ISO/TC 122 - Packaging

This document specifies the information needed for the design type testing of packaging, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packaging intended for use in the transport of dangerous goods. NOTE 1 This document can be used in conjunction with one or more of the international regulations set out in the Bibliography. NOTE 2 The term “packaging” includes packaging for Class 6.2 infectious substances according to the United Nations.

This document specifies the classification, dimensions, shape, technical requirements, inspection rules and testing methods as well as marking, ordering information and logistics of the steel strapping for packaging. This document is applicable to steel strapping for packaging in the field of metallic material, glass, light industrial products and logistics, etc.

This document specifies the characteristics, dimensions and finish of the inserted flange-type closure systems used for steel drums.

This document shows some examples of markings (words, numbers or symbols) for the identification of packaging materials. This document is applicable to all types of packaging in order to enable the identification of the materials used.

This document specifies the test methods of temperature-controlled packages for parcel shipping. Tests include physical, thermal conductivity and insulation performances of transport packages that use insulation for the purpose of blocking thermal conduction between the inside and the outside of a product package that need temperature control.

This document specifies the general requirements of transport packaging, especially the containers, which are formed or prepared for the temperature-controlled transport services of parcel shipping. Safety or sanitation is not covered in this document. This document set outs the general requirements for transport packaging for safe storage and distribution of temperature-sensitive products.

This document gives guidance on the application of a quality management system in the manufacture, measuring and monitoring of design type approved dangerous goods packaging, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packaging. This document does not include guidance specific to other management systems, such as those for environmental management, occupational health and safety management, or financial management. It is applicable to an organization that: a) needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements; and b) aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system, including processes for improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. All the guidance in this document is generic and intended to be applicable to any organization, regardless of its type or size, or the products and services it provides. NOTE In this document, the terms "product" or "service" only apply to products and services intended for, or required by, a customer. It does not apply to design type testing, for which reference is made to 6.1.5, 6.3.5, 6.5.6 and 6.6.5 of the UN Model Regulations[27].

This document establishes general rules for the compilation of performance test schedules for complete, filled transport packages intended for use within any distribution system except for the packages used for dangerous goods.

This document provides requirements and recommendations in designing consumer packages, independent of material, to increase accessibility with regard to handling and manipulation. The document considers packaging needs from a wide range of users with diverse human abilities and needs in diverse contexts of use. Handling and manipulation include human physical abilities like holding, lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, sliding, grasping, twisting, tearing and any combination of those actions related to portability, opening, re-closing and taking out contents of packages as well as to storage and disposal. Requirements and recommendations with regard to those abilities are provided for people with special needs including older people and people with disabilities in their handling and manipulation of packages. This document focuses on physical handling and manipulation which necessarily includes the processes of opening and closing specifically detailed in ISO 17480. It applies to reclosable and non-reclosable consumer packaging without using any other mechanical means. This document is primarily for designers, developers and evaluators of packaging and is also useful for other disciplines. Handling and manipulation for transportation of packaging is not covered in this standard. It does not apply to products regulated for safety or other reasons (e.g. toxic or dangerous goods and substances, medicinal products, and medical devices).

This document specifies the characteristics and dimensions of plug/bung closure systems for internally threaded openings in plastics drums of nominal capacity 113,6 l to 220 l.

This document specifies requirements and provides guidance for the application, use and check of tamper verification features to the packaging of medicinal products.

This document specifies performance requirements and methods of test for non-reclosable packaging that have been designated child-resistant. This document is intended for type approval only (see 3.5) and is not intended for quality assurance purposes.

This document specifies performance requirements and methods of test for non-reclosable packaging that has been designated child-resistant and which is intended to contain non-pharmaceutical products. This document is intended for type approval only (see 2.5) and is not intended for quality assurance purposes. This document applies to non-reclosable packages of the single-use type consisting of one or more individual units. Non-reclosable packages for pharmaceutical products are excluded from the scope of this document. These are the subject of a separate standard, ISO 14375, Child-resistant non-reclosable packaging for pharmaceutical products — Requirements and testing.

