Legal requirements for defence packaging
Defence packaging regulations are among the most stringent, as they are vital in ensuring that military equipment is protected during transit and storage.
Defence standards, such as DEF STAN 81-41, provide several guarantees. These include protection against physical damage, environmental factors such as moisture and dust, as well as aiding interoperability and consistency across global defence operations. Operational success, personnel safety, and the cost-effective maintenance of what is typically expensive and specialist equipment can all rely on packaging complying with these regulations. Suppliers must often hold a Military Packager Accreditation Scheme (MPAS) certification to demonstrate compliance.
GWP Group supply a range of military packaging products, including specialist protective cases, fibreboard boxes, shipping crates and other forms of Def Stan packaging. We are also part of the JOSCAR register and have access to MPAS designers as part of the Macfarlane Group.
Important note:
This page aims to provide a comprehensive list of regulations that could potentially apply to defence packaging. It also indicates which regulations may affect the packaging that you purchase or are looking to source from GWP Group, and areas where we are currently unable to assist.
Please also note that, as all scenarios and applications vary, not all regulations are likely to apply to all defence packaging solutions. Please get in touch with us and/or speak with the appropriate regulatory body for further clarification if needed.
The information provided on this page was last updated on 6th November 2025, and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing. Due to the evolving nature of the regulations detailed on this page, our packaging experts will periodically review and update this content as required.
Table of contents
The following regulations apply to defence packaging in the UK. Please note this list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change as regulations are updated, introduced or replaced. Not all regulations apply to all forms of defence packaging.
- Defence Standard 81-41
- Defence Standard 81-003
- The Defence Logistics Framework (DLF)
- STANAG 4280 – NATO Packaging Codes
- STANAG 4329 – NATO Standard Marking for Packaging
- MIL-STD-2073-1 – US Military Standard for Packaging
- MIL-STD-129 – Military Marking for Shipment and Storage
- ISO 11607 – Packaging for Terminally Sterilised Medical Devices
- BS EN ISO 2233 – Conditioning for Testing of Packages
- ASTM D4169 – Transit Testing for Shipping Containers
- MPAS – Military Packager Accreditation Scheme
- Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR)
Defence Standard 81-41 (Part 1 to 6) Packaging of Material
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) Defence Standard 81-41 is the standard that sets out the requirements for packaging, ensuring items remain serviceable in storage, transport, and harsh environments. It defines three packaging levels (J, N, P) with rules for design, testing, documentation, production, and markings.
This standard aligns with NATO requirements and ensures repeatable, compliant processes.
GWP Group can supply packaging that conforms to Defence Standard 81-84 requirements, having access to multiple designers with MPAS accreditation.
More information
Defence Standard 81-003 - Wooden Cases
Defence Standard 81-003 is a Ministry of Defence (MoD) standard that specifies the construction of wooden packaging cases and crates for defence use, covering materials, styles, and performance for packages up to 10,000kg.
It defines standard case designs, annex-based variations, and testing requirements to ensure durability.
GWP Group, working closely with Macfarlane Packaging Design & Manufacture (Westbury) can manufacture wooden packaging crates and cases that comply with all Defence Standard 81-003 requirements.
More information
The Defence Logistics Framework (DLF) (Originally JSP 886)
The Defence Logistics Framework (DLF) is the Ministry of Defence (MoD) guidance on defence logistics and packaging covers inventory control, packaging design, transportability, and NATO codefication.
It includes guidance on:
- Transit damage prevention.
- RFID and barcode tracking.
- Packaging for extreme climates.
GWP, alongside Macfarlane Group partners, can offer a range of packaging solutions suitable for use with the the Defence Logisitics Framework (DLF).
More information
STANAG 4280 - NATO Packaging Codes
STANAG 4280 is the NATO standard for packaging code classification.
UK exporters must comply for NATO interoperability.
GWP Group can manufacture packaging to the required specification for existing NATO codes. This includes a range of third party products, for example waterproof cases (including Peli, SKB etc.).
More information
STANAG 4329 - NATO Standard Marking for Packages
STANAG 4329 is the standard that requires standardised markings for all NATO-packaged items.
It ensures common labelling of:
- Hazard classes
- NSNs
- Handling instructions
- Destination codes
Labelling must also align with Defence Standard 81-75 for compatibility.
GWP Group can add all appropriate markings for NATO packaged items, providing the correct information is supplied to us by our customers. Please note that GWP Group cannot provide guidance on the markings required for specific applications.
More information
MIL-STD-2073-1 - US Military Standard for Packaging
MIL-STD-2073-1 is The US Department of Defence (DoD) packaging standard used internationally via Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
The standard details methods for:
- Preservation (e.g., desiccants, corrosion inhibitors).
- Cushioning.
- Unit pack, intermediate, and exterior pack specifications.
- Often contractually required for UK suppliers to US or NATO forces.
GWP Group can work alongside customers exporting to US or NATO forces to ensure that packaging specifications are met.
More information
MIL-STD-129 - Military Marking for Shipment and Storage
MIL-STD-129 is the US standard for military marking for shipment and storage:
- Requires barcoding, UID (Unique Identification), and RFID.
- Often adopted in UK-US defence contracts.
GWP Group can add required barcoding, UID and RFID to packs if accurate information is provided by our customers. Accuracy and completeness of information is the responsibility of our customers.
More information
ISO 11607 - Packaging for Terminally Sterilised Medical Devices (when applicable)
ISO 11607 is the standard for defence medical supplies. This ISO standard ensures sterile packaging integrity in combat field medical kits.
GWP Group does not manufacture or supply packaging that maintains sterility.
More information
BS EN ISO 2233 - Conditioning for Testing of Packages
BS EN ISO 2233 is the standard that prepares packages for temperature/humidity performance testing, used to stimulate field of operational conditions for defence transit packaging.
GWP Group can assist customers in testing of packs, through partners including TUV SUD and ISTA. Alternatively, GWP can provide pre-production samples for customers to conduct their own testing.
More information
ASTM D4169 Performance Testing of Shipping Containers
ASTM D4169 is the global testing protocol for packaging in harsh transit environments:
- Used to validate drop, vibration, compression, impact, and stack testing.
- Frequently referenced in MoD procurement and NATO contracts.
GWP Group can assist customers in testing of packs, through partners including TUV SUD and ISTA. Alternatively, GWP can provide pre-production samples for customers to conduct their own testing.
More information
MPAS - Military Packager Accreditation Scheme
MPAS certification is the standard that all companies supplying military-level packaged products to the UK Ministry of Defence must adhere to, alongside Defence Standard 81-41. Packaging to this standard effectively ensures the safe transit and long-term environmental protection of a wide variety of high-value, delicate defence equipment.
GWP Group has access to several MPAS-accredited designers as part of the Macfarlane Group.
More information
Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register (JOSCAR)
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 Macfarlane Group.
More information
Quotes, technical info and advice
Speak with our defence packaging experts
The information on this page has been collated, checked and approved by several of our packaging experts:
