EN 15552:2008

Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Performance testing schedules for common distribution chains

This European Standard specifies methods of deriving schedules for testing completed, filled transport packages and unit loads, representative of current distribution chains within Europe.

Verpackung - Versandfertige Packstücke und Ladeeinheiten - Prüfpläne für gewöhnliche Transportketten

Diese Europäische Norm legt für aktuelle Transportketten innerhalb Europas Verfahren zur Herleitung von
Prüfplänen zur Prüfung versandfertiger Packstücke und Ladeeinheiten fest.

Emballages - Emballages d'expédition complets et pleins et charges unitaires - Programmes d'essai de performance pour circuits de distribution courants

La présente Norme européenne spécifie des méthodes de conception de programmes d’essai pour les emballages d’expédition complets et pleins et de charges unitaires représentatifs des circuits courants de distribution en Europe.

Embalaža - Celovita, napolnjena transportna embalaža in tovorne enote - Oblikovanje preskusnega načrta za običajno potrošniško verigo

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Aug-2008
• Withdrawal Date: 27-Feb-2009
• ICS: 55.180.40 - Complete, filled transport packages
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 261 - Packaging
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 261/SC 5 - Primary packaging and transport packaging
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Completion Date: 11-Feb-2026
• Ref Project: SIST EN 15552:2008 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Performance testing schedules for common distribution chains

Relations

• Refers: EN ISO 12048:2000 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Compression and stacking tests using a compression tester (ISO 12048:1994)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 2234:2002 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Stacking tests using a static load (ISO 2234:2000)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 2244:2002 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Horizontal impact tests (ISO 2244:2000)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 22248:1992 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Vertical impact test by dropping (ISO 2248:1985)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 13355:2016 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Vertical random vibration test (ISO 13355:2016)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 28768:1992 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Toppling test (ISO 8768:1986)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 2247:2002 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Vibration tests at fixed low frequency (ISO 2247:2000)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 22206:1992 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages - Identification of parts when testing (ISO 2206:1987)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 14149:2003 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Impact test by rotational drop
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 2233:2001 - Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Conditioning for testing (ISO 2233:2000)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

EN 15552:2008 is the European Standard published by CEN that defines procedures for creating performance testing schedules for complete, filled transport packages and unit loads representative of common European distribution chains. The standard addresses the need for robust yet optimized packaging that ensures product protection during handling, storage, and transport. By standardizing testing methods, EN 15552:2008 supports manufacturers, logistics providers, and supply chain stakeholders in ensuring that packaging is neither excessive nor insufficient for expected distribution hazards.

Key Topics

• Distribution Chain Coverage: The standard outlines test schedules for a range of distribution scenarios, including parcels (express and standard services), packages with a defined shipping position, palletized loads, and packages shipped in maritime containers.
• Test Schedule Derivation: Procedures for developing appropriate test plans based on actual distribution chain requirements, making the standard adaptable to changing logistics practices.
• Testing Methods: EN 15552:2008 references recognized international methods for:
  • Climatic conditioning
  • Stacking (compression) testing
  • Vibration testing
  • Horizontal impact and stability testing
  • Drop and toppling tests
• Customizable Criteria: The specification allows for flexibility in sampling and pass/fail criteria, enabling parties to adapt testing rigor based on product or market-specific needs.
• Documentation and Reporting: Comprehensive requirements are provided for preparing test reports and specifying any deviations from standard procedures.

Applications

EN 15552:2008 is applicable across various industries where goods must be transported and distributed using packaging:

• Packaging Manufacturers: Ensuring that new or existing packaging designs reliably protect contents throughout European distribution channels, including express delivery, parcel services, palletized shipments, or containerized loads.
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management: Assessing and selecting packaging that complies with standardized test schedules, thus minimizing freight damage claims and optimizing packaging resources.
• Retailers & Brands: Validating that transported products meet integrity and safety requirements regardless of the route taken within the European market.
• Testing Laboratories: Using EN 15552:2008 as a reference framework for developing documented, reproducible, and auditable package testing processes.

The standard encourages communication and agreement between parties regarding sampling, acceptance criteria, and any necessary adaptations to reflect actual shipping conditions or unique scenarios. In practice, this means EN 15552:2008 is highly relevant for both product launches and ongoing quality assurance across the logistics ecosystem.

Related Standards

EN 15552:2008 cross-references several important international standards to ensure comprehensive and harmonized package testing, including:

• EN 14149:2003: Rotational drop tests for transport packages
• EN 22206: Identification of parts when testing filled transport packages
• EN 22248: Vertical drop impact tests
• EN 28768: Toppling tests for transport packages
• EN ISO 2233/2234: Climate conditioning and stacking tests for transport packages
• EN ISO 2244/2247/12048/13355: Test methods covering impact, vibration, compression, and random vibration tests
• ASTM D4003 & D5277: Methods for programmable and inclined horizontal impact tests

By aligning with these related standards, EN 15552:2008 provides a coherent framework that supports both European and international package testing requirements.

