Direct answer. VGP (Vérification Générale Périodique) is a mandatory regulatory inspection, carried out every 6 months by a competent person or an approved body, on lifting equipment such as forklifts, stackers, and so-called "high-lift" pallet trucks (French order of March 1, 2004). The standard manual or electric pallet truck is, in principle, not subject to it.
What a VGP inspection covers, and who is affected
VGP aims to ensure that a piece of lifting equipment remains safe to operate throughout its life: general mechanical condition, brakes, forks, safety devices, lifting components. It's carried out either by an in-house competent person or by an approved body (Apave, Socotec, and Dekra are commonly cited), for a cost of around €80 to €150 excl. VAT per machine. If an inspection is missing or an unfavorable VGP result isn't addressed, the company risks a formal notice, or even having the equipment taken out of service.
Not all handling equipment is covered in the same way. Forklifts and stackers, which are lifting equipment by nature, are systematically subject to VGP every 6 months. The standard manual or electric pallet truck, whose lift is limited to a few centimeters to raise the load off the ground, isn't in principle considered lifting equipment and therefore escapes this obligation. However, a so-called "high-lift" (scissor) pallet truck, which can raise a load to shoulder height or more, falls into the lifting-equipment category and must therefore be inspected like a forklift.
And what about an autonomous robot? A pallet-transport robot whose lift height is comparable to that of a standard electric pallet truck doesn't a priori fall within the scope of the lifting equipment covered by VGP, on the same principle as its non-robotic equivalent. This point, however, depends on the precise classification of each machine by its manufacturer and integrator: in the absence of case law or official doctrine specific to autonomous robots, it's wise to have this status confirmed case by case rather than assume it. In all cases, regular preventive maintenance remains recommended, whether VGP is mandatory or not.
FAQ
Is a manual pallet truck subject to VGP?
In principle, no: a standard manual or electric pallet truck, whose lift is limited to a few centimeters to raise the load off the ground, isn't considered lifting equipment. Only high-lift (scissor) pallet trucks, stackers, and forklifts are subject to it.
How much does a VGP inspection cost?
The going rate is generally €80 to €150 excl. VAT per machine, for an inspection carried out every 6 months by an in-house competent person or by an approved body (Apave, Socotec, Dekra among others). This amount can vary depending on the region and the type of equipment inspected.
What's the risk of a missing or expired VGP inspection?
The company faces a formal notice from the authorities, or even having the equipment taken out of service until the situation is regularized. Beyond the legal risk, operating an uninspected truck or stacker also exposes operators to a real safety risk.
Is an autonomous robot (AMR) subject to VGP?
It depends on its lift height and its classification by the manufacturer: a robot that stays at the level of a standard pallet truck doesn't a priori fall within the scope of lifting equipment. This point remains to be confirmed case by case, in the absence of official doctrine specific to robots.
Related terms
CACES · Pallet truck, electric · Manual pallet truck · Forklift · Stacker · Anatomy and technical specs of a handling truck.
To learn more about the regulations: CACES R489 guide · CACES for electric or autonomous pallet trucks.
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