MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This document is an informational guide for packaging and marking requirements applicable to Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and solicitations, published by the Defense Contract Management Agency in March 2014.

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on military packaging standards, preservation methods, and marking requirements for DoD shipments. Key packaging standards include MIL-STD-2073-1E for military packaging (with five basic preservation methods: Method 10 for physical protection, Method 20 for preservative coating, Method 30 for waterproof protection, Method 40 for watervaporproof protection, and Method 50 for watervaporproof protection with desiccant), ASTM D-3951 for commercial packaging, and MIL-STD-129 for marking and labeling. The guide details specific packaging methods (Methods 31-52) with visual examples for different scenarios, including waterproof bags, rigid containers, and floating watervaporproof bags. Hazardous materials must be packaged per Title 49 CFR (land), IMO/IMDG (water), ICAO/IATA (commercial air), and AFMAN 24-204_IP (military air). Packaging requirements are located across multiple contract sections (A through J), with specific references to Commercial Item Descriptions, Military Specifications, aperture cards, and drawings. The document includes Packaging Requirement Codes (PRC) for translating contract specifications into actionable requirements, a sample worksheet, quality assurance provisions including preservation and packing inspections with leakage and heat-sealed seam testing, four types of basic markings (identification, bar code, address, and special markings), and examples of labeling formats for unit, intermediate, and exterior containers. Additional topics covered include palletization standards (MIL-STD-147), heat-treated wood packaging material requirements, RFID tag specifications, and special markings for shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, Method 50 packaging, expedited handling, and hazardous materials.