Laws and regulations

How do you document test results for transport case certification?

Summary

9 minutes reading time

Tim van de Puttelaar

Manager Engineering

Tim van de Puttelaar is the Engineering Manager at Faes and specializes in packaging engineering and custom solutions. In his articles, he shares insights on optimization, testing, and engineering projects that contribute to more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions within complex supply chains.

What are the required documentation standards for transport case certification?

For the certification of transport cases, you must comply with various industry standards that have specific documentation requirements. The most relevant standards are:

MIL-STD (Military Standards) – These military standards are particularly important for defence applications. They impose strict requirements on the documentation of test results, including detailed reporting of drop tests, vibration and shock resistance.
UN standards – The transport of hazardous substances is subject to UN certifications, which require extensive documentation of stacking tests, pressure tests and leak-tightness tests.
NEN standards – These Dutch standards specify documentation requirements for various types of transport packaging, with an emphasis on safety and sustainability.
ISO standards – International standards that set requirements for the quality and consistency of test documentation, including ISO 9001 for quality management systems.

Each standard has a specific documentation protocol. For MIL-STD certification, for example, you must document not only test results but also the exact test conditions, measuring equipment used and calibration information. For UN certification, it is important to record all steps in the test process chronologically, including photographic evidence of the test setup. It is important to determine in advance which standards are relevant to your specific application and market. For defence applications, MIL-STD standards are often unavoidable, whilst medical transport cases may need to comply with ISO standards.

What test data must be recorded for full certification?

For full certification of transport cases, you must accurately document various test data. The most important parameters are: Drop tests – Record the drop height, orientation, number of drop cycles and resulting damage. Note exact measurements of any deformation or damage following impact. Water resistance measurements – Document the duration of the test, water pressure, test method (immersion or spray test) and any water ingress in millimetres or grams. Temperature resistance – Record the minimum and maximum temperatures, duration of exposure, number of temperature cycles and any material changes or loss of functionality. Pressure resistance – Note the applied pressure in Newtons or kg/cm², duration of the load, deformation during and after the test, and any permanent damage. Vibration and shock resistance – Document frequency, amplitude, duration of the test and any damage or loosening of components. In addition to the measured values themselves, it is important to document the accuracy of your measurements. State the measuring equipment used, including serial numbers and the date of the last calibration. This is particularly important for certifications relating to defence and medical applications, where precision is crucial. You must also record the environmental conditions during the test, such as humidity, ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, as these factors can influence the test results. For some certifications, such as MIL-STD, this data is a mandatory part of the documentation.

How do you structure a comprehensive test report for transport cases?

A professional test report for transport cases contains several essential sections that are logically structured. Below is a step-by-step outline:

Cover page and table of contents – Including project number, date, name of the transport case, persons involved and a clear table of contents.
Summary – A concise overview of the tests carried out and the key findings.
Introduction and objective – Describe the purpose of the tests and the intended certification.
Product specifications – Detailed description of the transport case tested, including dimensions, materials and intended use.
Test methodology – Description of the test setup, equipment used and test procedures for each test carried out.
Test results – Detailed presentation of all test results, organised by test type.
Analysis and interpretation – Discussion of the results in relation to the certification requirements.
Conclusion – Clear statement as to whether the transport case meets the specified requirements.
Appendices – Photographic documentation, raw test data, calibration certificates for measuring equipment.

For each type of test, you must describe the exact test procedure, including the equipment used (make, model, serial number), the environmental conditions during the test, and the method by which measurements were taken. Be specific about the acceptance criteria: when is a test passed and when is it failed? Use tables to present numerical test results clearly and include graphs where this facilitates interpretation. This not only makes your report more professional but also more accessible to certification bodies. A good test report forms the basis of your certification application for defence applications, where requirements are particularly stringent and accurate documentation is essential.

When is photographic documentation necessary for transport case tests?

