Aerospace Packaging Regulations

Defence Standard 81-41: Packaging of Defence Material is a UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) standard specifying comprehensive requirements for the design, environmental protection, marking, handling, and lifecycle of packaging used for defence and aerospace material.

• It defines packaging levels (e.g., J, N, P) based on storage conditions and duration.
• It includes guidance on marking, environmental testing, and durability requirements.
• It emphasises reusability and stringent material and process controls.

GWP Group can supply packaging that conforms to Defence Standard 81-84 requirements, having access to multiple designers with MPAS accreditation.

ATA Spec 300 – Specification for Packaging of Airline Supplies is an industry benchmark for reusable shipping containers in commercial aviation, setting durable design and performance expectations.

• It categorises containers by ruggedness and usage frequency (e.g., Category 1 for frequent use).
• It ensures containers can withstand repeated airline handling and protect high-value parts.
• UK aerospace supply chains widely adopt it for reliability.

GWP Group can assist our customers in designing, manufacturing and sourcing packaging that complies with ATA Spec 300 requirements. This includes the mdification of a wide range of compatible thrird party products (e.g. protective cases).

MIL-STD-2073-1 is a detailed US military standard prescribing packaging methods, materials, and performance criteria for fragile or mission-critical components.

• It is often flowed down to UK defence suppliers working with US programmes.
• It covers tailored packaging design, preservation, cushioning, and marking.
• It is used for high-risk or highly sensitive aerospace items.

GWP Group can work alongside our customers exporting to US customers to ensure that packaging specifications are met.

STANAG 4280 – Waterproof Testing of Military Packaging Systems, is a NATO standard that defines waterproofing tests and validation for military packaging systems.

• It validates packaging’s ability to resist water ingress under transport/storage conditions.
• It is critical for aerospace parts exposed to harsh or maritime environments.

GWP Group can supply packaging solutions, including a range of third party products (for example, waterproof cases manufactured by Peli, SKB etc.) that comply with the STANNAG 4280 guidelines.

In 2023, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation was introduced, which states that producers must report and pay for packaging waste based on the type and volume they use.

For example, electronics exporters must track material use, recyclability, and labelling (e.g., “widely recycled” icons). This legislation applies to products and shipping packaging.

GWP Group can help our customers comply with their legal responsibilities as specified in EPR legislation by supplying detailed product and usage statistics. Please note we are not able to submit EPR figures/returns directly for our customers, and doing so remains their responsibility. GWP can, on request, print any applicable logos or legal information on our customers packaging, providing this information is supplied to us in print ready arwork files prior to manufacture. GWP cannot take responsibility for the omission of information or the inclusion of incorrect information on our customers packaging.

The Packaging (Essential Requirements) Regulations 2015 is UK legislation that lays out essential criteria for packaging, including recoverability, metal content limits, and technical documentation obligations.

• It ensures materials used are recyclable, aligning with aerospace sustainability goals.
• It regulates metal concentrations (e.g., heavy metals) in packaging.
• It requires retained technical documentation proving compliance.

Our design approach at GWP is to always minimise material use and aid recyclability for end users. We place significant emphasis on eco-friendly design, as evidenced by our Starpack Awards (including the Green Star award in 2018). This is in addition to a wide range of sustainability initiatives throughout our business.

The IATA (International Air Transport Association) Dangerous Goods Regulations are the global standard that governs the safe transport of dangerous goods by air. It incorporates the ICAO Technical Instructions and adds airline-specific requirements.

• It prescribes packaging performance standards (UN specification, inner/outer combinations) for all classes of dangerous goods shipped by air.
• Aerospace shipments often include lithium batteries, chemicals, and pressurised containers, all requiring packaging to meet DGR specifications.
• It requires hazard labels, handling marks, and documentation on packaging to ensure traceability and safety during air transport.
• It directly applies to UK aerospace supply chains, since most international movements of aircraft parts and spares rely on air freight.

GWP Group, as part of Macfarlane Group, can supply a limited range of packaging suitable for dangerous goods. Please note that suitability of our packaging is dependant on the specific requirements of our customers products and application(s).

JOSCAR is an accreditation and compliance system used across the defence, aerospace, security, and space sectors. It provides a centralised platform where suppliers are pre-qualified, their compliance data is collected, validated, and kept up to date, so buyers can more easily assess whether a supplier is ‘fit for business’.

GWP Group is JOSCAR registered as part of the Macfarlane Group.