ASTM D6788-24

Standard Specification for Repositionable Pressure-Sensitive Flags

ABSTRACT
This specification covers repositionable pressure-sensitive flags used to mark, flag, and index documents, books, periodicals, and so forth. Flags covered here consist of a single sheet of matte film partially covered by adhesive. A non-adhesive tab or section at one end of the flag serves for easy removal from most surfaces, including paper. The backing shall consist of polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene film, and shall have a transparent matte surface on one side that is writable by pens and pencils. Flags are available in the following types: Type 1, which are of specified width, and have a colored tab at one end; Type 2, which are of the same width as Type 1, and have a printed message on the top side of the flag; Type 3, which twice the width of Type 1, and have a white tab at one end to highlight writing; Type 4, which are half the width of Type 1, and have a colored tab at one end; and Type 5, which are half the width of Type 1, and have an arrow or a message printed on the top side of the flag. Sampled specimens shall conform to physical requirements in terms of minimum and maximum adhesion, dispension force, and thickness.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers repositionable pressure-sensitive flags used to mark, flag, and index documents, books, periodicals, and so forth.  
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.  
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 14, of this specification. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 83.180 - Adhesives
• Technical Committee: D10 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: D10.14 - Tape and Labels

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6788-02(2023) - Standard Specification for Repositionable Pressure-Sensitive Flags
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM D6788-24 is the internationally recognized standard specification developed by ASTM International for repositionable pressure-sensitive flags. These document marking products are designed specifically for easy, non-damaging attachment and removal on various surfaces, enabling efficient marking, flagging, and indexing of documents, books, periodicals, and more. The standard provides detailed criteria regarding material composition, adhesive requirements, workmanship, and testing methods to ensure high-quality, consistent, and user-friendly pressure-sensitive flags.

The repositionable pressure-sensitive flags covered under this standard are typically comprised of a writable matte film (such as polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to a portion of one side. A non-adhesive tab at one end allows for effortless handling and removal. These pressure-sensitive flags are specified in multiple types, catering to various organizational and marking needs in environments such as offices, libraries, schools, and archives.

Key Topics

• Types of Flags: The standard classifies flags into five types based on their width, printed messages, and presence of colored tabs or arrows.

  • Type 1: 1 in. wide with colored tab
  • Type 2: 1 in. wide with printed message
  • Type 3: 2 in. wide with white tab for highlighting writing
  • Type 4: ½ in. wide with colored tab
  • Type 5: ½ in. wide with arrow or printed message

• Material Requirements:

  • Backing must be polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene matte film, writable with common pens and pencils, resistant to tearing and ink defects.
  • Adhesive must be pressure-sensitive, water-insoluble, repositionable, and applied to at least 60% of the flag, ensuring strong hold without damaging paper or leaving residue.

• Performance Criteria:

  • Defined limits for adhesion, dispensing force, and thickness to guarantee reliable use and easy removal.
  • Flags must remain clean, uniform, and free of defects affecting appearance or performance.

• Environmental and Safety Considerations:

  • Encourages the use of recovered materials whenever possible.
  • Prohibits intentional use of toxic metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) in manufacturing.
  • Stresses compliance with safety, health, and environmental practices.

• Quality Assurance:

  • Requirements for sampling, inspection, and certification are detailed to ensure conformity across production batches.
  • Manufacturers must provide certifications on request, particularly for government or regulated environments.

Applications

Repositionable pressure-sensitive flags standardized under ASTM D6788-24 are widely used for:

• Document Indexing and Organization: Streamlining tagging and referencing of important pages in reports, legal files, medical records, or academic materials.
• Book Marking and Notation: Marking pages or passages in textbooks, manuals, or periodicals without damaging the material.
• Temporary Marking: Ideal for situations where notes or highlights need to be frequently updated, moved, or removed without residue or tearing.
• Collaborative Environments: Supporting multi-user scenarios in offices, libraries, and educational institutions where clarity and organization are critical.

The product’s versatility and the assurance of standardized performance make it trusted for both professional and consumer use.

