MIL-STD 2073: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR MILITARY PACKAGING

MIL-STD 2073: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR MILITARY PACKAGING DOCUMENT OVERVIEW MIL-STD 2073-1D [military or mil standard, sometimes referred to as a MilSpec or military specification] details military packaging requirements as they differ from standard commercial packaging methods. These requirements cover actual shipping containers and boxes as well as preservation materials to ensure your product is not damaged by environmental factors or significant jostling during shipment or degradation during extended storage. In terms of packaging requirements, military equipment is split into two distinct categories: 1. Those items not entering the military distribution system, such as items for immediate use or that are not mission capable Learn More (link to page 1: non-applicability 1.2.2) 2. Those items that will enter the military distribution system and will be subjected to extended storage periods, have reusable components, or delivered during wartime, possibly through battlefield conditions Learn More (link to page 1: applicability1.2.1) MIL-STD 2073-1D only applies to the latter category. If your product falls into the first category, you do not need worry about this MIL-STD and can use standard, commercial packaging option. That said, it is advisable that you fully review the non-applicability section (link to page 1: non-applicability 1.2.2) of this document and confirm your determination with your contracting POC (point of contact). If your product will enter the military distribution system, you will need to become knowledgeable on the specific packaging materials and requirements for your product type. This guide is intended to help you more easily navigate and understand the requirements laid out in MIL-STD 2073. In addition, most, if not all, government contract solicitations will provide a code that indicates what type of packaging is required. This MIL-STD will help you decipher the meaning and requirements contained in that code. Throughout the MIL-STD 2073 document, you will see numerous references to other MIL-STD documents and ASTM certifications. These references apply to capabilities of the actual materials you will use to package the products you manufacture. If you purchase your packing materials from a thirdparty supplier, you will need to ensure their materials conform to the listed standards or certifications. If they are unable to confirm compliance, you may need to seek out a new material supplier. Only when you manufacture your packaging materials in-house, will you need to test and validate that your packing materials comply with the listed standards or certifications. To help you understand the requirements specific to your product, the MIL-STD 2073 document provides a decision chart (link to page 2) in the document itself. To read the full, military scope of MIL-STD 2073, refer to Section 1: SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 1 section 1).

2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 3 section 2) List of external documents referenced throughout MIL-STD 2073 3. DEFINITIONS (LINK TO PAGE 6 section 3) A glossary of terms used throughout MIL-STD 2073 PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW The general and detailed packing requirements in sections 4 and 5 provide a brief and extended overview of military packing requirements. Both sections reference other portions of the MIL-STD 2073 document as well as additional documentation for more in depth descriptions of the specifications of different packaging and product preservation materials. The process of determining packaging type begins with the decision chart (link to decision chart). Once a packaging type is selected, the related requirements must be documented in accordance with the information in Appendix E (link to Appendix E, page 96) and the Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL). More information on the CDRL can be found in Section 6.3 (link to Section 6.3, page 24). Further, the packaging requirements must be defined by a 12-digit code so that everyone involved can ascertain the level of packaging used. This system is illustrated in figure A.1 (link to figure A.1 on page 40) and the associated codes are listed in Appendix J (link to Appendix J General Requirements, page 138). Many references are made to the performance requirements of specific packaging materials. In many cases the capabilities of individual packaging materials can be provided by the material manufacturer. Make sure to verify performance with all third-party material suppliers. 4. GENERAL MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 10 section 4) Provides a brief overview of military packing requirements and reference to documentation requirements. 4.1 General (Link to page 10) 4.2 Development of military packaging details and data requirements (Link to page 10) 4.3 Hazardous material (Link to page 11) 4.4 Packaging of classified items (Link to page 11) 4.5 Quantity per unit pack (QUP) (Link to page 11) 4.6 Containers (Link to page 11) 4.7 Kits (Link to page 11) 4.8 Repairable excess and residual parts (Link to page 11) 4.9 Loose fill materials (Link to page 11) 4.10 Shock and vibration absorption (Link to page 11) 4.11 Determination of item fragility (Link to page 12) 4.12 Packaging materials (Link to page 12)