ISO 19809:2017 provides requirements and recommendations concerning accessible design of consumer packaging with regard to information and marking. This document specifies considerations and methods for designing and presenting information and marking to make consumer packages accessible to people with the widest range of capabilities by considering their sensory and cognitive abilities. This document applies to all types of information and marking presented on consumer packaging. Specifically excluded from this document are information and marking for medicinal products and medical devices including tamper verification. The design considerations and methods specified in this document are primarily intended for designers, developers and evaluators of packaging.

ISO 15394:2017: - specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing linear bar code and two-dimensional symbols on transport units to convey data between trading partners; - provides for traceability of transported units using a unique transport unit identifier (licence plate); - provides guidance on the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human-readable form; - provides specific recommendations regarding the choice of bar code symbologies, and specifies quality requirements; - provides recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate graphics; - provides guidance on the selection of the label material. This document is not applicable to the direct printing on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces. NOTE Guidance on the direct printing of bar code symbols on to kraft coloured corrugated surfaces are provided in references such as The Fibre Box Handbook[10].

ISO 28219:2017 - defines minimum requirements for identifying items, - provides guidelines for item marking with machine-readable symbols, - covers both labels and direct marking of items, - includes testing procedures for label adhesive characteristics and mark durability, - provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in linear bar code, two-dimensional symbol or human-readable form, - is intended for applications which include, but are not limited to, support of systems that automate the control of items during the processes of: - production, - inventory, - distribution, - field service, - point of sale, - point of care, - repair, and - is intended to include, but it is not limited to, multiple industries including: - automotive, - aerospace, - chemical, - consumer items, - electronics, - health care, - marine, - rail, - telecommunications. The location and application method of the marking are not defined (these will be reviewed and agreed upon by suppliers and manufacturers and their trading partners before implementing ISO 28219:2017). ISO 28219:2017 does not supersede or replace any applicable safety or regulatory marking or labelling requirements. ISO 28219:2017 is meant to satisfy the minimum item marking requirements of numerous applications and industry groups and as such its applicability is to a wide range of industries, each of which may have specific implementation guidelines for it. ISO 28219:2017 is to be applied in addition to any other mandated labelling direct-marking requirements. The labelling and direct marking requirement of ISO 28219:2017 and other standards can be combined into one label or marking area or appear as separate labels or marking areas. ISO 28219:2017 uses the terms "part marking" and "item marking" interchangeably. Unless otherwise stated, ISO 28219:2017 will use the term "item marking" to describe both the labelling and direct part marking (DPM) of an item, where DPM includes, but is not limited to, altering (e.g. dot peen, laser etch, chemical etch), as well as additive type processes (e.g. ink jet, vacuum deposition). The purpose of ISO 28219:2017 is to establish the machine-readable (linear, two-dimensional, and composite symbols) and human-readable content for direct marking and labelling of items, parts, and components. ISO 28219:2017 provides a means for items, parts and components to be marked, and read in either fixtured or hand-held scanning environments at any manufacturer's facility and then read by customers purchasing items for subsequent manufacturing operations or for final end use. Intended applications include, but are not limited to, supply chain applications, e.g. inventory, distribution, manufacturing, quality control, acquisition, transportation, supply, repair, and disposal. The figures are illustrative and not necessarily to scale or to the quality requirements specified in ISO 28219:2017.

ISO/TS 17451-2:2017 specifies a common XML structure for the transmission of inventory information for shipments of household goods and personal effects between moving companies and their external partners. The Inventory XSD defined in Clause 5 specifies the XML structure to be used. Each XML document corresponds to one shipment carried by land, sea or air.

ISO 19709-1:2016 specifies the essential characteristics and the common requirements and test methods for SLC systems used in the handling, transport and storage for the automotive industry. The application of such systems is described in Annex B. These containers are based on the modular area 600 mm × 400 mm, 550 mm × 366 mm and 600 mm × 500 mm and subdivisions according to ISO 3394 and ISO 3676. It is designed to be read in conjunction with the particular part which specifies the chosen system.

