Packaging Frequently Asked Questions

1. Wrap or Cushion:

• MIL-PRF-81705 Type III
• MIL-DTL-117 Type II, Class H, Style 2 (i.e., bag made from MIL-PRF-81705 Type III material)
• A-A-3129, Type I, Grade B (open cell cushioning)
• PPP-C-795, Class 2 (closed cell cushioning...bubble wrap)
• PPP-C-1797, Type II (polypropylene cushioning)
• MIL-DTL-81997, Type I pouch (static shielding/cushioned)
• MIL-DTL-81997, Type II pouch (cushioned)

2. Unit Pack: IN A HEAT-SEALED BAG CONFORMING ONLY TO:

• MIL-DTL-117, Type I, Class F, Style 1 (i.e., bag made from MIL-PRF-81705 Type I material)

3. Apply ESD Labels and mark in accordance with MIL-STD-129.

• See Special marking code 39 - "ESD sensitive electronic device requirements of MIL-STD-129 apply"

4. Supplemental Unit Containers:

• Refer to the requirements cited in the solicitation or contract, if applicable.

5. Intermediate Containers:

• Refer to the requirements cited in the solicitation or contract

1a: Direct qualification requirement:

• MIL-PRF-81705 has the qualification requirement directly in the specification.

1b: Indirect qualification requirement:

• The MIL-DTL-117 Type II, Class H, Style 2 bags have First Article requirements. However, to construct the Type II, Class H, Style 2 bag, it uses qualified MIL-PRF-81705, Type III material.

1f: Indirect qualification requirement:

• The MIL-DTL-81997 Type I pouches have First Article requirements. However to construct the Type I pouch, it uses qualified MIL-PRF-81705, Type III material (and a choice of either A-A-3129, Type I, Grade B or PPP-C-795, Class 2 cushioning material with a re-closable top)

Category: ESD Acceptable Materials

MIL-PRF-81705 requires material to be identified per paragraph 3.6 to ensure material was produced by a qualified source. Specific markings are outlined. These markings are required for material to be considered compliant and for inspectors and customers to properly identify material as a qualified barrier material. These markings must be present, no exceptions or deviations permitted. Military barrier materials are identified by their markings. For determining if you actually received MIL-PRF-81705, check for the following information. Two groups of markings are used to identify the material.

• The first group include:
  • Specification number
  • Type
  • Manufacturer's name
  • Manufacturer's designation
  • Month and year of manufacture
  • Lot number
• The second group identifies the protective qualities:
  • Type I - EMI/STATIC SHIELD
  • Type III - STATIC SHIELD

The two groups appear sequentially, running the length of the barrier, with 1 inch space between the groups. A complete group of markings will appear every 6 inches of the roll width or flat cut sheets. When the material is used to make bags, both groups of markings must be visible within the DOD supply chain.

Category: ESD Acceptable Materials

To become approved as a MIL-PRF-81705 qualified source, your material must be submitted, complete and pass all the required testing. Please note this is not an easy or inexpensive process. The Qualifying Activity for all MIL-PRF-81705 barrier material is the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The point of contact is Frank Magnifico, frank.magnifico@navy.mil. All MIL-PRF-81705 barrier material is tested and approved by the preparing activity. Sources pass strict requirements and continue to maintain their qualified QPL status with continuous inspection and testing.

Category: ESD Acceptable Materials

Yes. We highly recommend items be first cushioned with the approved ESD materials, then placed within a MIL-PRF-81705 barrier bag and heat sealed. This process will ensure the packaged item will not puncture the barrier bag and not compromise the ESD protective barrier during transportation and handling. The DoD distribution system is very diverse the degrees of severity during its handling and transportation modes. Should an item's ESD protective barrier be compromised for this reason, our customers and/or depots will file a complaint reporting your company as being non-compliant. We, in turn, will contact your company requesting replacements of the material which are properly packaged in accordance with the contract packaging requirements. In addition, to either potentially or delaying a mission, decreasing stock readiness levels, and reducing customer satisfaction, the complaint will also affect your company's rating.

Note:  No packaging waivers are permitted as the Navy and supporting research verify that no commercial packaging material equivalents to meet customers' requirements.

Category: ESD Acceptable Materials

Counterfeit can attack a supply chain on two fronts: packaging materials and parts. Therefore, it is important that contractors have quality assurance measures in place as well as remain current and vigilant with both parts and packaging materials.

Federal Supply Classification (FSC) that utilizes barrier bags which comply with MIL-PRF-81705E are also FSCs which are items that are susceptible to counterfeit products. According to our recent counterfeit training and awareness, the first line of defense for counterfeit material is military packaging materials. Most counterfeit materials are discovered as a result of improper packaging materials. Therefore, MIL-PRF-81705 serves a dual purpose to protect the product environmentally and the threat of counterfeit products from entering the DOD supply chain.

Due to problems with compliance with preservation method "GX" (MIL-PRF-81705) and the threat of counterfeit barrier bags, a GIDEP Problem Advisory (Y7-P-12-01, "Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Protective Packaging Materials," of May 12) was released. DLA is inspecting these assets packaging materials for compliance to ensure the reliability of the parts we provide to our troops. Complete an application (Non-DLA Web Site) to join Government Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) and remain current on supply chain issues and share knowledge.

Category: ESD Acceptable Materials