ASTM D5998-16

Standard Specification for Molded Polyethylene Shipping and Storage Drums

ABSTRACT
This specification covers self-supporting, molded polyethylene, tight head drums for use in surface and air shipments. Drums shall be manufactured from virgin or recycled polyethylene plastics, and with handles and openings the number of which depends on the capacity of the drum. Safety seals and torque wrenches may also be provided as necessary. The drum shall be uniform in color and free of lumps, blisters, or flash, with the drum interior clean and free of foreign matter. Drop, leak proofness, hydrostatic pressure, stacking, handling, and capacity tests shall be performed and shall conform to the requirements specified. The drum shall also be examined to assess its conformance with the specified dimensions and capacity.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers self supporting, molded polyethylene, tight head drums designed for surface and air shipment, ranging in size from 5 gal (19 L) to and including 55 gal (208 L).  
1.2 Virgin or recycled polyethylene plastics2 or combinations thereof can be used provided the finished product meets the requirements of this specification.
Note 1: There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
Note 2: This standard is intended to replace MIL-D-43703C.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2016
• ICS: 55.140 - Barrels. Drums. Canisters
• ICS: 83.080.20 - Thermoplastic materials
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.15 - Thermoplastic Materials

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5998-10 - Standard Specification for Molded Polyethylene Shipping and Storage Drums
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18(2023) - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2023
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM D3951-18 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM D4504-94(2018) - Standard Specification for Molded Polyethylene Open-Head-Pails for Industrial Shipping of Nonhazardous Goods
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2017
• Refers: ASTM D3951-15 - Standard Practice for Commercial Packaging
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D883-12e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM D5998-16: Standard Specification for Molded Polyethylene Shipping and Storage Drums establishes the requirements for self-supporting, molded polyethylene, tight-head drums. These drums are used for surface and air shipments and are available in sizes from 5 gallons (19 liters) to 55 gallons (208 liters). The standard covers both virgin and recycled polyethylene materials, ensuring drums meet rigorous quality, performance, and marking requirements. This specification is crucial for manufacturers, shippers, and organizations seeking to ensure compliance, durability, and safety when selecting or using polyethylene shipping and storage drums.

Key Topics

• Material Requirements: Drums must be fabricated from either virgin or recycled polyethylene. Material must conform to relevant federal and NSF standards when used with food or potable water.
• Design and Construction:
  • Drums are tight-head, molded units, featuring handles and openings appropriate to their capacity.
  • Openings, closures, safety seals, and plugs are defined to prevent leaks and ensure integrity during shipping and storage.
  • Drums larger than 20 gallons must be compatible with typical drum handling equipment.
• Performance Testing:
  • Drums are subjected to drop, leakproofness, hydrostatic pressure, stacking, and handling tests in accordance with pertinent U.S. Department of Transportation requirements.
  • Capacities are strictly controlled and tested to ensure compliance, with minimum and maximum acceptable limits.
• Marking and Identification:
  • All drums must be durably marked with capacity, manufacturer, date of manufacture, and other relevant information.
  • Markings must adhere to specific height and clarity requirements for legibility.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Production includes sampling, inspection, and conformance testing as prescribed or mutually agreed upon by stakeholders or relevant regulations.
  • Defective drums-such as those outside specified tolerances, or with cracks, leaks, lumps, or foreign materials-are not acceptable.

Applications

The ASTM D5998-16 standard is applied widely across industries that require robust and reliable plastic shipping and storage containers. Key applications include:

• Industrial Chemical Transport: Ensures secure, leakproof shipment and storage of various chemicals and non-hazardous materials.
• Food and Beverage Logistics: Drums intended for food products must meet FDA and NSF food-contact requirements, making them suitable for potable water, food ingredients, and more.
• Hazardous Materials Handling: When applicable, drums are marked and qualified under 49 CFR for hazardous material containment and transport.
• Pharmaceutical and Medical Supply Storage: Provides a controlled environment for sensitive contents, reducing risk of contamination.
• General Material Storage: Used in commercial, warehousing, or manufacturing settings where safe, stackable, and reusable storage is required.

