MIL-STD-2073.pdf

This is an informational guide prepared by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) regarding packaging and marking standards for Department of Defense shipments. The guide is not officially adopted by DoD but serves as an instructional resource for familiarizing contractors with federal packaging requirements.

The guide provides comprehensive guidance on packaging and marking requirements found in various sections of solicitations and contracts, including Section D (Packaging & Marking), specifications, Military or Federal Specifications, and military standard drawings. It details five basic military preservation methods: Method 10 (Physical Protection), Method 20 (Preservative Coating Only), Method 30 (Waterproof Protection), Method 40 (Watervaporproof Protection), and Method 50 (Watervaporproof Protection with Desiccant). The document specifies two levels of military packing—Level A for severe worldwide conditions and Level B for moderate conditions—and describes specific methods (31, 32, 33, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 51, 52) that combine preservation, wrapping, cushioning, and containerization. Key standards referenced include MIL-STD-2073-1E (Military Packaging), ASTM D-3951 (Commercial Packaging), MIL-STD-129 (Marking for Shipments and Storage), and MIL-DTL-117 (Heat-Sealable Bags). The guide addresses hazardous materials packaging requirements under Title 49 CFR, IMO/IMDG, ICAO/IATA, and AFMAN 24-204 regulations. Additional requirements cover quality assurance provisions, inspection and testing procedures, packaging requirement codes (PRCs), marking standards, special markings (shelf-life, project codes, fragile items, Method 50 indicators, ESD-sensitive devices, expedited handling), heat-treated wood packaging material compliance, palletization standards per MIL-STD-147, and RFID tag specifications per DFARS Clause 252.211-7006.