IS 1503:1988 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for wooden packing cases. This standard specifies the requirements for the materials, dimensions, manufacture, and testing of wooden packing cases intended for the general packaging and transport of goods.
wooden packing cases
| Parameter | IS Value | International | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytosanitary Treatment (for export) | Not mentioned | Mandatory compliance with ISPM 15 (Heat Treatment 'HT' mark is most common). | BS 1133-8:2011 |
| Moisture Content (for export) | Shall not exceed 18% | Generally required to be below 20% to prevent mould/fungus; this is best practice, not a hard rule in ISPM 15 itself. | BS 1133-8:2011 |
| Timber Specification | Specific Indian species in strength groups (e.g., Group I, II, III). | Commercial species groups (e.g., Spruce-pine-fir) or reference to strength classes (e.g., C18). | ASTM D6039 / BS 1133-8 |
| Nail Spacing (for sheathing to cleats) | 75 mm to 100 mm, depending on load. | Varies by load/thickness, e.g., 2 to 2.5 inches (51-64 mm) for intermediate cleats. | ASTM D6039 / D6039M - 18 |
| Minimum Component Thickness | Prescribed in tables based on load/size, e.g., 15 mm or 20 mm. | Provided as guidance tables or determined by performance requirements, e.g., 12 mm for a 50kg load. | BS 1133-8:2011 |
| Construction Style Definition | 7 specific styles based on cleat configuration (e.g., Style 2: End-cleated). | Classified by different features, e.g., Class (Open/Sheathed) and Style (base design) in ASTM. | ASTM D6039 / D6039M - 18 |