ISO 18616-1:2016 specifies the four main types of reusable, rigid plastic distribution boxes for general purpose application in the fields of handling, transport, storage and display of products in distribution systems from the point of manufacture to the point of retail services: a) rigid parallelepipedic and rectangular boxes (stackable boxes); b) foldable boxes; c) nestable boxes; d) nestable and stackable boxes. These boxes are based on the modular area 600 mm × 400 mm, 600 mm × 500 mm, 550 mm × 366 mm and subdivisions of them. This document defines the main types of rigid plastic distribution boxes, dimensions, safety, designation, marking and labeling. ISO 18616-1:2016 is designed for general purpose applications in a returnable transport system. For automotive industry application, ISO 19709‑1, ISO/TS 19709‑2 and ISO/TS 19709-3 can be referenced.

ISO 18616-2:2016 specifies the test methods for handling and managing reusable, rigid plastic distribution boxes. These boxes are based on the modular area 600 mm × 400 mm, 600 mm × 500 mm, 550 mm × 366 mm and subdivisions of them. ISO 18616-2:2016 is designed for general purpose applications in a returnable transport system. For automotive industry application, ISO 19709‑1, ISO/TS 19709-2 and ISO/TS 19709-3 can be referenced.

ISO 21067-1:2016 specifies preferred terms and definitions related to packaging and materials handling, for use in international commerce, except for dangerous goods packaging where terms and definitions are given in the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods [39]. ISO 21067-1:2016 is augmented by the following packaging-specific standards: - ISO 6590‑1; - ISO 6590‑2; - ISO 15867.

ISO 13355:2016 specifies a method to carry out a vertical random vibration test on a complete, filled transport package(s) and unit loads using random excitation[1]. This document also provides methods for assessing the performance of a package in terms of its strength or the protection that it offers to its contents when it is subjected to vertical vibration. The test discussed in this document can be performed either as a single test to investigate the effects of vertical vibration, or as a part of a sequence of tests designed to measure the ability of a test specimen to withstand a distribution system that includes a vibration hazard. NOTE In this International Standard, a package or unit load is referred to as test specimen. [1] Random vibration theory is discussed in IEC 60068-2-64.

ISO 17451-1:2016 relates to the moving of household goods and personal effects. It provides the codification of items and their condition, the transportation modes and associated data relating to a shipment. The relevant codes can be found in the related annexes and information regarding their use can be found in Clause 4. The objective of this document is to provide a common set of codes which allow movers of household goods and personal effects to exchange shipment-related information with each other and with external partners.

ISO/TS 18614:2016 provides guidelines for users and suppliers providing the required information for requesting and specifying self-adhesive labels. It provides what to consider when defining and specifying label materials to be used for a given application. It will ensure that the relevant information is provided so that the right material for the intended application can be requested or recommended, as well as ensure that label parameters and characteristics are specified in a similar format to permit label materials to be requested, specified and compared in a consistent manner. It applies to labels with adhesive (also named as self-adhesive or pressure-sensitive). How to work and specify with other types of labels and marking are not addressed in ISO/TS 18614:2016, but may be the topic of subsequent documents. Also excluded is the information related to regulatory compliance.

ISO/TS 19709-3:2016 specifies the main characteristics and the testing of durable, reusable, parallelepipedic containers and their accessories which form a bond stackable system (BSS) designed to contain bulk or precisely located component loads up to maximum load of 20 kg used for automotive industry applications.

ISO/TS 19709-2:2015 specifies the main characteristics and the testing of durable, reusable, parallelepipedic containers and their accessories which form a column stackable system (CSS) designed to contain bulk or precisely located component loads up to maximum load of 20 kg used for automotive industry applications.

ISO 21067-2:2015 defines terms used in the field of packaging and the environment. It does not include terminology already covered by ISO 21067‑1 or other International Standards such as ISO 14050.

ISO 780:2015 specifies a set of graphical symbols conventionally used for marking of distribution packages in their physical distribution chain to convey handling instructions. The graphical symbols should be used only when necessary. ISO 780:2015 is applicable to packages containing any kind of goods, but does not include instructions specific to handling of dangerous goods.

ISO 8317:2015 specifies performance requirements and test methods for reclosable packages designated as resistant to opening by children. Acceptance criteria are given for the packages when tested by specified methods. These methods not only provide a measure of the effectiveness of the packaging in restricting access by children, but also cover the accessibility to the contents by adults. ISO 8317:2015 is applicable to reclosable packages for any product intended to be exposed or removed from the packaging in normal use. ISO 8317:2015 is intended for type approval only and is not intended for quality assurance purposes.