Adoption of ASTM D5998-16 ensures reliable, compliant plastic shipping drums, minimizing the risk of spillage or regulatory issues during logistics operations.

Related Standards

Organizations referencing ASTM D5998-16 may also need to consider associated standards and regulations, such as:

• ASTM D4504: Specification for Molded Polyethylene Open-Head Pails for Industrial Shipping of Nonhazardous Goods
• ASTM D883: Terminology Relating to Plastics
• ASTM D3951: Practice for Commercial Packaging
• ASTM D4919: Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings
• ANSI Z1.4: Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
• NSF/ANSI Standards 2 & 51: Food Service Equipment and Plastics
• 49 CFR 173 & 178: U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for shipment and packaging of hazardous materials

Keywords

polyethylene drum, molded drum, plastic container, shipping drum, storage drum, ASTM D5998, recycled plastic, tight-head drum, drum specification, industrial packaging

By adhering to ASTM D5998-16, stakeholders ensure their shipping and storage drums meet essential safety, performance, and regulatory standards, optimizing reliability and compliance in modern logistics and supply chains.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5998 −16
Standard Specification for
Molded Polyethylene Shipping and Storage Drums
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5998; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (With-
drawn 2015)
1.1 This specification covers self supporting, molded
2.2 ANSI Standards:
polyethylene, tight head drums designed for surface and air
ANSI Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection
shipment, ranging in size from 5 gal (19 L) to and including 55
by Attributes
gal (208 L).
2.3 Federal Regulations:
1.2 Virgin or recycled polyethylene plastics or combina-
21 CFR 121 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and
tions thereof can be used provided the finished product meets
Regulations Promulgated Thereunder
the requirements of this specification.
21 CFR 177 Indirect Food Additives: Polymers
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
49 CFR 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Ship-
NOTE 2—This standard is intended to replace MIL-D-43703C.
ments and Packagings
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
49 CFR 178 Specifications for Packaging
asthestandard.Thevaluesgiveninparenthesesaremathemati-
2.4 National Sanitation Foundation International:
cal conversions to SI units that provided for information only
NSF Standard No. 2 Food Service Equipment
and are not considered standard.
NSF Standard No. 51 Plastics Materials and Components
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Used in Food Service Equipment
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1 For definitions or terms, see Terminology D883 or
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Guide D7209.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Requirements
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 Materials—Drums shall conform to 49 CFR 173.24 and
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
178.509 Type 1H1. The drum material and components shall
D1972 Practice for Generic Marking of Plastic Products
conform to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, Food
(Withdrawn 2014)
AdditiveAmendment21CFR177,1520andNSFInternational
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
Standard No. 2 and 51 when used for food products. Recycled
D4504 Specification for Molded Polyethylene Open-Head-
plastic can be used when practical as long as the finished
Pails for Industrial Shipping of Nonhazardous Goods
product meets the requirements of this specification.
D4919 GuideforTestingofHazardousMaterialsPackagings
4.2 Design and Construction—Drums shall conform to 49
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and
CFR173.24and178.509,Type1H1.Drumsshallbemoldedof
materials specified in 4.1. Five gallon (19 L) drums shall be
furnished with one or two carrying handles. Fifteen gallon (57
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on
L) drums shall be furnished with one or two handles on the top
Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15 on Thermoplastic
Materials.
or without handles. Drums greater than 20 gal shall be
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016. Published September 2016. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D5998 - 10. DOI:
10.1520/D5998-16.
2 5
As defined in Guide D7209. Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