Related Standards

The following standards are referenced within ASTM D6788-24 and are relevant for manufacturers, suppliers, and users seeking complete compliance and quality assurance:

• ASTM D996: Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
• ASTM D3330/D3330M: Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
• ASTM D3652/D3652M: Test Method for Thickness of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• ASTM D3715/D3715M: Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• ASTM D3811/D3811M: Test Method for Unwind Force of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
• ASTM D3951: Practice for Commercial Packaging
• ASTM D4332: Practice for Conditioning Containers and Packages for Testing
• ISO 9002: Quality Systems Model for Production and Installation Quality Assurance
• ANSI/ASQC Z 1.9: Sampling and Tables for Inspection by Variables for Percent Defective

By adhering to ASTM D6788-24 and its referenced standards, organizations ensure consistent quality, safety, and compliance in their use and supply of repositionable pressure-sensitive flags.

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: D6788 − 24
Standard Specification for
Repositionable Pressure-Sensitive Flags
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6788; 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 D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
1.1 This specification covers repositionable pressure-
Packaging Components for Testing
sensitive flags used to mark, flag, and index documents, books,
periodicals, and so forth. 2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 9002 Quality Systems Model for Quality Assurance in
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to
Production and Installation
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
2.3 ANSI/ASQC Standard:
system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must
ANSI/ASQC Z 1.9 Sampling and Tables for Inspection by
be used independently, without combining values in any way.
Variables for Percent Defective
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the
test methods portion, Section 14, of this specification. This
3. Terminology
standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns,
if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user 3.1 Definitions—General terms in this specification are de-
of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and fined in Terminology D996.
environmental practices and determine the applicability of
3.2 pad of flags, n—a vertical stack of individual flags with
regulatory limitations prior to use.
one flag positioned on top of the other.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1 The repositionable, pressure-sensitive flags covered by
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
this specification are intended for marking, flagging, and
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
indexing of documents, books, periodicals, and so forth. Flags
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
consist of a single sheet of matte film partially covered by
adhesive. There is a non-adhesive tab or section at one end of
2. Referenced Documents
the flag for easy removal from surfaces. The flag is removable
2.1 ASTM Standards:
from most surfaces including paper. Flags may have a printed
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
message on the top side of the flag.
ments
D3330/D3330M Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-
5. Classification
Sensitive Tape
5.1 Type 1 flags are 1 in. wide (25 mm) and have a colored
D3652/D3652M Test Method for Thickness of Pressure-
tab at one end.
Sensitive Tapes
D3715/D3715M Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-
5.2 Type 2 flags are 1 in. wide (25 mm) and have a printed
Sensitive Tapes
message on the top side of the flag.
D3811/D3811M Test Method for Unwind Force of Pressure-
5.3 Type 3 flags are 2 in. wide (50 mm) and have a white tab
Sensitive Tapes
at one end to highlight writing.
5.4 Type 4 flags are ⁄2 in. wide (12 mm) and have a colored
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
tab at one end.
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.14 on Tape and
Labels.
5.5 Type 5 flags are ⁄2 in. wide (12 mm) and have an arrow
