The surface composition of two Pd blacks was monitored by XPS. The samples contained similar to 75% Pd with carbon and oxygen impurities. The sample reduced in aqueous medium contained also Na plus K impurities (similar to1 % each). Their possible organic counter ions appeared in the carbon region although no quantitative agreement could be established. The possible influence of the possible surface dipoles (with the alkali pointing outwards) on selective hydrogenation processes is pointed out.