Packaging Frequently Asked Questions

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Select a frequently asked question to display the answer below.
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Where can I find a list of Packaging and Marking Discrepancy Codes and their definitions?

A complete list of discrepancy codes can be found in DLM 4000.25, Volume 2, Chapter 17, Appendix 7.28, Supply Discrepancy Report Relevant Data Elements.  Packaging and marking discrepancy codes will begin with a “P”.

Category: PPP&M Codes

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I received a vendor notification letter for non-compliant marking and/or packaging.  How do I know what was wrong with my shipment?

If you have questions, contact your contract administrator via the Post Award Request (PAR) on DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS) and they will direct to the packaging specialist of record for a response.

Category: PPP&M Communications

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Are we supposed to put labels on all containers and do all containers have barcodes?

MIL-STD-129R outlines the label and barcode requirements for material being shipped into the DOD supply chain. MIL-STD-129 provides illustrations and detailed requirements for the marking and labeling of packaging.

Category: Marking

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Why are items susceptible to electrostatic discharges?

While microchips have grown smaller with greater functional capabilities, the components have become increasingly more complex requiring minute amounts of electrical current in terms of microvolts (one-millionth of a volt). These items are sensitive/susceptible to damage caused by static electricity and or electromagnetic forces. Thus, requiring electrostatic/electromagnetic protective packaging materials, special marking, special workstations, clothing, equipment, and handling procedures.

Category: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

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How can I identify if an item is electrostatic discharge (ESD) susceptible?

Drawings, specifications, technical sheets, and packaging/marking requirements usually identify items which are ESD susceptible.  
DODM 4100.39, Volume 10 tables establish codes to identify items that are ESD susceptible.

Table 82 - WATER TYPE CARGO CODE (TCC)

  •  Items having TCC of “3” in block “8” of the DD Form 1348–1A or as identified on WebFLIS (DOD access only)

Table 189 - ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CODE (ESDC)

  • A-No known Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) or Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) sensitivity.
  • B- Represents items with ESD sensitivity.
  • C- Represents items with EMI sensitivity.
  • D- Represents items with both ESD and EMI sensitivity.


Table 193 - FSCs REQUIRING ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE CODES

  • 5905 (resistors)
  • 5961 (semiconductor devices)
  • 5962 (microcircuits electronic)
  • 5963 (electronic modules)
  • 5998 (circuit board/card assemblies)
  • 5999 (Miscellaneous Electrical and Electronic Components)


Items identified as being susceptible to ESD/Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) may have a military method of preservation code of MOP “GX.” Special packaging materials are used to protect the item from electrostatic or electro-magnetic interference depending on the sensitivity of the item.

When MOP=DW is required, the Special Mat'l content of ESD/EM it is required to be handled at an ESDS protected workstation. Additionally, the application of an ESD susceptible items label(s) IAW MIL-STD-129 is required. While this is not the typical MOP=GX, it does require special handling
.
Most ESDS items will have a Special Marking Code of “39”. This code indicates that ESD susceptible electronic device requirements of MIL–STD–129 apply.

The US Army Missile Command has identified FSC 5955 (Oscillators and Piezoelectric Crystals), 5963 (Electronic Modules), and 7042 (Mini and Microcomputer Control Devices) as ESD items.

MIL-PRF-19500 and Qualification Part Search (dla.mil) respectively documents ESD Classes and identifies part numbers as ESD or non-susceptible.
 
Note: The ESD/EMI, TCC, and method of preservation (MOP) codes should all be in agreement (e.g. ESD/EMI-B; TCC-3; and MOP-GX). If these data sets are not in agreement, please contact the managing activity on the web FLIS Total Item Record (SOS) and request an ESD Challenge. The managing activity will conduct technical research to verify the coded data to ensure it aligns with the manufacturer or specification data.

Category: Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)

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What are special Preservation Requirements for ESD materials?

ZZ - ADDITIONAL SPECIAL MARKING:  39 - ESD susceptible electronic device requirements of MIL-STD-129 apply

ZZ - ADDITIONAL SPECIAL MARKING: 01- FRAGILE MARKING requirement of MIL-STD-129 apply

ZZ - ADDITIONAL SPECIAL MARKING:

IP027, Unit Package and Marking Requirements for Component Lead Finish applies.  IP027 can be found in the Technical and Quality Master List of Requirements on the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS). 

In addition to all other marking requirements in this contract, the Contractor shall apply one of the assigned markings in accordance with paragraphs 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 of IPC/JEDEC J-STD-609, Marking and Labeling of Components to Identify Lead (Pb), Pb-Free and Other Attributes to each individual unit pack of the item being acquired. Placement of the markings shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.1 of the standard.

Category: ESD Preservation

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When I have a preservation method code "GX" listed in a solicitation or contract, what are the acceptable materials I can use?

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

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How can I determine if I bought the correct barrier material?

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

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Are there any special markings for ESD items?

Yes.

Category: ESD Markings