# ISO packaging standards: dimensions and testing

> Use ISO transport-package modules, pallet dimensions and physical test references alongside a structural dieline.

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/standards/iso-packaging-standards
Last updated: 2026-10-26

ISO 3394 addresses modular dimensions for rigid rectangular transport packages, while ISO 6780 addresses flat-pallet dimensions and tolerances. ISO 18613 concerns wooden-pallet repair; it does not define carton dieline families.

These are orientation notes based on publisher abstracts, not a reproduction of the full standards. Native templates do not carry ISO certification.

## Match the standard to the question

Read the title and scope before adding a standard number to a design brief. A material-handling requirement and a carton-construction requirement answer different questions.

ISO lists ISO 3394:2012 as current following confirmation in 2024, and ISO 6780:2003 as current following confirmation in 2026. Use the full documents for dimensions, tolerances and exceptions.

| Reference | What it means | Design use |
| --- | --- | --- |
| ISO 3394:2012 | Rigid rectangular transport-package dimensions based on 600 × 400, 600 × 500 and 550 × 366 mm plan modules. | Coordinate the outside package footprint with the intended unit-load system. |
| ISO 6780:2003 | Principal dimensions and tolerances of flat pallets for intercontinental handling. | Select the real carrier and check the complete layer arrangement. |
| ISO 12048:1994 | Compression and stacking tests on complete, filled transport packages using a compression tester. | Agree the test conditions and acceptance criteria for the packed product. |
| ISO 2248:1985 | Vertical impact testing of complete, filled transport packages by dropping. | Specify the test orientation, drop conditions and assessment in the test plan. |
| ISO 18613:2014 | Repair criteria for flat wooden pallets. | Use for pallet condition and repair discussions, not carton geometry. |
| ISO 17351:2013 | Braille on packaging for medicinal products. | Specify and verify the accessibility feature separately. |
| FEFCO / ECMA | Structural design references from industry associations. | Use to communicate box or carton construction. |

## Keep evidence attached to the right object

For pallet fitting, compare the case’s external footprint with the actual pallet deck. A 600 × 400 mm module is a planning reference, not a promise that a carton with those internal dimensions will fit the same space. Include manufacturing tolerances and the receiver’s overhang rules.

ISO lists the compression standard ISO 12048:1994 and drop standard ISO 2248:1985 as current following confirmation in 2022. These describe physical test methods; the editor does not simulate those tests or certify performance.

For a shipment, separate the carton drawing, supplied pallet specification and test report. Passing a test on one package configuration does not approve every resized variant.

The linked pallet model is for visualization. It does not implement repair criteria or determine whether a real pallet is fit for service.

## Related editable templates

- [Euro footprint pallet mockup](https://dielinemaker.com/dielines/transport-pallet--pallet-eur) (decoration template) — A supplied-object visualization for layout planning, not an EPAL manufacturing drawing or licensed pallet. [Open in editor](https://dielinemaker.com/create?style=transport-pallet&preset=pallet-eur)
- [Regular slotted shipping box](https://dielinemaker.com/dielines/shipping-box--rsc-ecom) (dieline) — Start with this exact RSC recipe; confirm board grade, closure and packed-product fit. [Open in editor](https://dielinemaker.com/create?style=shipping-box&preset=rsc-ecom)

## Common questions

### Is ISO 18613 a box design library?

No. Its published scope is repair of flat wooden pallets using wood-based components.

### Does a standard number on artwork prove conformity?

No. Conformity needs evidence relevant to the actual product and the specified requirements.

## Sources and further reading

- [ISO 3394:2012: rectangular transport-package dimensions](https://www.iso.org/standard/50990.html)
- [ISO 6780:2003: flat-pallet dimensions and tolerances](https://www.iso.org/standard/30524.html)
- [ISO 12048:1994: compression and stacking tests](https://www.iso.org/standard/20810.html/)
- [ISO 2248:1985: vertical impact drop test](https://www.iso.org/standard/7062.html?browse=tc)
- [ISO 18613:2014: repair of wooden pallets](https://www.iso.org/standard/62562.html)
- [ISO: medicinal packaging Braille](https://committee.iso.org/standard/59616.html?browse=tc)
- [FEFCO: official code and 12th edition](https://www.fefco.org/technical-information/fefco-code)

## Related

- [Pallet sizes: Euro, EPAL 2 and UIC references](https://dielinemaker.com/standards/pallet-sizes)
- [DIN packaging dimensions and references](https://dielinemaker.com/standards/din-packaging-standards)
- [Pharmaceutical cartons, Braille and child resistance](https://dielinemaker.com/standards/pharmaceutical-packaging-standards)
- [All packaging standards](https://dielinemaker.com/standards)
- [Use a supplier dieline](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/supplier-dielines)