Overview
ISO 2873:2000 defines a standardized low pressure test for complete, filled transport packages and unit loads to simulate the reduced air pressure conditions encountered during air transport. The method applies to packages intended for pressurized aircraft (any cruising altitude) and to unpressurized aircraft flying at 3 500 m or less. The standard describes the test principle, apparatus, conditioning, test procedure and reporting requirements for reproducible evaluation of package integrity under low-pressure/altitude conditions.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test scope: Applies to complete, filled transport packages and unit loads (test item = complete filled package or unit load).
- Apparatus: A pressure vessel large enough to contain the test item, with pressure and temperature controls.
- Pressure profile:
- Reduce pressure at a rate not exceeding 150 mbar/min until 650 mbar (±5%) is reached.
- Maintain that pressure for a predetermined period.
- Restore pressure using dry air so that pressure rise does not exceed 150 mbar/min.
- Temperature: If studying temperature effects, maintain the vessel atmosphere at −8 ± 1 °C during the hold period (see Annex A for external atmosphere values).
- Conditioning and identification:
- Reporting: The test report must document test lab and customer details, unique report ID and dates, full description of the test item (dimensions, materials, cushioning, mass), conditioning data, vessel pressure/temperature/time profile, any deviations, and observed results.
Practical applications and users
ISO 2873 is used to verify that packaging and unit loads maintain integrity, containment and protective performance when exposed to aircraft-like low-pressure conditions. Typical users include:
- Packaging engineers and designers validating air freight packaging
- Shippers and logistics providers specifying packaging requirements for air transport
- Airlines and freight forwarders assessing cargo packaging suitability
- Test laboratories performing conformity and performance testing
- Regulatory authorities and QA teams managing transport safety for sensitive goods (e.g., liquids, aerosols, pressure-sensitive items)
Practical benefits include reduced in-flight leakage, prevention of container deformation or failure, and assurance that cushioning and closures remain effective under reduced pressure.
Related standards
- ISO 2233 – Conditioning for testing of complete, filled transport packages and unit loads
- ISO 2206 – Identification of parts when testing complete, filled transport packages
Keywords: ISO 2873, low pressure test, packaging standards, transport packages, unit loads, aircraft cargo testing, pressure vessel testing, packaging testing, ISO 2233, ISO 2206.