Decree No. 182 of 2 December 2025 updated the regulations governing the exchange of standardised pallets in Italy.

The new provisions define a more uniform regulatory framework for senders, recipients and operators in the supply chain, establishing exchange as the primary rule and introducing economic automatisms. The aim is to eliminate the discretion of informal agreements and ensure greater documentary accuracy.

Scope of application of the regulations

  • The regulations cover standardised, reusable pallets that can be identified by the registered trademark of the system to which they belong (e.g. EPAL, EUR-UIC or equivalent).

  • Disposable pallets, proprietary pallets, and pallets belonging to closed rental circuits are excluded. Additionally, international shipments without a break of load in Italy are excluded.

Nuovo decreto interscambio pallet

Obligation to return

The recipient of the goods is obliged to return:

  • the same number of pallets received
  • the same type
  • equivalent quality, if indicated in the documents

The information contained in the sender’s transport document is binding and cannot be modified by the recipient.

Definition of responsibilities

The carrier:

  • has no obligation to manage the pallets
  • is not responsible for failure to return them
  • can only request their return

The legislation reiterates that responsibility remains with the recipient.

Economic value of the pallet

The value of pallets is not set by law by the Ministry.

The regulation stipulates that each pallet system must officially publish the average market value three times a year on its official channels.

Pallet voucher: mandatory requirements and possible penalties

Exchange remains the main objective of the regulation. In cases where the recipient cannot return the pallets upon delivery, they must issue a pallet voucher indicating:

  • date of issue and serial number
  • identification details of the party obliged to return the pallets and the beneficiary
  • type, quantity and quality (if applicable) of pallets

If any of these elements are missing, the holder may request immediate payment of the market value. If the pallets are not returned within 6 months of the voucher being issued, the obligation to pay the market value automatically applies.

24 months after the new provisions come into force, the pallet voucher will only be valid in digital format.

Our strategic support for companies

The new scenario introduced by the reform requires companies to transition to a rigorously structured management system, characterised by high documentary accuracy and total traceability of pallet vouchers.

At Messaggerie del Garda, we support customers and partners in the correct application of the regulations through:

  •    analysis of pallet flows
  •    verification of responsibilities
  •    support in voucher management
  •    reduction of economic risk
  •    clarification of operating procedures

OPERATIONAL FAQs

No. They are obliged to return the same number and type, unless a pallet voucher is issued.

No. If it is technically suitable, it remains exchangeable.

You must immediately issue a pallet voucher, complete with all the required information.

No. The responsibility lies with the recipient.

The beneficiary can immediately request payment of the market value.

Six months from the date of issue of the pallet voucher.

No. Any agreements that contravene the regulations are null and void.

Only for 24 months. After that, only the digital format will be accepted.

By the reference pallet system, with a periodical official publication.