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IS 7992:1983 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for plywood cases for packing tobacco for export. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, and construction of three standard types of plywood cases used for packing un-manufactured tobacco for export. It covers plywood grade, timber for battens, nail specifications, and marking instructions to ensure the integrity of the packaging during transit.
! This standard has been officially withdrawn by BIS. It should be used for reference purposes only and not for new manufacturing or contracts.
! The specification of Weather and Boil Proof (B-WP) plywood is critical for protecting the contents from moisture, a key concern in tobacco packaging.
! Exporters should refer to current international packaging standards (e.g., ISO) or specific buyer requirements for tobacco packaging.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
plywoodtimbernailsadhesive
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM D6251 / D6251M - 23ASTM International (USA)
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Wood-Cleated Panelboard Shipping Boxes
Specifies materials, design, and construction of shipping boxes made with panelboards like plywood, closely matching the intent of IS 7992.
ISPM 15IPPC (International Plant Protection Convention)
MediumCurrent
Regulation of Wood Packaging Material in International Trade
Defines mandatory phytosanitary treatment for all wood packaging for export, a critical requirement absent from IS 7992:1983 but essential for its scope.
BS 1133-8:1991BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Packaging Code - Section 8: Wooden boxes, cases and crates
Provided detailed prescriptive guidance on the design and manufacture of wooden cases, similar in approach to IS 7992.
ISO 4180:2009ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
LowCurrent
Packaging — Complete, filled transport packages — General rules for the compilation of performance test schedules
Specifies performance testing protocols for transport packaging, representing the modern performance-based approach versus the prescriptive IS 7992.
Key Differences
≠IS 7992 is highly prescriptive, defining exact dimensions, plywood thickness, and nail spacing. Modern standards like ASTM D6251 are more performance-based, allowing design flexibility as long as performance tests (e.g., drop, compression) are passed.
≠IS 7992:1983 predates modern phytosanitary regulations. It does not include requirements for heat treatment (HT) or fumigation, which are mandatory for export under ISPM 15.
≠The Indian Standard specifies materials based on Indian codes (e.g., Plywood as per IS 303, Timber as per IS 190). International standards reference their respective national or international material specifications (e.g., ASTM D6251 refers to US plywood standard PS 1).
≠IS 7992 defines a single case type for a specific commodity (tobacco). International standards like ASTM D6251 provide classifications for numerous box styles suitable for a wide range of goods.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 7992 and its international counterparts (e.g., ASTM D6251) are based on a core construction of plywood panels (sheathing) fixed to a structural frame of wooden battens (cleats).
≈The fundamental assembly method in both the Indian and international standards relies on mechanical fasteners, primarily nails, to join the plywood sheathing to the wood cleats.
≈Both frameworks recognize the importance of using seasoned timber with controlled moisture content to prevent warping, maintain dimensional stability, and ensure fastener holding power.
≈The general purpose is identical: to create a robust, rigid, and protective container for the transportation of goods, leveraging the high strength-to-weight ratio of plywood.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Plywood Grade Requirement
Boiling Water Resistant (BWR) grade conforming to IS 303
Exterior grade panelboard or panelboard manufactured with a water-resistant adhesive.
ASTM D6251 / D6251M
Phytosanitary Treatment
Not specified.
Mandatory Heat Treatment (HT) or Methyl Bromide (MB) fumigation with official marking.
ISPM 15
Plywood Thickness
4 mm for all faces.
Variable based on box style, dimensions, and load weight (typically 1/4 in to 1/2 in or 6 mm to 12 mm).
ASTM D6251 / D6251M
Timber Moisture Content
Seasoned to a moisture content of approximately 12 percent.
Shall not exceed 19 % at the time of manufacture.
ASTM D6251 / D6251M
Fastener Specification
Prescribed type, length, and gauge of wire nails (e.g., 40 mm, 14 SWG).
Allows various fasteners (nails, staples). Sizing and spacing are determined by wood group and cleat thickness.
ASTM D6251 / D6251M
Case Style Definition
Specifies a single, fully defined case style and size.
Defines multiple case styles (e.g., Style A, Style B) based on closure method and construction.
ASTM D6251 / D6251M
Handling Marks
Text-based markings like 'USE NO HOOKS'.
Recommends use of pictorial symbols as per ISO 780 for handling instructions.
ISO 780
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Required plywood typeWeather and boil proof (B-WP) grade conforming to IS 303
Specified plywood thickness6 mm
Max moisture content for battens18 percent
Internal dimensions of Case No. 11060 x 700 x 700 mm
Nail typeCement coated plain-headed wire nails
Batten wood speciesConiferous timber species like fir, spruce, kail
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Plywood Cases for Packing Tobacco