5. DETAILED MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 12 section 5) Provides an overview of material types and application methods for various packaging and preservation methods. Each sub-section includes references to other documents which specifically detail material performance requirements. 5.1 General military package design considerations (Link to page 12) 5.2 Military preservation (Link to page 12) 5.3 Level A and B packing requirements (Link to page 22) 5.4 Minimal packing requirements (Link to page 23) 5.5 Marking (Link to page 23) 5.6 Military packaging design validation provisions (Link to page 23) 5.7 Quality assurance provisions (Link to page 24) 6. NOTES (LINK TO PAGE 12 section 6) 6.1 Acquisition requirements (Link to page 24) 6.2 Issue of DoDISS (Link to page 24) 6.3 Associated Data Item Descriptions (DIDs) (Link to page 24) 6.4 Testing Facilities (Link to page 25) 6.5 Changes in methods of preservation designations (Link to page 25) 6.6 Subject term (key word listing) (Link to page 26) 6.7 Copies of regulations (Link to page 27) 6.8 Supersession (Link to page 27) 6.9 Changes from previous issue (Link to page 27) APPENDIX A: DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS (Link to page 30 section A1) Appendix A details compliance requirements for all packaging requirements outlined in the decision chart (link to decision chart). A full understanding of this Appendix is necessary to appropriately comply with MIL-STD 2073. A.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 30 section A1) A.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 30 section A2) A.3 USE OF EXISTING PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW (LINK TO PAGE 35 section A3) A.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL (LINK TO PAGE 35 section A4) The shipment of hazardous materials must comply with the requirements of several separate regulations not detailed in this MIL-STD. An overview of these requirements is listed here. A.4.1 General (Link to page 35) A.4.2 Hazardous material package testing (Link to page 35) A.4.3 Hazardous material shipment documentation (Link to page 35)

A.5 MILITARY PACKAGING CODE DEVELOPMENT (LINK TO PAGE 35 section A5) This section is intended as a background on how packaging codes were developed and the three, high level classification groups: common, selective, or special. This information will help you better understand the logic behind your coding requirements. A.5.1 Item Classification (Link to page 35) A.5.2 Item characteristics (Link to page 36) A.5.3 Categorization (Link to page 36) A.5.4 Military packaging codes for common items (Link to page 38) A.5.5 Military packaging codes for selective items (Link to page 38) A.5.6 Recording of coded requirements (Link to page 39) A.6 CONTAINER SELECTION (link to page 39 section A6) Re-directs you to Appendix C (link to page 69 Appendix C) A.7 FORMULAS (link to page 39 section A6) Re-directs you to Table A.V (link to page 57 Table A.V) A.8 PACKAGING DESIGN VALIDATION (link to page 39 section A8) States that design validation is not required for common items and re-directs you back to Section 5.6 (link to page 23 Section 5.6) for requirements. A.8.1 Common items (Link to page 39) A.8.2 Selective and special items (Link to page 39) APPENDIX B: FACTORS AND FORMULAE ESTABLISHING MILITARY PACKAGING QUP (QUANTITY PER UNIT PACK) AND ICQ (INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER QUANTITY) (Link to page 62 Appendix B) Determining what constitutes a quantity of one (1) for a single product as well as how many items of the same type may be shipped in a single container is of primary importance for the military distribution system. This Appendix provides guidance concerning how to determine what constitutes a quantity of 1 as well as how many of a single item may be shipped together. A full understanding of this Appendix is necessary to appropriately comply with MIL-STD 2073. B.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 62 section B1) B.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS Empty section. No applicable documents. B.3 DETERMINATION OF QUANTITY PER UNIT PACK (QUP) (LINK TO PAGE 62 section B3) Establishes what constitutes a QUP of one. In simplest terms, a single assembled item is 1, a set of items that go together is 1, a kit of diverse items for a single purpose is 1, any item that must be shipped or packaged on its own is 1, and so on. Consumable items have an associated formula in order to determine QUP which is detailed in this section.

B.3.1 Repairable items (depot or field level) or items designated Hi-value or Hi-priority (Link to page 62) B.3.2 Consumable items (Link to page 62) B.3.3 Irregular configuration, delicate or fragile items (Link to page 62) B.3.4 Pairs and sets items (Link to page 62) B.3.5 Items unit packed in accordance with Method 50 (Link to page 62) B.3.6 Kit (Link to page 62) B.3.7 Lumber, raw stock, paints, oils and dope (Link to page 63) B.3.8 Factors and formulae establishing QUP (Link to page 6) B.4 QUANTITY PER UNIT PACK DETERMINATION FORMULAE (LINK TO PAGE 65 section B4) In addition to the information in Section B.3, section B.4 provides further details in order to establish QUP for consumable items. B.4.1 Formula A (Link to page 65) B.4.2 Formula B (Link to page 66) B.5 DETERMINATION OF ICQ (LINK TO PAGE 67 section B5) Intermediate container refers to the packaging material used to ship multiples of the same item or product in a single container or box. The DoD sets specific limits on how many of a certain item may be shipped together and what the total weight can be. This section provides details on how to determine the maximum quantity to be included in an intermediate container. B.5.1 Quantities per intermediate container (Link to page 67) B.5.2 Intermediate container limitations (Link to page 67) APPENDIX C: CONTAINERS (LINK TO PAGE 69 Appendix C) This appendix reviews the types of containers available for military packaging and provides tables detailing container descriptions and the associated specifications document. C.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 69 section C1) C.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 69 section C2) C.3 GENERAL (LINK TO PAGE 72 section C3) Each container should be of a size so that the wrapped and cushioned product fills at least 80% of the container. Further, if the product container is also the shipping container, it must meet the requirements in the applicable documents listed on table C.II (link to table C.II, page 78). C.3.1 Unit Container Size (Link to page 72) C.3.2 Use of unit containers as shipping containers (Link to page 72) C.4 EXPENDABLE CONTAINERS (LINK TO PAGE 72 section C4)

