Overview
EN ISO 20848-2:2008 (ISO 20848-2:2006) is a packaging standard that specifies the characteristics and dimensions of non‑removable head (tight head) plastics drums with nominal capacities of 208.2 l and 220 l. It was adopted by CEN and provides dimensional tolerances, material identification, closure and handling requirements relevant to manufacturing, procurement and safe transport of plastics drums.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: Defines tight head drums (openings for filling/emptying in the head not exceeding 70 mm) and capacity terms such as nominal, brimful and total capacity.
- Dimensions and tolerances: Specifies overall diameter, bung housing position and overall height for the 208.2 l and 220 l classes (e.g., 208.2 l: dₒ ≈ 595 mm, p_b = 84 ± 2 mm, hₒ = 890 ± 7 mm; 220 l: dₒ ≈ 581 ± 5 mm, p_b = 72 ± 2 mm, hₒ = 935 ± 5 mm). Measurements are taken at ambient conditions and not within 48 h of manufacture.
- Mass tolerance: Drum mass tolerance of ±3%, to be agreed between purchaser and supplier.
- Materials and marking: Drums shall be made of HDPE or other suitable plastics (or combinations) and be permanently marked with an international material identification symbol (see Annex C).
- Closures: Two closures required in accordance with ISO 20848-3 (plug/bung closure systems). Closures must not protrude above overall height and must provide tamper-evidence. Recommended closure combinations and guidance on closure torque are provided.
- Handling & stacking: Provision for one or two permanently fixed handling rings; stacking capability per manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Draining & finish: Designed to minimize residual liquid after drainage; Annex B gives a draining test method. Annex A covers capacity measurement methods.
Applications and users
This standard is practical for:
- Drum manufacturers designing and producing tight‑head plastics drums (208.2 l / 220 l classes).
- Procurement and quality teams specifying dimensional, material and closure requirements for industrial packaging.
- Logistics and hazardous‑goods handlers ensuring drums meet dimensional and closure requirements compatible with transport regulations and handling equipment.
- Recycling and reuse programs that need consistent drum identification and dimensions for reuse cycles.
Common applications include chemical, petrochemical and bulk liquid storage where standardised tight‑head plastics drums are used for storage, handling and transport.
Related standards
- ISO 20848-1 - removable head (open head) drums
- ISO 20848-3 - plug/bung closure systems (referenced for closures)
- ISO 16104 - guidance on torque tolerances for dangerous‑goods closures
- UN/ICAO/IMO transport regulations - applicable when drums are used for dangerous goods
Keywords: EN ISO 20848-2:2008, ISO 20848-2, plastics drums, tight head drums, 208.2 l, 220 l, packaging standard, HDPE drums, drum dimensions, closures, drum draining.
