List of tests
Handling activity or (Sub)clause
Test no. Test measurement Characteristic
purpose of the test reference
Nominal load tests Clause 8
1 Bending tests 8.1
1a Bending strength Pallet length, width Racking 8.1.3.1
1b Bending stiffness 8.1.3.2
2 Forklifting tests 8.2
Lifting with forklift and pallet
2a Bending strength Top deck 8.2.3.1
trucks
2b Bending stiffness 8.2.3.2
3 Compression tests for blocks
8.3
Any activity that compresses
or stringers
Height of blocks, string-
blocks or stringers, including
3a Block or stringer strength ers 8.3.3.1
stacking
3b Block or stringer stiffness 8.3.3.2
4 Stacking tests 8.4
4a Deck strength test Top and bottom deck Stacking 8.4.3.1
4b Deck stiffness test 8.4.3.2
5 Bottom deck bending tests 8.5
Twin track conveyors and
5a Bending strength Bottom deck 8.5.3.1
narrow span beam racking
5b Bending stiffness 8.5.3.2
6 Wing pallet bending tests 8.6
6a Bending strength Pallet length, width Lifting with slings 8.6.3.1
6b Bending stiffness 8.6.3.2
Maximum working load tests — With payload or airbag
1 Bending test 8.1
Pallet length, width Racking
1b Bending stiffness 8.1.3.2
7 Airbag bending tests 8.7
7a Bending strength Pallet length, width Racking 8.7.3.1
7b Bending stiffness 8.7.3.2
2 Forklifting tests 8.2
Lifting with forklift and pallet
Top deck
trucks
2b Bending stiffness 8.2.3.2
4 Stacking tests 8.4
Top and bottom deck Stacking
4b Deck stiffness test 8.4.3.2
5 Bottom deck bending tests 8.5
Twin track conveyors and
Bottom deck
narrow span beam racking
5b Bending stiffness 8.5.3.2
6 Wing pallet bending tests 8.6
Pallet length, width Lifting with slings
6b Bending stiffness 8.6.3.2
Durability tests
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
TTabablele 1 1 ((ccoonnttiinnueuedd))
Handling activity or (Sub)clause
Test no. Test measurement Characteristic
purpose of the test reference
Decks, blocks,
8 Static shear test Distortion resistance 8.8
stringers
9 Corner drop test Diagonal rigidity Resistance to impacts 8.9
Decks, blocks,
10 Shear impact test Distortion resistance 8.10
stringers
11 Top deck edge impact test Top leading deckboard Resistance to fork arms 8.11
12 Block impact test Corner block, stringer Resistance to fork tip 8.12
13 Static coefficient of friction test Under deck/fork arms Slip resistance on fork arms 8.13
14 Slip angle test Top deck/payload Slip resistance of loads 8.14
8.1.2 Procedure
8.1.2.1 In order to establish the weakest pallet support dimension, test one pallet across the length of the
pallet and then a second pallet across the width of the pallet. There is no requirement for further tests on the
stronger dimension unless the result is within 15 % of the weaker.
8.1.2.2 This having been established, place a fresh pallet across its weakest side, top deck uppermost,
on pallet supports positioned with their inside edges 75 mm from the outer edges of the pallet. The load
applicators shall be positioned at 0,18 L or 0,18 L , where measured as shown, where L or L is the distance
1 2 1 2
between the pallet supports (see Figure 1).
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 test load 5 support
2 load board 6 wing
3 safety stop y deflection
4 load applicator
Figure 1 — Bending test
8.1.2.3 Load applicators and supports shall be flush with or project beyond the edges of the pallet. Edges
shall be relieved with (2 ± 1) mm radii. Where load applicators coincide with gaps between deckboards, in-
fill pieces of equal thickness to deckboards with 3 mm to 6 mm overall clearance on each shall be used. Place
on the pallet deck, the load applicators and the load board, then apply the rest of the test load.
8.1.3 Measurements
8.1.3.1 Test 1a — Determination of bending strength
Place a load on the load board until breakage of one of the components of the pallet or until reaching an
excessive deflection or deformation. Record the ultimate load and choose the minimum load among 3
replicates.
