EN 12246:1999

Quality classification of timber used in pallets and packaging

This standard defines quality classes of timber used in industrial packaging and reusable pallets. Two classes P1 and P2 are defined with minimum requirements based on visual classification.

Qualitäts-Sortierung von Holz zur Verwendung in Paletten und Packmitteln

Diese Norm definiert Qualitätsklassen für Holz, das in Industriepackmitteln und wiederverwendbaren Paletten verwendet wird. Es werden zwei Klassen P1 und P2 mit Mindestanforderungen festgelegt, die auf der visuellen Sortierung beruhen.

Classes de qualité du bois utilisé dans les palettes et les emballages

La présente norme définit des classes de qualité du bois utilisé dans les emballages industriels et les palettes réutilisables. Deux classes P1 et P2 sont définies avec des exigences minimales basées sur le classement visuel.

Razvrščanje lesa za palete in embalažo po kakovosti

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Jun-1999
• Withdrawal Date: 30-Dec-1999
• ICS: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories
• ICS: 55.180.20 - General purpose pallets
• ICS: 79.040 - Wood, sawlogs and sawn timber
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 175 - Round and sawn timber
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 175/WG 34 - Specific user requirements - Timber in packaging and pallets
• Current Stage: 9060 - Closure of 2 Year Review Enquiry - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 02-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 02-Dec-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12246:2003 - Quality classification of timber used in pallets and packaging

Relations

• Refers: EN 844:2019 - Round and sawn timber - Terminology
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 1309-1:1997 - Round and sawn timber - Method of measurement of dimensions - Part 1: Sawn timber
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 1309-3:2018 - Round and sawn timber - Methods of measurements - Part 3: Features and biological degradations
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 1310:1997 - Round and sawn timber - Method of measurement of features
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 13698-1:2003 - Pallet production specification - Part 1: Construction specification for 800 mm x 1200 mm flat wooden pallets
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: EN 13698-2:2009 - Pallet production specification - Part 2: Construction specification for 1000 mm x 1200 mm flat wooden pallets
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 12246:1999 - Quality Classification of Timber Used in Pallets and Packaging is a European standard developed by CEN. This standard establishes clear criteria for the visual quality classification of timber utilized in manufacturing industrial packaging and reusable pallets. By defining two specific classes - P1 and P2 - EN 12246:1999 ensures consistency and reliability in the materials used across the packaging and pallet industry, promoting both product safety and operational efficiency.

Key Topics

• Timber Quality Classes: EN 12246:1999 identifies two quality categories - P1 and P2 - both subject to defined minimum requirements based on visual inspection. These classifications help manufacturers and users select the right grade of timber for their specific packaging or pallet needs.
• Visual Classification: The standard relies on visual assessment to evaluate attributes such as defects, knots, surface appearance, and other visible timber characteristics.
• Industrial Application: The focus is on timber intended for industrial packaging solutions and reusable pallets where performance and durability are essential.
• Minimum Requirements: Specific thresholds ensure that only suitable timber is approved for these applications, minimizing failure risks and improving lifecycle performance.

Applications

The practical use of EN 12246:1999 brings several advantages to industries relying on wood-based packaging and pallet solutions:

• Pallet Manufacturing: By adopting P1 or P2 quality classes, pallet producers can guarantee that their products meet established performance and reliability benchmarks, reducing risk of breakage or product loss during transport and storage.
• Industrial Packaging: The classification ensures that timber used in packaging is compatible with repeat use and industrial handling, supporting safety and sustainability.
• Supply Chain Consistency: Standardized timber quality enables consistent sourcing, procurement, and interchangeability of packaging materials across different regions and suppliers.
• Quality Assurance: Compliance with EN 12246:1999 facilitates third-party audits and certifications in the logistics sector, underpinning commitments to quality management systems.
• Sustainable Sourcing: Clear classification encourages the responsible and efficient use of wood resources.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to packaging quality and timber usage, consider these related standards:

• EN 13698-1 - Pallet production specification
• EN 13183-1 - Moisture content of sawn timber
• ISO 445 - Pallets for materials handling - Vocabulary
• EN 13382 - Timber packaging requirements
• ISPM 15 - Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade

Summary

Adhering to EN 12246:1999 ensures that industrial packaging and pallet manufacturing use timber meeting standardized quality classes. The result is safer, more durable pallets and packaging that support the efficiency of the supply chain, enhance product protection, and contribute to sustainability goals throughout the timber and packaging industries.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Qualitäts-Sortierung von Holz zur Verwendung in Paletten und PackmittelnClasses de qualité du bois utilisé dans les palettes et les emballagesQuality classification of timber used in pallets and packaging79.040Les, hlodovina in žagan lesWood, sawlogs and sawn timber55.1
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