MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide for the packaging and marking of materials in Department of Defense contracts, prepared by the Defense Contract Management Agency in March 2014.

The guide addresses packaging requirements that must be included in DoD solicitations and contracts, typically found in Section D (Packaging & Marking) and related sections. It details two primary packaging standards: ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, applicable to items intended for immediate use, depot consumption, or small parcel post shipment; and MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging, which applies to items requiring operational preservation, reusable containers, sea delivery, or extended storage exceeding six months. For hazardous materials, packaging must comply with Title 49 CFR (land), IMO/IMDG (water), ICAO/IATA (commercial air), or AFMAN 24-204_IP (military air), with MIL-STD-129 governing marking and labeling requirements. The guide describes five basic military preservation methods (Methods 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50), ranging from physical protection only to watervaporproof protection with desiccant, and specifies detailed packing levels (Level A for severe worldwide conditions; Level B for moderate conditions) and minimal packing alternatives based on anticipated logistics paths.

The document provides comprehensive guidance on packaging requirement codes as defined in MIL-STD-207731E(1), sample worksheets, inspection and quality assurance provisions from MIL-STD-2073-1E Appendix G, and detailed marking requirements including identification markings, bar codes, address markings using Military Shipping Labels, and special markings for shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, Method 50 packaging, electrostatic discharge sensitive devices, and hazardous materials. It also covers wood packaging material heat-treatment requirements, palletization standards per MIL-STD-147, and RFID tag application per DFARS Clause 252.211-7006. The guide emphasizes that contractors are responsible for all quality assurance requirements unless otherwise specified in the contract.