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
or a message printed on the top side of the flag.
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as D6788 – 02 (2023).
DOI: 10.1520/D6788-24.
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 Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6788 − 24
TABLE 1 Properties
6. Ordering Information
Property Unit, Limit Value
6.1 The inquiry or order shall include the following:
Adhesion, min Oz/in. 1.7
6.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue,
N/100 mm 1.9
Adhesion, max Oz/in. 4.3
6.1.2 Type required (see Section 5),
N/100 mm 4.8
6.1.3 Number of flags in each dispenser,
Dispensing Force Oz/in., max 12.0
6.1.4 Color of tab on flag for unprinted flags,
N/100 mm, max 13.3
Thickness in., min 0.002
6.1.5 Printed message, if any, and
mm, min 0.05
6.1.6 When testing and inspection certification is required
(see Section 17).
10. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
7. Materials and Manufacture
10.1 The dimensions of the flags shall be as specified in
7.1 The materials used in construction of the flags shall
Table 2.
conform to the requirements of this specification.
10.2 Color Tab Width—Type 1, 3, and 4 flags have a color
7.2 Backing—The film backing shall consist of polyester,
tab at the non-adhesive end of the flag. The length of the color
polypropylene, or polyethylene film. The backing shall have
tab shall be ⁄8 in. (16 mm). The tolerance on color tab length
sufficient strength to resist tearing by hand. The backing shall
shall be 6 ⁄16 in. (61.5 mm). The colored tab shall extend the
have a transparent matte surface on one side that is writable by
full width of the flag.
pens and pencils.
11. Workmanship
7.2.1 Writing on the flags shall not exhibit feathering,
11.1 The flags and the dispenser shall be clean and free from
spreading, skipping, beading, visible discontinuities or fading
of ink when writing with any writing instrument including a dirt, foreign matter, holes, tears, wrinkles, and other defects
that might affect appearance or serviceability. Flags shall be
metal roller pen, felt tip pen, permanent marker, ball point pen,
or fountain pen. uniform in color and formation. The finished product shall
conform to the levels of quality established herein.
7.2.2 Individual flags shall release easily from the pad
without leaving any trace of adhesive on the underlying sheet.
12. Sampling
7.3 Adhesive—The adhesive shall be pressure-sensitive,
12.1 End Item Examination—The lot size for visual inspec-
repositionable, and water-insoluble. Each flag in the pad shall
tion shall be as specified in the end item inspection of 5.3 of
have a coating of the adhesive on the back side of the flag.
Practice D3715/D3715M. The sample unit shall be one pad of
7.3.1 The adhesive coating shall be applied flush to one
flags. The AQL shall be 2.5 %.
horizontal edge of the flag and shall extend the entire width of
12.2 End Item Testing—Lot size and sampling for end item
the flag. The adhesive shall cover at least 60 % of the surface
testing shall be as specified in end item testing of 5.4 of
area of the flag to ensure secure holding of the flag to a surface.
Practice D3715/D3715M. The sample unit shall be one pad of
7.3.2 The adhesive shall leave no visible residue on the
flags. The AQL shall be 4.0 %.
surface to which it is applied and removed. Removal of the flag
12.2.1 Adhesion has a double specification limit (there is an
from paper shall not rip or damage the paper.
upper and lower limit to the specification). For adhesion, use
7.4 Pad and Dispenser—Single flags shall be stacked in a
Table C-3 and Example C-3 of ANSI/ASQC Z 1.9.
pad. The pad of flags shall be contained in a dispenser package
13. Specimen Preparation and Number of Tests
that allows single flag dispensing through a slot in the
dispenser. The dispenser shall be designed so that when a flag
13.1 Specimen preparation shall be as specified in Section
is removed for use, the next flag in the pad shall protrude from
14.
the slot for the next application. This shall continue until the
13.2 Number of tests per unit of product shall be four. The
pad is consumed. The dispenser shall be of sufficient strength
sample unit shall be on
...

