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Interim Report by the Pallet Standardization Promotion Subcommittee of the Public-Private Round Table for Standardizing Distribution Released

Japanese

June 27, 2022

Joint Press Release with MLIT, MAFF, Japan Association for Logistics and Transport, and Japan Institute of Logistic Systems

Manufacturing, Information, and Distribution/Service Policy

Japan's logistics—an important part of its social infrastructure—is currently facing a number of challenges, including labor shortages. One of the major pillars noted in the Comprehensive Physical Distribution Policy (FY2021-FY2025; approved by the Cabinet in June 2021) that needs to be worked on is "thorough optimization of the supply chain as a whole through promoting digital transformation and standardization of distribution." The Pallet Standardization Promotion Subcommittee of the Public-Private Round Table for Standardizing Distribution has been considering how to standardize pallets.
An interim report by the subcommittee has now been released: it is comprised of discussion and review of how to define pallet standardization and the scope of it, standards for pallets that will be recommended to companies that plan to start using them, and other related points.

1. Key points in the interim report

Defining pallet standardization

This section details how to efficiently transport and store each type of cargo that can be loaded onto pallets through effectively using standard pallets in a standardized way (forming unit loads and consistent palletization).

Scope of Pallet Standardization

The scope includes the whole process from domestic distribution/factory facilities to distribution facilities in the wholesale sector.

Standards to recommend to companies that plan to start using pallets

Flat 1100 mm x 1100 mm pallets are recommended.*

*Pallets fitting the above standards may be difficult for some businesses to use depending on the situation in their fields or product characteristics. Different standards may be more suitable in some cases.

Future considerations

The subcommittee will look into how pallets are actually used, and continue considering both standards (height and strength) and operations (creating a circular system) toward standardization, including for companies already using them.

2. References

Meeting materials used up until this point by the Pallet Standardization Promotion Subcommittee of the Public-Private Round Table for Standardizing Distribution are available via this link .(in Japanese)

Division in Charge

Logistics Policy Planning Office, Commerce and Service Industry Policy Group

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