Racking systems

Racking systems are structures for storing and retrieving goods in warehouses. The goods to be stored are usually placed on pallets or in grid boxes.

Regulatory framework

DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ) for racking systems which are subject to regulatory requirements. European Technical Assessments (ETAs) can also be issued for these products.

Furthermore, DIBt grants general construction technique permits (aBG) for construction techniques comprising racking systems for which there are no conclusive technical rules.

EAD 200059-00-0302 Steel components for pallet racking systems (12 pages ) Version: January 2018; OJEU 2018/C 417/07; EOTA

The document 'Approval procedure for racking systems' is available in German and in English from DIBt on request.

National procedure

A national technical approval (abZ) and/or oder general construction technique permit (aBG) is granted upon application (see Model Building Code (MBO), Sections 16a(2) and18(2) and (4)). This also applies to amendments and supplements to, or renewals of existing approvals and/or construction technique permits.

No formal requirements apply. The following information is needed: name and address of the applicant, description of the product and/or construction technique and its field of use or application, type of decision required (new decision, amendment or supplement to, or renewal of, an existing decision).

Please feel free to use the template below.

European Technical Assessment (ETA)

To start the ETA procedure, please submit the form below. We will then check if the prerequisites for issuing an ETA are met, i.e., in particular, if the product is not fully covered by an existing harmonised standard. If the prerequisites are met, we will check whether a European Assessment Document (EAD) covering the requested assessment scope already exists or still needs to be developed. If an EAD needs to be developed or amended, a complete technical file needs to be established before the procedure can begin.