ASTM D3492-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D3492-24 — Standard Specification for Rubber Contraceptives (Male Condoms). This specification establishes minimum requirements and test methods for individually packaged male condoms made from natural rubber latex intended for single use, covering dimensional, mechanical, burst and leakage tests, packaging, labeling, and storage requirements.

Abstract

This standard specifies minimum quality and performance requirements for natural rubber latex male condoms and defines test methods and acceptance criteria for sampling, dimensional checks (length, width, thickness), tensile properties (breaking force, tensile strength, ultimate elongation), air-burst properties (burst pressure and burst volume), leakage, and accelerated aging. It also sets requirements for package integrity, labeling, storage, and describes concepts of repeatability and reproducibility for the tests. The standard is intended as a design guideline and reference test specification rather than a production-only quality control document.

General information

• Status: Active standard.
• Publication date: September 1, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 11.200 — Birth control. Mechanical contraceptives.
• Edition / version: D3492-24 (2024 edition).
• Number of pages: 19 pages.

Scope

Applies to individually packaged male condoms made from natural rubber latex intended for single use. Excludes specifications for separate lubricants or dressing materials except where noted, and excludes instructions for safe and proper consumer use. The standard is primarily a design guideline and reference test specification, detailing sampling plans, sample handling, process controls, lot definition, test methods for dimensions, tensile and burst properties, leakage testing, and requirements for packaging, labeling, and storage.

Key topics and requirements

• Sampling plans and lot acceptance criteria (sampling, sample handling, and process control guidance).
• Dimensional tests: length, width, and thickness requirements.
• Tensile property requirements and test methods: breaking force, tensile strength, ultimate elongation, including accelerated aging conditions.
• Air-burst testing: burst pressure and burst volume acceptance criteria.
• Leakage testing methods and acceptance limits.
• Package integrity, labeling, storage, and shelf-life substantiation (including guidance on accelerated stability studies).
• Precision concepts: repeatability and reproducibility defined for the tests.

Typical use and users

Used by condom manufacturers for product design and validation, quality and test laboratories for conformance testing, procurement and regulatory bodies assessing product compliance, public health organizations and NGOs specifying procurement requirements, and standards committees comparing requirements with international references. The standard is referenced where latex condom performance and safety need to be demonstrated.

Related standards

Key related international standards include ISO 4074 (Natural rubber latex male condoms — Requirements and test methods) and other regional or test-method standards that cover condoms made from synthetic materials or alternative test procedures. ASTM D3492 is often used alongside ISO requirements in regulatory and procurement specifications.

Keywords

condoms, rubber contraceptives, male condoms, natural rubber latex, prophylactic, burst pressure, tensile strength, leakage testing, packaging, labeling, ICS 11.200.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D3492-24 is the ASTM International standard specification that establishes minimum requirements and test methods for natural rubber latex male condoms (single-use) used as contraceptives.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling plans, dimensional tests (length, width, thickness), tensile properties (breaking force, tensile strength, elongation), air-burst properties (burst pressure and volume), leakage testing, package integrity, labeling, storage, and test precision (repeatability and reproducibility). It does not set detailed specifications for separate lubricants or consumer use instructions.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, quality-control and testing laboratories, procurement officers, regulatory agencies, public health organizations, and NGOs that require validated condom performance and safety.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the D3492-24 edition (published September 1, 2024) is active and replaces prior editions such as D3492:16.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ASTM specification for rubber contraceptives but is commonly referenced alongside international standards for condoms (for example, ISO 4074) and related ASTM test methods for condom materials and alternative materials.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: condoms, rubber contraceptives, natural rubber latex, prophylactic, burst testing, tensile testing, leakage, packaging, labeling, ICS 11.200.