ISO 17480:2015 specifies requirements and recommendations for the accessible design for packaging with a focus on ease of opening. It applies to reclosable and non-reclosable consumer packaging without using any other mechanical means. This International Standard covers the design aspects addressing openability including opening location, opening methods, as well as evaluation techniques, both instrumented and user-based. This International Standard is primarily for designers, developers, and evaluators of packaging and will also be useful for other disciplines. For products regulated for safety or other reasons (e.g. toxic or dangerous goods and substances, medicinal products, and medical devices), those regulations take precedence.

ISO 13274:2013 specifies the requirements and test methods for compatibility testing of plastics packagings/Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and composite packagings/IBCs with plastics inners containing liquids. The testing involves storage with the liquid to be transported. For polyethylene-based packaging, testing with a standard liquid as defined in The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road may be undertaken. Annex B describes small-scale laboratory tests that may be used to determine the assimilation of those products to be carried with the standard liquids. Where there is any contradiction between ISO 13274:2013 and any applicable regulation, the regulation always takes precendence.

ISO 17370:2013 specifies a method to establish compatibility among various data carriers such as linear symbols, two-dimensional symbols and RFID, as well as their one-to-one relationship by illustrating the structure supporting the basic ISO-compliant supply chain control system. In particular, it specifies the relationship of various global standards related to the supply chain, illustrates the types and data structures in the layered supply chain network, specifies the relationship among the layered structure of the supply chain, specifies the management of serial numbers in supply chain management, specifies data storage on the named data carriers, specifies the required data volume for each data carrier, specifies the data structure between the data carrier and the reader (interrogator), specifies the data structure between the host system (computer) and the reader (interrogator), and illustrates complex data carriers (rewritable hybrid media, etc.).

ISO 17350:2013 provides guidance on returnable transport items (RTIs), identification codes used for RTIs, specifications for two-dimensional symbols, method for direct marking, and reading method for direct marking.

ISO/TR 17098:2013 provides a non-exhaustive overview of substances and materials that can cause a sustained impediment to recycling activities and is intended to assist in the assessment requirements set out in ISO 18604. It describes substances or materials which cause problems or inhibit the recycling process, or which have a negative influence on the quality of recycled material, where technical solutions are not expected to be developed in the near future. These examples are, however, qualified by the fact that the recycling operations can vary regionally, that technology is constantly changing, and that the use to which the recycled material is put will also determine whether the presence of such substances and materials is a problem.

ISO 16218:2013 covers used packaging, although the processes described are not specific for used packaging and can be used for recovery of other materials of same type. Processes for chemical recovery of used packaging are applicable for plastic packaging or biomass-based packaging, which might be interpreted in two different ways: processes to recover valuable chemical substances by chemical treatment of used packaging, for example, to recover monomers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by hydrolysis, glycolysis or methanolysis, to recover oil by catalytic reaction or pyrolysis, to recover valuable gases such as hydrogen by gasification, to recover coke, oil and gasses by cokefaction; processes to directly substitute used packaging for natural resources without chemical pretreatment, for example, flakes of used plastic packaging may use in blast furnace in the place of coke as a reducing agent.

ISO 17351:2013 specifies requirements and provides guidance for the application of Braille to the labelling of medicinal products.

ISO 18602:2013 specifies requirements and a procedure for assessment of packaging to ensure that the weight or volume of its material content is optimized consistent with the functions of packaging. This is one of several options for reducing the impact of packaging on the environment. It also provides methodologies and procedures for determining the amount and minimization of substances or mixtures hazardous to the environment, and determining the amount of four heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium) in packaging. The process for packaging design, including material selection, is not part of ISO 18602:2013. The procedure for applying ISO 18602:2013 is contained in ISO 18601.

ISO 18604:2013 specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of material recycling while accommodating the continuing development of both packaging and recovery technologies and sets out procedures for assessment of meeting its requirements. ISO 18604:2013 cannot by itself provide presumption of meeting its requirements. The procedure for applying ISO 18604:2013 is contained in ISO 18601.

