The Australian Defence Force (ADF) Packaging Standard is the definitive reference for materiel suppliers and describes the principles of packaging as they apply to Defence Materiel.
Examples are, but not limited to, ammunition, explosives, non-commercial foodstuffs, petroleum, oils, lubricants, vehicles, small craft, clothing, arms, armament, telecommunications equipment and systems.
The ADF Packaging Standard is under review. If unsure of the requirements for the consignment, contact the relevant Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group account manager as identified on the purchase order or contract.
Note: this standard may not be applicable to the packaging of materiel already covered by detailed contractual packaging or production data.
Parts
The standard is divided into 20 parts. The parts that are directly applicable to Defence suppliers and contractors are made available on this page. These documents are uncontrolled when printed.
Note: Part 15: Packaging Specifications and Classification Systems has been cancelled.
Part 1: General Information
This part details general information regarding application of service packaging and also details the definition of packaging terms referred to in the standard.
Part 2: Packaging Requirements
This part describes the levels of packaging requirements that apply to Defence materiel. It sets out the points to be considered when designing, specifying, ordering or using service packaging.
Part 3: Packaging Practices and Materials
This part specifies the ADF packaging practices that apply to meet military packaging levels. It covers in detail the packaging practices and materials required for protection of service materiel including cleaning, drying, preservation and type of container selection.
Part 4: Standard Packaging Test Procedures
This part relates to the service requirements for the testing of packages. It contains details of the test procedures and the applicability of the tests. The tests are used to verify conformance to Australian Building Codes Board (ABCA) packaging levels as described in Part 2, Table 1 Section C.
Part 5: Marking of Packages
This part specifies the standardised package markings and marking procedures for packages and unit loads delivered into service warehousing. This part also defines the required locations for application of markings including those required for compliance with dangerous goods packaging regulations (all transport modes).
Part 6: Packaging of Dangerous Goods (Except Dangerous Goods Class 1), Packaging Requirements and Packaging Mediums
This part is intended to assist procurement, ordering authorities and qualified personnel to specify the correct packaging/filling mediums authorised for use by the relevant statutory authority.
Part 7: Packaging for Materiel Susceptible to Damage by Electrostatic Discharge
This part provides guidance and procedures that will minimise the risk of electrostatic discharge damage to electrostatic sensitive devices. It also emphasises the need for all persons concerned with the handling of these devices to be fully aware of the likelihood of damage if the correct packaging or handling procedures are not followed.
Part 8: Defective Packaging Reporting System
This part of the Defence Standard details the procedure to be followed when reporting instances of defective packaging resulting in damage to Defence materiel in shipment. Consignees are responsible for reporting defective packaging to the consignor or consignor's packaging agent and for providing an information copy to the ordering authority and the relevant Defence Packaging Authority. Reports can be submitted via the Defective Packaging Report form (AC846).
Part 9: Requirements for Reusable Containers
This part details the requirements for reusable containers used for the transport and storage of items of supply which are known or required to undergo repeated or frequent repair, maintenance, recalibration during their lifecycles. This issue establishes the design and test criteria relating to reusable containers for the military forces of the American, British, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand nations.
Part 10: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Bio Security Requirements
This part details the procedures and processes that need to be followed when Defence equipment (and its associated packaging) is deployed to and returned from overseas to ensure conformance to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry biosecurity regulations. It is also a guide for project staff who have equipment that requires repair, servicing or maintenance in an overseas country.
Part 11: Unitisation
This part promotes the Defence policy on the preferred dimensions of the Defence standard unit load for palletising and modularisation of supplied equipment. The dimensions specified in this standard enable compatibility with existing service packaging, handling, storage and transport infrastructure.
Part 12: Automatic Identification Technology Labelling and Marking
This part is to standardise the application of Automatic Identification Technology to Defence packaging and Defence materiel.
Part 14: Minimum Packaging Specifications of Commercial Items
This part of the Defence Standard details the minimum packaging procedures and processes required to be undertaken by suppliers when supplying goods to Defence.
Resources