Overview
ISO 8317:2015 - Child-resistant packaging - Requirements and testing procedures for reclosable packages - defines performance requirements and test methods for reclosable packages designated as resistant to opening by young children. The standard provides acceptance criteria based on specified child and adult panel tests to measure the effectiveness of packaging in restricting child access while maintaining adult accessibility. ISO 8317:2015 is applicable to any reclosable package from which product is intended to be exposed or removed in normal use and is intended for type approval only, not for ongoing quality assurance.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Performance requirements and test methods: Specifies how to conduct reproducible child and adult tests and how to interpret results (sequential and full test approaches).
- Child and adult panel testing: Procedures for supervised child tests and adult usability tests (adult panel ages referenced 50–70 years inclusive). Tests evaluate both resistance to opening by children and accessibility for adults.
- Terms and definitions: Defines container, closure, reclosable package, child-resistant packaging, mechanical testing, mechanical test data, liner, and essential characteristics that affect child resistance.
- Series evaluation and minor modifications: Guidance for evaluating a series of similar packages and handling minor design changes; reference methodology for assessing modifications.
- Sample preparation and mechanical testing: Includes preparatory requirements (e.g., disabling tamper-evident features prior to testing) and use of mechanical measurement tools (torque meters for torque-dependent closures).
- Reporting and assessment: Specifies test report content, expression of results, and overall assessment methodology for acceptance or failure.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 8317:2015 is used by:
- Packaging designers and manufacturers developing child-resistant reclosable packaging for hazardous household products, pharmaceuticals, solvents, and garden chemicals.
- Regulatory and certification bodies conducting type approval of child-resistant closures and containers.
- Independent test laboratories performing supervised child and adult panel testing.
- Product safety and compliance teams ensuring packaging meets internationally recognized packaging standards for child safety.
Benefits include improved child safety, consistent test methods for market access, and documented evidence for approval of reclosable child-resistant systems.
Related standards
- ISO 13127 - Recommended methodology for assessing minor modifications to previously tested packages.
- ISO/IEC 17025 - Guidance on laboratory competence, supervisory and accreditation considerations relevant to test laboratories.
Keywords: ISO 8317, child-resistant packaging, reclosable packages, testing procedures, performance requirements, packaging standards, type approval, child safety.
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