the ASTM website. www.access.gpo.gov.
4 7
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from NSF International, P.O. Box 130140, 789 N. Dixboro Rd.,Ann
www.astm.org. Arbor, MI 48113-0140, http://www.nsf.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5998 − 16
fabricated so that they can be individually handled by custom- Unless otherwise specified, the markings shall be embossed on
ary handling devices. Handling devices shall withstand the the sidewall or bottom head of the drum in characters not less
combined lifted weight of the drum and contents. Rolling rings than ⁄2 in. (13 mm) high. Unless otherwise specified, the top
on drums are optional, and when specified, a minimum of two head of each drum shall be marked “DO NOT REUSE FOR
are required. FOOD.” The marking shall be embossed or indelibly stenciled
in a contrasting color in capital letters not less than ⁄2 in. (13
4.2.1 Openings—The 5-gal (19-L) drum shall have one
mm) high.
opening on the top except when specified (see 7.2) an air vent
shall be added diametrically opposite the top opening. The
4.4 Capacity—The minimum actual capacity shall be not
15-gal, 30-gal, and 55-gal (57-L, 114-L, and 208-L) drums
less than rated capacity plus 4 %. The maximum actual
shall have two openings. The opening shall not exceed 2.7 in.
capacity shall be not greater than the applicable rated capacity
(69 mm) in diameter, and when specified shall have either a
(see 1.2) plus 15 % for 5-gal (19-L) drums and shall not be
commercial clinch-on closure (flexible or reversible spout) or
greater than rated capacity plus 10 % for drums 15 gal (57 L)
molded-in opening. The molded-in opening for the 5-gal
and over.
(19-L) drum shall be externally threaded to accept a buttress
4.5 Performance—In addition to the requirements specified
threaded cap closure, an internally threaded opening to accept
herein, drums shall not show cracks or leaks when subjected to
an NPS plug, or a commercial clinch-on closure. The
tests specified in 5.3.5. Drums with repaired bodies and
molded-in opening for the 15-gal, 30-gal, and 55-gal (57-L,
components shall not be acceptable.
114-L, and 208-L) drums shall have molded-in internal NPS or
buttress threads (see 4.2.1.1). There shall be not less than two
4.6 Workmanship—The finished drums shall be free of
and one half buttress threads. The closure for flexible spout
lumps, blisters, or flash. The threads of the openings and plugs
shall be a metal or plastic screw cap or plug having not less
shall be clean, well formed, free of excess flash, and distortion.
than two continuous full threads that match the opening and of
The seal of the openings and plugs shall be smooth and free of
sufficient length to completely engage a minimum of two
any defects that can affect the functionality of the closure. The
threads when the cap with gasket or cap liner in place is
color shall be uniform. The drum interior shall be clean and
screwed in.
free of foreign matter. The caps and spouts shall be clean, free
4.2.1.1 PlugandGasket—Thebu
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5998 − 10 D5998 − 16
Standard Specification for
Molded Polyethylene Shipping and Storage Drums
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5998; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This specification covers self supporting, molded polyethylene, tight head drums designed for surface and air shipment,
ranging in size from 5 gal (19 L) to and including 55 gal (208 L).
1.2 Virgin or recycled polyethylene plastics or combinations thereof can be used provided the finished product meets the
requirements of this specification.
NOTE 1—There is no known ISO equivalent to this standard.
NOTE 2—This standard is intended to replace MIL-D-43703C.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.mathematical conversions to SI units that provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D1972 Practice for Generic Marking of Plastic Products (Withdrawn 2014)
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
D4504 Specification for Molded Polyethylene Open-Head-Pails for Industrial Shipping of Nonhazardous Goods
D4919 Guide for Testing of Hazardous Materials Packagings
D7209 Guide for Waste Reduction, Resource Recovery, and Use of Recycled Polymeric Materials and Products (Withdrawn
2015)
2.2 ANSI Standards:
ANSI Z1.4 Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes
2.3 Federal Regulations:
21 CFR 121 CFR 121 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and Regulations Promulgated Thereunder
21 CFR 177 CFR 177Indirect Food Additives: Polymers