There are two types of expendable containers: Interior and Exterior. Types of Interior containers and the applicable specifications document are listed in table C.I (link to table C.I, page77). Exterior container types and the applicable specification document are listed in table C.II (link to table C.II, page 78). When standardized fiberboard containers are used as an exterior container, they must be in accordance with ASTM-D5118. Table C.III (link to table C.I, page81) lists fiberboard container sizes, stock numbers, weight limitations, and other specifications. C.4.1 Interior containers (Link to page 72) C.4.2 Exterior containers (Link to page 72) C.5 REUSABLE CONTAINERS (LINK TO PAGE 73 section C5) Reusable containers are split into two categories, Specialized and Multiapplication containers. Each of these types has specific requirements detailed in this section. This section needs to be read to clearly understand the various types of containers and the associated specification requirements. C.5.1 Specialized containers (Link to page 73) C.5.2 Multiapplication containers (Link to page 73) APPENDIX D: DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS FOR KITS (PARTS AND MODIFICATION) (LINK TO PAGE 93 Appendix D) Appendix D specifically details the requirements of Section 4.7 in the main document, specifically relating to products that come in kit form. All kits require preservation of the individual components. The methods of preservation are detailed in Appendix A and the procedures in Appendix D. A full understanding of this Appendix is necessary to appropriately comply with MIL-STD 2073. D.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 93 section D1) D.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS Empty section. No applicable documents. D.3 PRESERVATION (LINK TO PAGE 93 section D3) Details when it is allowed to consolidate disparate items under the same preservation method. D.3.1 Consolidation of different items within a method of preservation (Link to page 93) D.3.2 Application of preservative compounds or oils (Link to page 94) D.4 UNIT PRESERVATION (LINK TO PAGE 94 section D4) Details physical protection, item segregation, and skin packaging of individual items. D.4.1 Physical protection (Link to page 94) D.4.2 Segregation of items within packs (Link to page 94) D.4.3 Skin packaging (Link to page 94) D.5 PACKING AND MARKING Refers back to Section 5.3 (link to page 22 section 5.3) and 5.5 (link to page 23 section 5.5) respectively.

APPENDIX E: MILITARY PACKAGING DATA FORMS (LINK TO PAGE 96 appendix E) All products with military packaging require specific data records to detail the methods and types of packaging used for a particular product. Within these forms, codes are used to quickly identify packaging information. This information is necessary so that, if necessary, packaging can be duplicated at another site by the lowest skilled packer. This section provides information on the necessary forms and the development of packaging data and instructions, as well as tables to aid you in the development of product specific packaging codes. A full understanding of this Appendix is necessary to appropriately comply with MIL-STD 2073. E.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 96 section E1) E.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 96 section E2) E.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 96 section E3) Provides an overview of each element of the necessary packaging code. E.3.1 Development of military packaging data (Link to page 96) E.3.2 Recording military packaging data (Link to page 97) E.4 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 97 section E4) Provides detailed information on code formation and how it is entered on the proper forms. E.4.1 Developing military packaging data (Link to page 97) E.4.2 Preparation o military packaging data (Link to page 98) E.5 PREPARATION OF SPECIAL PACKAGING INSTRUCTION (LINK TO PAGE 99 section E5) Special packaging instructions are only necessary when the Supplemental Data element of a standard code is not sufficient to enable exact replication of the packaging. In such cases, additional data and forms are required and are detailed here. E.5.1 General (Link to page 99) E.5.2 Format (Link to page 100) E.6 APPROVAL OF CONTRACTOR DEVELOPED PACKAGING DATA (LINK TO PAGE 104 section E6) In the majority of cases, approval of all packaging data is required before you begin to manufacture or assemble packaging materials. Exceptions are granted in some cases and in others additional validation is required. This information is detail here. E.6.1 Procedures for submitting data for approval (Link to page 104) E.6.2 Transmittal of data (Link to page 106)