ISO 18605:2013 specifies the requirements for packaging to be classified as recoverable in the form of energy recovery and sets out assessment procedures for fulfilling the requirements. ISO 18605:2013 is a part of a series of International Standards. The procedure for applying it is contained in ISO 18601.

ISO 18603:2013 specifies the requirements for a packaging to be classified as reusable and sets out procedures for assessment of meeting the requirements, including the associated systems. The procedure for applying this International Standard is contained in ISO 18601.

ISO 18601:2013 specifies requirements and procedures for the other International Standards in this series on packaging and the environment: ISO 18602, ISO 18603, ISO 18604, ISO 18605, and ISO 18606. It is applicable to a supplier responsible for placing packaging or packaged goods on the market.

ISO 18606:2013 specifies procedures and requirements for packaging that are suitable for organic recycling. Packaging is considered as recoverable by organic recycling only if all the individual components meet the requirements. Therefore, packaging is not considered recoverable by organic recycling if only some of the components meet the requirements of ISO 18606:2013. However, if the components can be easily, physically separated before disposal, then the physically separated components can be individually considered for organic recycling. ISO 18606:2013 is applicable to organic recycling of used packaging but does not address regulations regarding the recoverability of any residual packaged goods. ISO 18606:2013 does not provide information on requirements for the biodegradability of used packaging which ends up in the soil environment as litter, because littering is not considered as a recovery option. It is also not applicable to biological treatment undertaken in small installations by householders. For each of the packaging components the following four aspects are addressed: biodegradation; disintegration during biological waste treatment process (i.e. composting); negative effects on the biological process; negative effects on the quality of the resulting compost, including the presence of high levels of regulated metals and other substances hazardous to the environment. ISO 18606:2013 establishes the requirements for packaging suitable for organic recycling. The procedure for applying ISO 18606:2013 is contained in ISO 18601.

ISO 3394:2012 sets forth a series of dimensions for rigid rectangular transport packages, based on the standard plan dimension (module) of 600 mm × 400 mm, 600 mm × 500 mm and 550 mm × 366 mm, as outlined in ISO 3676, which defines the plan dimensions of four series (1 219 mm × 1 016 mm, 1 200 mm × 1 000 mm, 1 200 mm × 800 mm, 1 100 mm × 1 100 mm).

ISO 3676:2012 is based on the concept of a modular system and specifies the plan dimensions for unit loads suitable for the distribution of goods, which comprises all activities for the movement of products from their origin to their destination.

ISO 13127:2012 specifies test methods for mechanical testing of reclosable child resistant packaging. The data generated by these mechanical test methods are suitable for comparing child resistant characteristics of related reclosable packaging systems.

ISO 11156:2011 provides a framework for design and evaluation of packages so that more people, including persons from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, older persons and persons whose sensory, physical, and cognitive functions have been weakened or have allergies, can appropriately identify handle and use the contents. It considers varying aspects of the packaged product lifecycle from identification of the product and purchase and use of the product to the separation and disposal of the package. ISO 11156:2011 does not apply to dimensions, materials, manufacturing methods, or evaluation methods of individual packages.

ISO 22742:2010 specifies the minimum requirements for the design of labels containing a linear bar code and two‑dimensional symbols on product packages to convey data between trading partners, provides guidance for the formatting on the label of data presented in a linear bar code, two‑dimensional symbols or human‑readable form, provides specific recommendations regarding the choice of linear bar code and 2D symbologies, and specifies quality requirements and classes of bar code density, provides specific recommendations regarding 2D symbologies, which allow a broad choice for general use of scanning hardware (e.g. area imagers, linear imagers, single‑line laser scanners, and rastering laser scanners), and makes recommendations as to label placement, size and the inclusion of free text and any appropriate graphics.

ISO 20848-2:2006 specifies the characteristics and dimensions of non-removable head (tight head) plastics drums with a nominal capacity of 208,2 l and 220 l.

ISO 20848-1:2006 specifies the characteristics and dimensions of removable head (open head) plastics drums with a nominal capacity of 113,6 l to 220 l.

ISO 16103:2005 specifies the requirements and test methods for the production of recycled plastics materials to be used for packagings for the transport of dangerous goods. This includes guidance on the quality assurance programme.