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IS 6703:1972 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for glossary of wooden packaging terms. This standard provides a comprehensive glossary of terms used in the wooden packaging industry. It defines terminology related to types of wooden containers, their components, materials, and associated processes to ensure uniform understanding and communication.
ISO 445:2023ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Switzerland
MediumCurrent
Pallets for materials handling — Vocabulary
Provides detailed, modern terminology for pallets, a major subset of wooden packaging.
IPPC ISPM 15IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention), UN/FAO
LowCurrent
Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade
Defines critical, legally binding phytosanitary terms (e.g., HT, dunnage) now essential for all international wood packaging.
ASTM D996 - 04(2010)ASTM International, USA
HighWithdrawn
Standard Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
Historically served as the comprehensive packaging glossary in the US, covering a similar broad scope as IS 6703.
ISO 21067-1:2016ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Switzerland
MediumCurrent
Packaging — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms
Defines general packaging terminology applicable across materials, including many foundational terms used for wooden packaging.
Key Differences
≠IS 6703:1972 completely lacks any reference to phytosanitary measures. It predates the globally mandated IPPC ISPM 15 standard, so terms like 'Heat Treatment (HT)', 'Methyl Bromide (MB)', 'debarked wood', and the IPPC certification mark are absent.
≠The Indian standard focuses on traditional, sawn timber. Modern international standards and practices incorporate terminology for engineered wood products like Plywood, Oriented Strand Board (OSB), and Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) used in packaging.
≠IS 6703 defines components in a very general way. Modern standards, like ISO 445 for pallets, provide much more detailed and specific terminology related to automated handling and specific pallet designs (e.g., 'stringer board', 'block pallet', 'four-way entry').
≠International standards are frequently updated to reflect new technologies and regulations (e.g., ISO 445:2023), whereas IS 6703:1972 has not been revised and represents practices from over 50 years ago.
Key Similarities
≈The fundamental purpose is identical: to provide a common vocabulary to prevent ambiguity and miscommunication between designers, manufacturers, and users of wooden packaging.
≈Core definitions for basic container types, such as 'Box' (a fully enclosed container) and 'Crate' (an open-slatted container), are conceptually consistent with international terminology.
≈Both the IS code and international glossaries define basic structural components like 'cleats', 'battens', and 'sheathing', acknowledging their role in reinforcing the package structure.
≈The classification of containers is often based on the construction style and the names for different parts of the box (e.g., 'end', 'side', 'top', 'bottom') are universally understood and similarly defined.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Dunnage
Loose wood material used for securing or protecting goods in a ship's hold.
Wood packaging material used to secure or support a commodity, but which does not remain associated with the commodity.
IPPC ISPM 15
Phytosanitary Treatment Mark
Not defined or mentioned.
A specific mark including the IPPC symbol, country code, producer code, and treatment code (e.g., HT) certifying treatment.
IPPC ISPM 15
Skid
An assembly of bearers and a platform for handling heavy machinery or similar concentrated loads.
A load-handling accessory with a single deck, with or without a superstructure, set on runners or bearers.
ISO 445:2023
Crate
A container of open construction of which the structural framework may or may not be enclosed by sheathing.
A rigid, self-supporting, open-faced shipping container, generally of skeleton-frame construction.
ASTM D996 - 04(2010)
Batten
A narrow strip of wood used for reinforcing the box.
A reinforcing member, positioned across the grain of the face members to which it is fastened.
ASTM D996 - 04(2010)
Pallet
Not explicitly defined in detail, referred to generally as a platform for unit loads.
A rigid, horizontal platform, with or without a superstructure, used as a base for assembling, storing, handling and transporting goods.
ISO 445:2023
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values0
No quick reference values available for this code yet.
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
No tables data
Key Clauses
Clause 2.1 - Containers
Clause 2.2 - Component Parts
Clause 2.3 - Materials
Clause 2.4 - Miscellaneous
Frequently Asked Questions4
What is the official difference between a 'box' and a 'crate'?+
A 'box' is a container with faces made of solid wood or wood-based panels, whereas a 'crate' is a container of framed construction where the sheathing may not be continuous. (Clauses 2.1.2 & 2.1.3)
What is a 'batten' in the context of packaging?+
A 'batten' is a piece of sawn timber used as a reinforcing or securing member for parts of a container. (Clause 2.2.1)
What does 'dunnage' refer to?+
Dunnage is loose wood or other material placed in a hold or container to support and protect cargo during transit. (Clause 2.4.1)
What is a 'skid'?+
A 'skid' is one of a pair or series of parallel runners, acting as a base for a heavy or bulky item, enabling it to be moved more easily. (Clause 2.1.8)