Photographic documentation is an essential part of the testing process and, in certain situations, even mandatory. The following moments require visual recording: Test setup – Photograph the complete test setup before the start of each test. This proves that the test was carried out in accordance with the prescribed method. During critical test moments – Capture the moment of impact during drop tests, or the moment of maximum load during compression tests. After each test – Document the condition of the transport case after each test, paying particular attention to any damage or deformation. Before/after comparison – Take photographs from the same angle and distance before and after the test to clearly demonstrate any changes. Close-up photos of damage – If damage occurs, take close-ups with a reference scale (ruler or measuring stick) in the frame. For certain certifications, such as MIL-STD and UN standards, photographic documentation is mandatory. Without this visual evidence, your certification application may be rejected, regardless of how good the numerical test results are. In addition to photographs, video documentation can be valuable for dynamic tests such as drop and vibration tests. Videos show the behaviour of the transport case during the test, which can be important for assessing performance. Ensure that all photos and videos are labelled with the date, time, project number and a brief description. Organise them systematically in your test report so that they can be easily linked to the corresponding test results.

Which errors often lead to the rejection of certification applications?

When documenting test results for transport case certification, certain errors occur regularly that lead to the rejection of certification applications. The most common are: Incomplete test data – Omitting essential parameters such as exact measurement values, duration of the test or environmental conditions. Inconsistent measurement methods – Changing measurement methods or equipment during the test process without documentation or justification. Insufficient traceability – The absence of information regarding the measurement equipment used, calibration data, or identification of the tested samples. Lack of photographic documentation – Failure to visually record test set-ups and results, or doing so inadequately. Incorrect interpretation of standards – Incorrect application or interpretation of the requirements set out in the relevant standards. Illegible or disorganised reporting – Sloppy documentation that is difficult for certification bodies to follow. Another common mistake is failing to draw up a clear test protocol prior to testing. Without pre-defined acceptance criteria, it is difficult to objectively determine whether a test has been passed. It is important to check in advance which specific documentation requirements apply to the certification you are seeking. For example, some certifications require that tests be carried out by accredited test laboratories, or that specific forms be used for reporting. By avoiding these common mistakes, you significantly increase the chances of a successful certification application. Take the time to thoroughly check your documentation before submitting it.

Conclusion

Correctly documenting test results for the certification of transport cases is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail. By following the correct standards, recording all relevant test data, compiling a structured test report, providing good photographic documentation and avoiding common mistakes, you significantly increase the chances of successful certification. Good documentation is not only important for the certification process itself, but also provides valuable insights for future product development and quality improvement. It is an investment that pays off in reliable, certified transport solutions that meet the highest industry standards. At Faes, we understand the importance of thorough test documentation for certifications. As specialists in bespoke industrial packaging for sectors including defence, medical and safety, we have extensive experience with the various standards and certification processes. We are happy to assist you in developing transport cases that not only meet all requirements but are also optimally tailored to your specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a transport case certification valid for?

The validity period of transport case certifications varies depending on the standard and application. MIL-STD certifications are generally valid for 3–5 years, whilst UN certifications are often valid for 2 years. However, in the event of product changes—even minor adjustments to materials or design—you must recertify. It is advisable to draw up a recertification schedule and keep track of it to prevent certifications from expiring unexpectedly.

What should I do if my transport case does not meet all test requirements?

If your transport case does not meet all test requirements, document exactly which tests failed and why. Analyse the cause of the failure and consider adjustments to the design or materials. In some cases, you can retest with a modified design. For certain applications, there is the option of conditional certification or a deviation request, whereby you must demonstrate that the deviation does not affect safety or functionality for the intended application.

How do I prepare my transport cases for extreme temperature tests?

For extreme temperature tests, thorough preparation is essential. Ensure the case is kept in a stable environment for at least 24 hours prior to the test. Remove all moisture from the case, as this can affect the results, particularly at freezing temperatures. Place temperature sensors at critical points inside and on the case to measure temperature distribution. Document the exact conditioning period and method, as this is a mandatory part of the test documentation for certifications such as MIL-STD and certain medical transport standards.