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IS 10402:1982 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for pin-needle hardboard boxes for packaging apples. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, and performance of pin-needle hardboard boxes intended for packaging and transporting apples. It aims to ensure the boxes provide adequate protection to the produce during handling and transit.
! This standard has been officially withdrawn by BIS. Users should refer to contemporary packaging standards for fibreboard boxes or specific requirements from agricultural export bodies.
! The standard references IS 1658 for the quality of fibre hardboard, which is a critical material requirement.
UNECE STANDARD FFV-50:2022United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
MediumCurrent
Concerning the marketing and commercial quality control of apples
Specifies performance-based packaging requirements for international trade of apples, whereas IS 10402 is prescriptive.
ISO 3394:2012International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Global
LowCurrent
Dimensions of rigid rectangular packages — Transport packages
Focuses solely on standardizing package footprints for palletization, an aspect of the IS code's dimensional specifications.
ASTM D5118 / D5118M - 15(2020)ASTM International, USA
LowCurrent
Standard Practice for Fabrication of Fiberboard Shipping Boxes
Provides fabrication practices for modern fibreboard boxes, the functional successor to hardboard, but for a different construction style.
OECD Apple and Pears SchemeOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
MediumCurrent
OECD Fruit and Vegetables Scheme - Brochure
Provides guidelines for quality and packaging to facilitate international trade, similar in intent to UNECE standards.
Key Differences
≠IS 10402 is highly prescriptive, specifying 'pin-needle hardboard' of a specific thickness, whereas modern international standards are performance-based and material-agnostic.
≠The Indian Standard details a dated construction method using hardboard panels, wooden cleats, and nails. International practice now centers on single-piece, die-cut, folded corrugated fibreboard boxes.
≠IS 10402 implies strength through its design. International standards (e.g., referencing ASTM D4169 or ISO 12048) require specific performance testing like compression strength, drop tests, and vibration analysis.
≠The IS code specifies exact dimensions and locations for ventilation holes, while international standards like UNECE FFV-50 mandate ventilation but leave the design specifics to the manufacturer to ensure proper cooling.
Key Similarities
≈Both the Indian Standard and international counterparts prioritize the primary function of protecting apples from physical damage during transport and handling.
≈All relevant standards recognize the critical need for ventilation in the packaging to manage heat from respiration, facilitate cooling, and prevent moisture buildup.
≈The principle of providing sufficient top-to-bottom compression strength for stacking is fundamental to both IS 10402 (via wooden cleats/hardboard) and modern standards (via high-ECT corrugated board and structural design).
≈Both IS 10402 and standards like ISO 3394 aim to standardize box dimensions to ensure predictable, stable, and efficient loading for transport and storage.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Primary Material
Pin-needle hardboard, 3 mm thickness
Material is not specified; must be new, clean, and protect the produce. Commonly corrugated fibreboard.
UNECE FFV-50
Construction Style
Hardboard panels nailed to timber frame cleats.
Typically one-piece, die-cut, folded and glued/stapled corrugated fibreboard.
ASTM D5118 / D5118M
Internal Dimensions (Large Box)
450 x 300 x 300 mm
No single standard dimension; recommends modular sizes based on standard pallet footprints (e.g., 600x400 mm).
ISO 3394:2012
Strength Reinforcement
Wooden cleats (20x20 mm) at corners and intermediate positions.
Achieved via board grade (e.g., ECT value), fluting profile, and box design (e.g., reinforced handholes, corner posts).
General Packaging Practice / ASTM D5118
Ventilation Specification
Two 25 mm diameter holes on each of the longer sides.
Packaging must be ventilated, but hole size, shape, and placement are not specified, only their function.
UNECE FFV-50
Performance Verification
Conformity to prescriptive material and dimensional specifications.
Performance tests, e.g., compression test (Box Compression Test - BCT), stacking test, and drop test.
ISO 12048 / ISO 2234
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Minimum hardboard thickness3.0 mm
Nominal capacity of box18 kg of apples
Maximum moisture content of hardboard12 %
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Boxes and Their Components