ASTM D3475 Standard Classification of Child-Resistant Packages

Get Certified ASTM D3475 Testing for Child-Resistant Packages

Packaging manufacturers, designers, suppliers, and quality professionals use the Professional ASTM D3475 evaluation to identify and document child-resistant package designs. An expert can observe the package opening process, understand the necessary movements or abilities to open the package, and identify the category that is suitable for the package design. ASTM D3475 classification is not intended to supersede regulatory testing applicable to products. The classification does not necessarily mean that a package has passed those regulatory tests.

• Package Type: Child-resistant packages with different opening mechanisms.
• Classification Basis: Required motions, skills, or tools used to open the package.
• Classification Purpose: Provides consistent terminology for describing package types.
• Examples: Uses representative package examples to clarify classifications.
• Application: Supports package design, development, documentation, and communication.
• Limitations: The classification does not itself demonstrate regulatory compliance or successful child-resistance testing.
• ASTM Status: A listed package does not receive ASTM approval or endorsement.
• Product Requirements: Applicable product regulations and specific testing requirements remain necessary where required.

What are the Uses of ASTM D3475?

ASTM D3475 helps packaging professionals communicate consistently about child-resistant package designs. Designers can use the classification when developing packaging concepts, while manufacturers and suppliers can use it when documenting package characteristics. The classification also provides a common framework for organizing different package-opening mechanisms. The uses of this test cover:

• Package Design: Classify child-resistant package concepts during development.
• Product Development: Establish consistent terminology for package mechanisms.
• Supplier Communication: Describe package types consistently between manufacturers and suppliers.
• Quality Documentation: Record the classification associated with a package design.
• Packaging Specifications: Support technical descriptions and package specifications.
• Regulatory Preparation: Help identify package types before applicable regulatory testing.
• Package Comparison: Compare package designs according to their opening mechanisms.
• Industry Communication: Provide standardized terminology across packaging activities.

Which Materials Can Be Tested According to ASTM D3475?

ASTM D3475 classifies package designs and packaging systems by child-resistant opening characteristics. The package may incorporate different materials, but the classification focuses on the package’s design and the motions, skills, or tools needed to access it.

• Plastic Packages: Containers and closures that use child-resistant mechanisms.
• Glass Packages: Glass containers incorporating child-resistant closures.
• Metal Packages: Metal containers or closure systems with applicable mechanisms.
• Composite Packages: Packages that combine multiple materials.
• Closures: Child-resistant caps, lids, overcaps, and other closure systems.
• Specialized Packages: Package designs that use particular motions, skills, or tools for opening.
• Packaging Systems: Complete container-and-closure combinations where the classification applies.

Why is ASTM D3475 Important?

ASTM D3475 provides packaging professionals with a uniform method for describing child-resistant packaging designs. Standardized classifications make it easier for designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and technical professionals to talk about package-opening mechanisms. The classification also helps differentiate between package-type descriptions and child-resistant performance demonstrated through testing. ASTM expressly disclaims making any endorsement on the basis of inclusion in D3475.

ASTM D3475 Testing Process and Data Collection

The evaluator first identifies the package and examines the complete container-and-closure system. The evaluator reviews the package construction, closure components, and opening mechanism and records the features that control access to the contents. The evaluator then determines the motions, skills, or tools that the package requires for opening. The evaluator then makes a comparison to the applicable ASTM D3475 descriptions for each of these characteristics and assigns the classification. When a product requires regulatory child-resistant testing, the manufacturer or responsible packager must perform the applicable testing separately. ASTM D3475 classification alone does not establish successful completion of those regulatory protocols. 

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

A common problem is mixing up classification with performance testing. ASTM D3475 offers a classification system, and regulations might mandate individual child-resistant testing. Evaluators should therefore record the classification, but not as a regulatory test result. The other problem is to determine the true opening mechanism. A package can contain multiple components (or need a few actions). The evaluator should observe the entire process and record the movements, skills, or tools used to open the package.

• The analyst interprets the package classification according to the opening mechanism and the motions, skills, or tools required to operate the package. The classification provides a standardized description rather than an independent measurement of child-resistant performance.
• The report should identify the package, manufacturer or product information where applicable, package configuration, closure type, relevant observations, ASTM D3475 classification, and any separate regulatory test results that the project requires. The report should clearly distinguish classification information from regulatory compliance evidence.
• When the evaluator records package dimensions or other supporting measurements, the report should include the units used.
• Consistent package identification, mechanism evaluation, classification, documentation, and separation of classification from regulatory performance testing support reliable and comparable packaging evaluations.

Link to ASTM D3475