APPENDIX F: MILITARY PACKAGING DESIGN VALIDATION PROVISIONS OVERVIEW (link to page 119 appendix F) Appendix F provides an overview of the Additional Military Standards or ASTM certifications that are necessary for specific products or packaging types when additional packaging validation is required. Appendix G provides detailed guidance for the inspection of preservation materials. F.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 119 section F1) F.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 119 section F2) F.3 GENERAL (LINK TO PAGE 121 section F3) F.3.1 Packaging design validation tests (Link to page 121) F.3.2 Hazardous material (Link to page 121) F.3.3 Ammunition unit loads (Link to page 121) F.4 TEST METHODS (LINK TO PAGE 121 section F4) F.4.1 Container performance tests (Link to page 121) F.4.2 Preservation tests (Link to page 121) F.5 Other (LINK TO PAGE 121 section F5) F.5.1 Acceptance criteria and disposition of test samples (Link to page 121) APPENDIX G: QUALITY ASSURANCE PROVISIONS (LINK TO PAGE 122 appendix G) Appendix G provides details on the specific certifications and military standards that apply to quality assurance inspections. The primary focus of this section is on Preservation Inspections. G.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 122 G1) G.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 122 G2) G.3 GENERAL (LINK TO PAGE 123 G3) An overview of general inspection requirements. G.3.1 Quality system (Link to page 123) G.3.2 Quality assurance requirements (Link to page 123) G.3.3 Sampling (Link to page 123) G.4 PRESERVATION INSPECTIONS (LINK TO PAGE 123 section G4) Details the different types of inspections required for preservation materials. G.4.1 Visual preservation examinations (Link to page 123) G.4.2 Leakage test (Link to page 123) G.4.3 Heat-sealed seam tes (Link to page 125)

G.5 PACKING INSPECTIONS (LINK TO PAGE 126 section G5) List of the deficiencies packing inspections will look for. G.5.1 Examination procedures (Link to page 126) APPENDIX H: PROCEDURES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CONTAINER DESIGN RETRIEVAL SYSTEM (CDRS) REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 129 appendix H) When a specialized container is required and protection levels have been tentatively established, CDRS services are required. Appendix H details how to request these services from the CDRS Management Office (CDRS/MO). H.1 SCOPE (LINK TO PAGE 129 section H1) H.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS Empty section. No applicable documents. H.3 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 129 section H3) This section details each step of the process you will have when interacting with the CDRS Management Office. H.3.1 Design search request submittal (Link to page 129) H.3.2 CDRS Management Office search response (Link to page 129) H.3.3 Design activity action on CDRS/MO response (Link to page 129) APPENDIX J: MILITARY PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS CODES (LINK TO PAGE 132 appendix J) Appendix J is a companion section to Appendix E, providing definitions for military packaging codes and details the certifications and standards required for each. J.1 SCOPE J.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS J.3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 138 section J3) An overview of the coding system and instruction on how to make revisions. J.3.1 Code system (Link to page 138) J.3.2 Procedure and responsibilities for revisions (Link to page 138) J.4 DETAILED REQUIREMENTS (LINK TO PAGE 139 section J4) An overview of each specific code type with references to the individual tables that provide additional details and definitions. J.4.1 General code requirements (Link to page 139) J.4.2 Preservation methods (Link to page 139) J.4.3 Quantity per unit pack (Link to page 140) J.4.4 Cleaning (Link to page 140)

J.4.5 Preservative (Link to page 140) J.4.6 Wrapping material (Link to page 140) J.4.7 Cushioning and dunnage (Link to page 140) J.4.8 Thickness of cushioning or dunnage (Link to page 140) J.4.9 Unit and intermediate container (Link to page 140) J.4.10 Unit container level and optional procedure indicator codes (Link to page 140) J.4.11 Unit packs per intermediate container (Link to page 141) J.4.12 Intermediate container (Link to page 141) J.4.13 Packing (Link to page 141) J.4.14 Special markings (Link to page 141) J.5 CROSS INDEX (LINK TO PAGE 141 section J5) Refers you to table J.XI (LINK TO PAGE 177 table J.XI) which acts as a cross reference of required documents and codes to the specific table in Appendix J that provides a background definition.