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: D6788 − 02 (Reapproved 2023) D6788 − 24
Standard Specification for
Repositionable Pressure-Sensitive Flags
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6788; 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 repositionable pressure-sensitive flags used to mark, flag, and index documents, books, periodicals,
and so forth.
1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system
are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.
1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 14, of this specification. 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
D3330/D3330M Test Method for Peel Adhesion of Pressure-Sensitive Tape
D3652/D3652M Test Method for Thickness of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
D3715/D3715M Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
D3811/D3811M Test Method for Unwind Force of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
2.2 Federal Specifications:
CID A-A-2826 Tabs, Signal (Repositionable), cancelled November, 19, 1999
PPP-T-680 Federal Packaging Standard
2.2 ISO Standard:
ISO 9002 Quality Systems Model for Quality Assurance in Production and Installation
2.3 ANSI/ASQC Standard:
ANSI/ASQC Z 1.9 Sampling and Tables for Inspection by Variables for Percent Defective
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.14 on Tape and Labels.
Current edition approved March 15, 2023March 1, 2024. Published March 2023March 2024. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20172023
as D6788 – 02 (2017).(2023). DOI: 10.1520/D6788-02R23. 10.1520/D6788-24.
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.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6788 − 24
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—General terms in this specification are defined in Terminology D996.
3.2 pad of flags, n—a vertical stack of individual flags with one flag positioned on top of the other.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The repositionable, pressure-sensitive flags covered by this specification are intended for marking, flagging, and indexing of
documents, books, periodicals, and so forth. Flags consist of a single sheet of matte film partially covered by adhesive. There is
a non-adhesive tab or section at one end of the flag for easy removal from surfaces. The flag is removable from most surfaces
including paper. Flags may have a printed message on the top side of the flag.
4.2 This specification replaces U.S. Government CID A-A-2826.
5. Classification
5.1 Type 1 flags are 1 in. wide (25 mm) and have a colored tab at one end.
5.2 Type 2 flags are 1 in. wide (25 mm) and have a printed message on the top side of the flag.
5.3 Type 3 flags are 2 in. wide (50 mm) and have a white tab at one end to highlight writing.
5.4 Type 4 flags are ⁄2 in. wide (12 mm) and have a colored tab at one end.
5.5 Type 5 flags are ⁄2 in. wide (12 mm) and have an arrow or a message printed on the top side of the flag.
6. Ordering Information
6.1 The inquiry or order shall include the following:
6.1.1 ASTM designation and date of issue,
6.1.2 Type required (see Section 5),
6.1.3 Number of flags in each dispenser,
6.1.4 Color of tab on flag for unprinted flags,
6.1.5 Printed message, if any, and
6.1.6 When testing and inspection certification is required (see Section 17), and ).
6.1.7 For government orders, conformance to federal packaging standards.
7. Materials and Manufacture
7.1 The materials used in construction of the flags shall conform to the requirements of this specification.
7.2 Backing—The film backing shall consist of polyester, polypropylene, or polyethylene film. The backing shall have sufficient
strength to resist tearing by hand. The backing shall have a transparent matte surface on one side that is writable by pens and
pencils.
7.2.1 Writing on the flags shall not exhibit feathering, spreading, skipping, beading, visible discontinuities or fading of ink when
writing with any writing instrument including a metal roller pen, felt tip pen, permanent marker, ball point pen, or fountain pen.
D6788 − 24
7.2.2 Individual flags shall release easily from the pad without leaving any trace of adhesive on the underlying sheet.
7.3 Adhesive—The adhesive shall be pressure-sensitive, repositionable, and water-insoluble. Each flag in the pad shall have a
coating of the adhesive on the back side of the flag.
7.3.1 The adhesive coating shall be applied flush to one horizontal edge of the flag and shall extend the entire width of the flag.
The adhesive shall cover at least 60 % of the surface area of the flag to ensure secure holding of the flag to a surface.
7.3.2 The adhesive shall leave no visible residue on the surface to which it is applied and removed. Removal of the flag from paper
shall not rip or damage the paper.
7.4 Pad and Dispenser—Single flags shall be stacked in a pad. The pad of flags shall be contained in a dispenser package that
allows single flag dispensing through a slot in the dispenser. The dispenser shall be designed so that when a flag is removed for
use, the next flag in the pad shall protrude from the slot for the next application. This shall continue until the pad is consumed.
The dispenser shall be of sufficient strength to last the life of the pad. One flag dispenser may contain a single pad or several pads
of flags.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Condition all samples in the standard conditioning atmosphere as described in Practice D4332 for a period of not less than
24 h before testing.
8.2 Conduct tests in an atmosphere of 50 % 6 2 % relative humidity and 23.0 °C 6 2.0 °C as described in Practice D4332.
9. Physical Properties
9.1 The flags shall comply with the physical test requirements listed in Table 1.
10. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
10.1 The dimensions of the flags shall be as specified in Table 2.
10.2 Color Tab Width—Type 1, 3, and 4 flags have a color tab at the non-adhesive end of the flag. The length of the color tab shall
5 1
be ⁄8 in. (16 mm). The tolerance on color tab length shall be 6 ⁄16 in. (61.5 mm). The colored tab shall extend the full width of
the flag.
11. Workmanship
11.1 The flags and the dispenser shall be clean and free from dirt, foreign matter, holes, tears, wrinkles, and other defects that
might affect appearance or serviceability. Flags shall be uniform in color and formation. The finished product shall conform to the
levels of quality established herein.
12. Sampling
12.1 End Item Examination—The lot size for visual inspection shall be as specified in the end item inspection of 5.3 of Practice
D3715/D3715M. The sample unit shall be one pad of flags. The AQL shall be 2.5 %.
TABLE 1 Properties
Property Unit, Limit Value
Adhesion, min Oz/in. 1.7
N/100 mm 1.9
Adhesion, max Oz/in. 4.3
N/100 mm 4.8
Dispensing Force Oz/in., max 12.0
N/100 mm, max 13.3
Thickness in., min 0.002
mm, min 0.05
D6788 − 24
TABLE 2 Dimensions
Type Description Width Length Tolerance
1 1 i
...