8.1.3.2 Test 1b — Determination of bending stiffness
Apply a datum load of (1,5 ± 0,5) % of the ultimate load determined in test 1a. Depending on the support
location, the deflection, y, shall be measured at points A or B [maximum of y at A (B ), A (B ), A (B )]
1 1 2 2 3 3
a) after positioning of datum load,
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
b) immediately after full test load is applied,
c) at end of the full test load period, and
d) after the relaxation period.
8.2 Test 2 — Forklifting tests
8.2.1 Purpose
The limiting condition of use for non-rackable and non-stackable single or double-deck pallets is the bending
of the pallet on fork arm supports under the top deck of the pallet.
8.2.2 Procedure
The forklifting test is shown schematically in Figure 2. The test method permits simulation of the forklifting
condition of use in each direction of pallet length and width. The supports shall conform to Figure 2. The
support, a, distances may be either 570 mm or 690 mm (see Figure 2). The shorter of the two distances
that occur during pallet use shall be used in the test. For pallets greater than 1 219 mm in length or width,
footnote a of Figure 2 may be adjusted according to the dimensions of the pallet.
Perform the test in both directions.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 test load y deflection
a
2 load applicator The distance between the supports 570 mm or 690 mm.
L
b
3 Steel load bar thickness ≥2 mm.
steel load bar, 50 mm × 50 mm × L ≥
c
4 Support length ≤200 mm.
steel load bar, 50 mm × 50 mm × L []≥ L
5 support
A to I deflection measuring points
Figure 2 — Forklifting test
8.2.3 Measurement
8.2.3.1 Test 2a — Determination of bending strength
Apply the test load until breakage occurs in one of the components of the pallet or until reaching an excessive
deflection or deformation. Record the ultimate load and choose the minimum load among 3 replicates.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
8.2.3.2 Test 2b — Determination of bending stiffness
Apply a datum load of (1,5 ± 0,5) % of the ultimate load determined in test 2a. Depending on the support
location, the deflection, y, shall be measured simultaneously at the middle of the two ends or sides and at the
corners (maximum value of y at points A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, depending on direction of supports)
a) after positioning of datum load,
b) immediately after full test load is applied,
c) at end of the full load period, and
d) after the relaxation period.
8.3 Test 3 — Compression tests for blocks or stringers
8.3.1 Purpose
The purpose of this test is to determine the compression strength (test 3a) and stiffness (test 3b) of the
blocks, stringers or columns of the pallet. Blocks or stringers supporting superstructures or heavy rigid
loads shall be tested.
8.3.2 Procedure
Place the pallet in a normal position on a flat, hard, rigid and horizontal surface. Place a rigid load applicator
of dimensions (300 ± 5) mm × (300 ± 5) mm × (25 ± 5) mm, over a block or a portion of a stringer (as shown
in Figure 3).
Place the test load centrally on to the load applicator, as shown by the arrows in Figures 3 a), b) and c). When
the blocks or stringers differ in design, each design shall be tested.
Alternatively, the test may be carried out on several identical corners, blocks or stringers.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
a) b)
c)
Key
1 load applicator
y deflection
a
Test load.
Figure 3 — Corner compression test
8.3.3 Measurement
8.3.3.1 Test 3a — Determination of strength of blocks or stringers
Apply the load until breakage occurs in one of the blocks or stringers of the pallet or upon reaching an
excessive deflection or deformation. Record the ultimate load and choose the minimum load among 3
replicates.
8.3.3.2 Test 3b — Determination of stiffness of blocks or stringers
Apply a datum load of (1,5 ± 0,5) % of the ultimate load determined in test 3a.
The deflection, y, shall be measured
a) after positioning of datum load,
b) immediately after the full test load is applied,
c) at end of the full test load period, and
d) after the relaxation period.
ISO 8611-1:2025(en)
8.4 Test 4 — Stacking test
8.4.1 Purpose
The purpose of this test is to determine the ability o
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