UK military packaging requirements: An essential guide

If your business supplies products directly or indirectly to the defence sector, you must have a solid understanding of UK military packaging requirements.

But what information do you require to pack military goods?

UK military packaging requirements include adherence to defence standards (Def Stan 81-41). Packaging suppliers must also hold the MPAS (Military Packager Accreditation Scheme) certification. Extensive testing, along with information such as Nato Stock Number (NSN), size, weight, Primary Packaging Quantity (PPQ), and contact number, is also required.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about meeting defence packaging requirements. It outlines expectations for your packaging supplier, explains the different levels of military packaging, and provides essential information for sourcing military-grade packaging. It also highlights additional factors and requirements to consider to ensure full compliance and optimal protection.

In addition to being MPAS certified, military packaging suppliers must comply with a detailed set of defence standards.

Defence Standard 81-41 applies specifically to packaging. These standards result from the MOD outlining the requirements of packaging to protect goods against deterioration, physical, and mechanical damage. The standard is set out in six parts and primarily focuses on environmental conditions for preserving items during storage, general handling, and distribution by rail, road, sea, and air.

The six parts of Def Stan 81-41 are:

• Part 1: Defence packaging requirements.
• Part 2: Military packaging design.
• Part 3: Environmental testing.
• Part 4: Service Packaging Instruction Sheet (SPIS).
• Part 5: Production processes.
• Part 6: Package markings.

To determine which items can and should be packaged under Def Stan 81-41, refer to the latest version of the standard and any associated documentation provided by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Since standards can be updated or revised, it is recommended to check with the MOD or the relevant authoritative body for the latest information on Def Stan 81-41 and its application to packaging-specific items.

In accordance with the Def Stan 81-41, there are three common packing levels for preservation:

• J: For items which may be stored anywhere in the world, within any climatic condition, for up to two years.
• N: For items which could also be stored anywhere in the world, in non-climatic conditions (clean and dry), for up to five years.
• P: Similar to commercial packaging and can be designated to items which need to be stored for up to five years, but only in normal storage conditions.

The items you need packaged and stored will determine the required packaging type.

Having identified the relevant product information and packaging level for preservation, you’ll need to provide various details to your MPAS packaging provider.

The information required to pack military goods typically includes:

• A NATO Stock Number (NSN) is a 13-digit unique identification number allocated to every item that the MOD (and most other military forces) uses.
• The name and description of the item that will be packaged.
• Which department of the MOD (Army, Navy, or RAF) is responsible.
• The manufacturer’s part number.
• The size and weight of the items.
• Primary Package Quantity (PPQ).
• If the MOD is likely to keep your item in storage, and for how long.
• Your items’ fragility factor.
• Your items’ level of resistance to G-force.
• Your items’ centre of gravity (this can be essential for safe lifting and loading during transportation.

It is essential also to consider several other elements of your military packaging, especially for large or complex items.

Military packaging typically requires greater consideration than standard packaging due to its added complexity and the nature of the challenges (and environments) it must address.

Mission-critical equipment must be protected against all eventualities, arrive intact, and remain serviceable, with appropriate documentation.

As MPAS packaging suppliers with over 30 years of experience in the specific demands of military packaging, GWP and the wider Macfarlane Group can supply defence-standard packaging regardless of your product, application, or challenges. In addition to an extensive range of specialist defence packaging products, we can also provide you with free, impartial advice.

So if you need help with military packaging requirements, please speak with one of our packaging experts.