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IS 9590 : 1980non-returnable wooden boxes for horticulture produce

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UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables · BS 1133-8 · ASTM D6880 / D6880M - 17
CurrentSpecializedSpecificationMaterials Science · Timber and Timber Stores
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OverviewValues4InternationalTablesFAQ4Related

IS 9590:1980 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for non-returnable wooden boxes for horticulture produce. This standard specifies the requirements for materials, dimensions, construction, and capacity of non-returnable wooden boxes intended for packing and transporting horticultural produce. It aims to standardize packaging to ensure the safe transit of items like fruits and vegetables. Note: This standard has been withdrawn by BIS.

non-returnable wooden boxes for horticulture produce

Overview

Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Timber and Timber Stores
Type
Specification
International equivalents
UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables · United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), GenevaBS 1133-8:2011 · British Standards Institution (BSI), UKASTM D6880 / D6880M - 17 · ASTM International, USA
Typically used with
IS 399IS 723IS 1708IS 6662
Also on InfraLens for IS 9590
4Key values2Tables4FAQs
Practical Notes
! This standard has been officially WITHDRAWN by the Bureau of Indian Standards and is no longer active.
! For current packaging requirements, especially for food items, refer to standards from FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) or APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority).
! The standard is useful for historical reference or for understanding basic construction principles of simple timber crates.
Frequently referenced clauses
Cl. 3MaterialCl. 4Dimensions and TypesCl. 5ConstructionCl. 6CapacityCl. 8Marking
Pulled from IS 9590:1980. Browse the full clause & table index below in Tables & Referenced Sections.
timberwoodfasteners

International Equivalents

Similar International Standards
UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging for Fresh Fruit and VegetablesUnited Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Geneva
HighCurrent
Standard for Wooden Packaging for Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Directly addresses quality and construction requirements for wooden packaging used in the international trade of produce.
BS 1133-8:2011British Standards Institution (BSI), UK
HighCurrent
Packaging code. Wooden boxes, cases and crates
Provides a comprehensive code of practice for designing and constructing wooden containers, applicable to horticulture.
ASTM D6880 / D6880M - 17ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Wooden Crates
Covers the general construction and material specifications for wooden crates, sharing many principles with horticultural boxes.
ISO/TR 10243:1989International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Geneva
HighWithdrawn
Wood-based panels -- Trunks for fruit and vegetables
Historically significant report that provided specific guidance on using wood-based panels for produce packaging.
Key Differences
≠IS 9590 is highly prescriptive, detailing exact timber species, component dimensions, and nailing patterns for specific produce, whereas modern international standards are performance-based, specifying outcomes like stacking strength and allowing flexibility in design and materials.
≠IS 9590:1980 predates the widespread adoption of ISPM 15 and does not mandate phytosanitary treatment (heat treatment or fumigation). Most current international standards require compliance with ISPM 15 for wood packaging in international trade to prevent pest transmission.
≠The Indian standard specifies a limited list of permissible Indian timber species (e.g., Fir, Spruce, Pine, Deodar), while international standards provide general quality criteria for wood (e.g., moisture content, freedom from defects) without restricting species, allowing for global material sourcing.
≠Modern standards like the UNECE recommendations often include considerations for sustainability, such as sourcing wood from certified, sustainably managed forests. This aspect is absent in the 1980 Indian standard.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 9590 and international standards mandate the use of sound timber that is free from defects like decay, large loose knots, and insect damage that could compromise structural integrity or harm the contents.
≈There is a common requirement across all standards that the internal surfaces of the boxes must be sufficiently smooth to prevent bruising, cutting, or other physical damage to the fresh produce.
≈The fundamental construction principle of using sawn wood components for ends, sides, top, and bottom, assembled with metal fasteners like nails or staples, is consistent between the Indian and international standards.
≈Both the Indian standard and international equivalents recognize the need for product respiration by specifying or allowing for ventilation gaps between the planks of the box, crucial for preserving the quality of fresh produce.
Parameter Comparison
ParameterIS ValueInternationalSource
Moisture Content of WoodShall not exceed 18 percent by weight at the time of manufacture.Generally recommended to not exceed 22% at the time of assembly.BS 1133-8:2011
Timber Species SpecificationPrescribes specific species, e.g., Fir (Abies), Spruce (Picea), Pine (Pinus).Non-prescriptive; focuses on wood being 'sound, clean, dry' and free of contaminating odours.UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging
Phytosanitary TreatmentNot specified in the standard.Must be treated (e.g., heat treatment) and marked in accordance with ISPM 15 for international trade.UNECE Standard (referencing ISPM 15)
Dimensional Tolerances (Internal)Length/Width: ±3 mm; Depth: ±2 mm.No specific internal tolerances, but external dimensions often have a ±1% tolerance.UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging
Internal Surface FinishInternal surfaces shall be 'sawn smooth'.Wood in contact with produce must be 'clean and free of bark and foreign bodies'.UNECE Standard for Wooden Packaging
Nailing/FasteningProvides highly detailed prescriptive nailing schedules in tables.Requires that fastenings 'provide sufficient strength for the intended use' without prescribing schedules.BS 1133-8:2011
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use

Key Values4

Quick Reference Values
Maximum permissible moisture content20%
Minimum thickness for sides, top and bottom (Type I box)6 mm
Minimum thickness for ends (Type I box)12 mm
Minimum thickness for battens (Type I box)12 mm

Tables & Referenced Sections

Key Tables
Table 1 - Dimensions of Timbers for Different Types of Boxes
Table 2 - Particulars of Different Types of Boxes
Key Clauses
Clause 3 - Material
Clause 4 - Dimensions and Types
Clause 5 - Construction
Clause 6 - Capacity
Clause 8 - Marking

Related Resources on InfraLens

Cross-Referenced Codes
IS 399:1966Classification of Commercial Timbers and Thei...
→
IS 723:2019Steel Bars and Rods for Pattern Making
→
IS 1708:2014Methods of Testing Small Clear Specimens of T...
→
IS 6662:1993Timber species suitable for wooden packaging ...
→

Frequently Asked Questions4

Is this standard still valid?+
No, IS 9590:1980 has been withdrawn by BIS and should not be used for new manufacturing or contracts.
What kind of timber is specified?+
The standard requires timber that is well-seasoned, free from loose knots, decay, and insect attack. The timber should also not impart any taste or smell to the produce (Clause 3).
Does the code specify box dimensions?+
Yes, Clause 4 and related tables provide detailed dimensions for different types and sizes of boxes designed for various kinds of produce.
What are the marking requirements for the boxes?+
Boxes should be marked with information like the type of box, manufacturer's name or trademark, and the year of manufacture (Clause 8).

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