How do you comply with EUMOS-40509?

Cargo securing

EUMOS-40509. You may have already heard of it: the EUMOS regulations shift freight liability for damage to the cargo to the shipper and packer. In many cases this is the client of the freight. But how do you comply with these EUMOS regulations? How do the regulations work? And how do you avoid high costs due to fines or freight damage? You can read it in this article.

What is EUMOS-40509?

EUMOS stands for: ‘European Safe Logistics Association’ and aims to improve the safety of the logistics sector. The EUMOS-40509 is a test method that objectively tests the load securing. Pallet loads that have been improperly sealed or packed move back and forth and then move out of place. These movements damage the product. Since the client is responsible for proper packaging, the costs resulting from damage will also be borne by the client.

You can avoid this cost item with the objective test method EUMOS-40509. With this test method, the client can be sure that the load is placed on the pallet in a stable manner. The packaging wrapped around the load guarantees this stability. EUMOS-40509 only tests the degree of load securing of the pallet with load as such. The client hereby guarantees himself against damage to the products due to transport.

When do you have to comply with EUMOS-40509?

The EUMOS-40509 regulations are particularly useful if your company regularly issues orders involving pallet transport. In any case, stable transport of the load is desirable for several reasons, such as:

• A smooth delivery of your freight to the customer;
• Preventing damage to the product;
• Preventing image damage;
• Safe in traffic and during loading and unloading;
• Preventing fines (these can amount to €1,500);
• Insurance of your freight.

Apart from the above reasons, you run the risk that something goes wrong with the load. Despite your care during packaging, your cargo can be damaged. Then it is nice to set an objective standard for the way your product is packaged. This prevents a (legal) battle with your carrier over liability. Your insurance company will also attach value to standards. You can therefore cite this standard as a reason for lowering your insurance premium.

Is EUMOS-40509 mandatory?

In Belgium, these regulations fall under national legislation for load securing, whereby the client is responsible for pallet stability. EUMOS-40509 is a standard in the Netherlands. This means that inspectors do check the most important EUMOS-40509 check, namely the prevention of shifting of the product on the pallet. This is determined in the European Union’s Control Directive 2014/47. In Germany it is still being determined whether there should be a special DIN-55415 standard. This DIN standard would then be a comparable measuring method, intended for Germany. This has not yet been addressed. The EU Control Directive 2014/47 sets the following requirements for the load:

The pallets must be secured in such a way that they can withstand the following forces in the event of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle:

• In the direction of travel: 0.8 times the weight of the load;
• Laterally: 0.5 times the weight of the load
• Against the direction of travel: 0.5 times the weight of the load

In general, the EU states in this directive that the load must be prevented from falling over and tipping over.

How do you test whether you comply with EUMOS-40509?

Testing whether your loads comply with this EUMOS standard is done by testing your load on maximum horizontal slope. This means that the pallet load, containing a load of your product, is placed on a special bench, which moves back and forth repeatedly. The load is allowed to shift during this movement up to a certain limit. This shift should only occur during the movement and when the back and forth movement stops, the load should return to its original position. Below this shift limit the load is approved. It is important that the test is reproducible for your load. This means that the test approves a standard way of packaging for your pallet loads, with the same way being packed in the future.

Tallpack stability check

Tallpack is happy to help you comply with EUMOS-40509. Our focus is on sustainable, cost-effective and stable packaging solutions for your product, combined with a low packaging load. Through our stretch film test module , developed in collaboration with the University of Leuven, we help you to make packaging stability scientifically measurable. You will receive a ‘Pallet Stability Passport’ in which the test results are recorded.

If you want more certainty, we are happy to help you carry out the stability test in an accredited test center. We test with a “horizontal impact cart” in our own accredited ‘Tallpack International Technology Center’. This test gives you extra guarantee that you meet the required guidelines.

Do you have any questions about EUMOS or about packaging your pallets? Our packaging experts are happy to help you.