Keywords: EN 15552:2008, packaging performance testing, transport packages, unit loads, European standard, distribution chain, testing schedules, package integrity, logistics, palletized loads, maritime containers, drop test, vibration test, stacking test.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2008
(PEDODåD&HORYLWDQDSROQMHQDWUDQVSRUWQDHPEDODåDLQWRYRUQHHQRWH
2EOLNRYDQMHSUHVNXVQHJDQDþUWD]DRELþDMQRSRWURãQLãNRYHULJR
Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads - Performance testing
schedules for common distribution chains
Verpackung - Versandfertige Packstücke und Ladeeinheiten - Prüfpläne für gewöhnliche
Transportketten
Emballage - Emballages d'expédition complets et pleins et charges unitaires -
Programmes d'essai de performance pour circuits de distribution courants
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 15552:2008
ICS:
55.180.40 Celovita, napolnjena Complete, filled transport
transportna embalaža packages
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 15552
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
August 2008
ICS 55.180.40
English Version
Packaging - Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads -
Performance testing schedules for common distribution chains
Emballages - Emballages d'expédition complets et pleins et Verpackung - Versandfertige Packstücke und
charges unitaires - Programmes d'essai de performance Ladeeinheiten - Prüfpläne für gewöhnliche Transportketten
pour circuits de distribution courants
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 4 July 2008.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 15552:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Distribution chains and categorized shipped packages .6
4.1 Parcels delivery.6
4.2 Packages with intended shipping position.6
4.3 Palletized loads.6
4.4 Packages in maritime containers.6
5 Relevant single testings and options .6
5.1 Climatic conditioning .6
5.2 Stacking Test.7
5.3 Vibration Test.7
5.4 Horizontal Impact Test .8
5.5 Stability Test.8
5.6 Drop Test .8
5.7 Toppling Test .9
6 Sampling.9
7 Testing .10
8 Pass or fail criteria.13
9 Test report .13
Bibliography .14

Foreword
This document (EN 15552:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 261 “Packaging”, the
secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by February 2009.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Packaging is designed for many functions in the distribution of goods like packing, handling, storage, transport,
information, promotion, tamper proofing, easy opening, etc.
This European Standard is intended to assess the protection of goods through handling, storage and transport
of packages.
The objective is also to check whether the packaging is just sufficient to the level of stresses, but without
excess.
Alternatives are sometimes proposed to better cover actual likely hazards.
The specified testing schedules cross-reference well recognized international testing methods.
EN 13011 defines a system for the declaration of performance conditions within goods transport chains.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies methods of deriving schedules for testing completed, filled transport
packages and unit loads, representative of current distribution chains within Europe.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 14149:2003, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Impact test by rotational
drop.
EN 22206, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages – Identification of parts when testing (ISO
2206:1987)
EN 22248, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages – Vertical impact test by dropping (ISO
2248:1985)
EN 28768, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages – Toppling test (ISO 8768:1986)
EN ISO 2233:2001, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Conditioning for testing
(ISO 2233:2000)
EN ISO 2234:2002, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Stacking tests using a
static load (ISO 2234:2000)
EN ISO 2244, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Horizontal impact tests (ISO
2244:2000)
EN ISO 2247:2002, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Vibration tests at fixed
low frequency (ISO 2247:2000)
EN ISO 12048, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages – Compression and stacking tests using a
compression tester (ISO 12048:1994)
EN ISO 13355, Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages and unit loads – Vertical random vibration
test (ISO 13355:2001)
ASTM D4003, Standard test methods for programmable horizontal impact test for shipping containers and
systems
ASTM D5277, Standard test method for performing programmed horizontal impacts using an inclined impact
tester
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
test item
complete, filled transport package or unit load
3.2
single testing
specific test intended to check the reaction of a complete, filled transport package or unit load to a
predetermined stress
3.3
test schedule
succession of single testings, carried out in a predetermined order on the same complete, filled transport
package or unit load, in predetermined climatic conditions
4 Distribution chains and categorized shipped packages
4.1 Parcels delivery
Covers single packages intended for delivery either by express service (normally within 24 hours) such as
overnight postal service or by parcel services (generally over 48 hours).
4.2 Packages with intended shipping position
Covers packages fitted with integrated down bearers for easy handling by forklift equipments (i.e. platform,
skids) and packages of products with known shipping position (i.e. refrigerator).
4.3 Palletized loads
Covers all structured stacks of packages on pallets, together with possible stability fittings (interleaves, corner
posts, shrink/stretch films, etc).
4.4 Packages in maritime containers
Covers the maritime shipping of structured stacks of packages in containers, including connected road
transportations.
5 Relevant single testings and options
NOTE The single tests given in Clause 5 are those used in the test schedules in Table 6.
5.1 Climatic conditioning
To reproduce the ambient climates in distribution chains.
The preferred atmospheric conditions from EN ISO 2233:2001 are given in Table 1. Other atmospheric
conditions from Table 1 of EN ISO 2233:2001 may be chosen by mutual agreement between the parties; care
should be taken that equilibrium has been reached before testing starts.
Table 1 — Climatic Conditioning in accordance with EN ISO 2233:2001
Condition
Temperature Relative humidity
Rationale
(Table 1 EN ISO 2233:
(°C) (%)
2001)
7 + 23 dry environment
5 + 20 standard
...