49 CFR 173 CFR 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Shipments and Packagings
49 CFR 178 CFR 178 Specifications for Packaging
2.4 Other:
National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC-100)
Uniform Freight Classification (UFC)
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.15.01D20.15 on Polyethylene
Plastics (Disbanded 01/2012)Thermoplastic Materials.
Current edition approved April 1, 2010Sept. 1, 2016. Published June 2010September 2016. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20032010 as
D5998 - 03.D5998 - 10. DOI: 10.1520/D5998-10.10.1520/D5998-16.
As defined in Guide D7209.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5998 − 16
2.4 National Sanitation Foundation International:
NSF Standard No. 2 Food Service Equipment
NSF Standard No. 51 Plastics Materials and Components Used in Food Service Equipment
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions or terms, see Terminology D883 or Guide D7209.
4. Requirements
4.1 Materials—Drums shall conform to 49 CFR 173.24 and 178.509 Type 1H1. The drum material and components shall
conform to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, Food Additive Amendment 21 CFR 177, 1520 and NSF International
Standard No. 2 and 51 when used for food products. Recycled plastic can be used when practical as long as the finished product
meets the requirements of this specification.
4.2 Design and Construction—Drums shall conform to 49 CFR 173.24 and 178.509, Type 1H1. Drums shall be molded of
materials specified in 4.1. Five gallon (19 L) drums shall be furnished with one or two carrying handles. Fifteen gallon (57 L)
drums shall be furnished with one or two handles on the top or without handles. Drums greater than 20 gal shall be fabricated so
that they can be individually handled by customary handling devices. Handling devices shall withstand the combined lifted weight
of the drum and contents. Rolling rings on drums are optional, and when specified, a minimum of two are required.
4.2.1 Openings—The 5-gal (19-L) drum shall have one opening on the top except when specified (see 7.2) an air vent shall be
added diametrically opposite the top opening. The 15-gal, 30-gal, and 55-gal (57-L, 114-L, and 208-L) drums shall have two
openings. The opening shall not exceed 2.7 in. (69 mm) in diameter, and when specified shall have either a commercial clinch-on
closure (flexible or reversible spout) or molded-in opening. The molded-in opening for the 5-gal (19-L) drum shall be externally
threaded to accept a buttress threaded cap closure, an internally threaded opening to accept an NPS plug, or a commercial clinch-on
closure. The molded-in opening for the 15-gal, 30-gal, and 55-gal (57-L, 114-L, and 208-L) drums shall have molded-in internal
NPS or buttress threads (see 4.2.1.1). There shall be not less than two and one half buttress threads. The closure for flexible spout
shall be a metal or plastic screw cap or plug having not less than two continuous full threads that match the opening and of
sufficient length to completely engage a minimum of two threads when the cap with gasket or cap liner in place is screwed in.
4.2.1.1 Plug and Gasket—The buttress plug and gasket shall be made of material resistant to the lading and shall have not less
than two continuous external buttress threads that match the internal thread of the opening. The plug shall have a ⁄4-in. (20-mm)
3 3
NPS center reducer with molded-in diaphragm. The ⁄4-in. (20-mm) center reducer without molded diaphragm shall accept a ⁄4-in.
(20-mm) NPT plug as allowed by appropriate shipping and storage regulations. Vented closure devices shall be used for surface
shipments only as allowed by appropriate shipping and storage regulations.
4.2.1.2 Safety Seals—When specified, commercial safety seals shall be furnished with each drum for application to all openings
of the drum. The safety seals shall either be fabricated from a corrosion-resistant material, or be coated with a corrosion-resistant
finish. The safety seals shall be crimped onto the drums in such a manner that the seals are deformed and cannot be reused once
they have been removed. The safety seals shall have instructions printed on them that describe the method of removal unless
superseded by more important information such as a caution statement. Safety seals on drums containing food or potable water
shall meet food contact requirements of 4.1.
4.2.1.3 Torque Indicating or Torque Limiting Plug Wrench—Torque wrenches capable of applying specified closure torque are
to be used for tightening all closures as necessary.
4.3 Marking—Drum markings shall
...