Below is a summary of the main standards, the latest revision year, and comments regarding changes compared to the previous revision.
ASTM D4169: STANDARD GUIDE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND SYSTEMS
Changes involved the Vehicle Vibration (Air) profile; Low, Medium, and High levels replaced Assurance Levels, and the frequency range was updated to 1-200 Hz.
ASTM F1980: STANDARD GUIDE FOR ACCELERATED AGING OF STERILE BARRIER SYSTEMS AND MEDICAL DEVICES
Coverage expanded to include the medical device. Manufacturers must determine the effect of moisture on materials and decide if humidity should be controlled during accelerated aging testing; if uncontrolled, a justification should be written. Appendixes X3 regarding humidity as a test component was updated.
ASTM F88/F88M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR SEAL STRENGTH OF FLEXIBLE BARRIER MATERIALS
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F1140/F1140M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR INTERNAL PRESSURIZATION FAILURE RESISTANCE OF UNRESTRAINED PACKAGES
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ISTA 3A: GENERAL SIMULATION PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE FOR PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEM SHIPMENT 70 KG (150 LB) OR LESS
Two product definitions were added (Fragile Products and Liquids). A sample size of two (2) or more packaged-product samples is recommended for Fragile and Liquid product types. A leak test was added, to be conducted on products containing liquids.
ASTM F2825: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR CLIMATIC STRESSING OF PACKAGING SYSTEMS FOR SINGLE PARCEL DELIVERY
The changes include updating the scope which does not affect testing.
ISTA 3B: GENERAL SIMULATION PERFORMANCE TEST PROCEDURE FOR PACKAGED-PRODUCTS FOR LESS-THAN-TRUCKLOAD (LTL) SHIPMENT
Added identification of items related to Orientation of packaged-product. Max top-load weight of 600 lbs eliminated.
ASTM D4728: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR RANDOM VIBRATION TESTING OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS
The changes include updating of references and appendices which do not affect testing.
ASTM D7386: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PERFORMANCE TESTING OF PACKAGES FOR SINGLE PARCEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS
Changes were made affecting testing, namely to Section 11.4, Schedule D3; Section 12.3, Test Method D5265; and Section 13, Schedule J.
ASTM F1929: DYE PENETRATION TEST METHODS
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F3039: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR DETECTING LEAKS IN NONPOROUS PACKAGING OR FLEXIBLE BARRIER MATERIALS BY DYE PENETRATION
This new revision introduces a new method to test for holes or leaks in a flat surface.
ASTM D4332: STANDARD PRACTICE FOR CONDITIONING CONTAINERS, PACKAGES, OR PACKAGING COMPONENTS FOR TESTING
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.
ASTM F2054/F2054M: STANDARD TEST METHOD FOR BURST TESTING OF FLEXIBLE PACKAGE SEALS USING INTERNAL AIR PRESSURIZATION WITHIN RESTRAINING PLATES
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial to add “M” to the title of the standard.
ASTM D6653/D6653M: STANDARD TEST METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE ON PACKAGING SYSTEMS BY VACUUM METHOD
This new revision has no procedural changes that would affect testing – only editorial.