ISO 8317:2015 – Child-Resistant Packaging

Key Definitions in ISO 8317

Understanding key terms from the standard is essential:

• Child-Resistant Packaging (CRP): Packaging that is difficult for children under a certain age to open, but easy for adults to use properly.
• Reclosable Package: A container or system designed to be opened and closed multiple times, retaining its child-resistant characteristics after repeated use.
• Test Panel: Groups of children (ages 42–51 months) and adults (typically 50–70 years) used for performance testing.
• Failure Rate: The percentage of test subjects who are able to open the package when they shouldn’t be able to (for children), or unable to open it when they should be able to (for adults).

We help you interpret and apply these terms to your specific product category, email support@pacificcert.com

Testing Procedures for ISO 8317 Compliance

1. Child-Panel Test
   Performed with children aged 42 to 51 months. Packaging must withstand attempts to open it by at least 85% of children within 5 minutes. If shown how to open it and given another 5 minutes, 80% must still be unable to open it.
2. Adult-Panel Test
   Conducted with adults aged 50–70 years to ensure usability. 90% of adults must be able to open and properly reclose the packaging within a specified time.
   
3. Re-closure Integrity Test
   After multiple openings and reclosures, the packaging is re-tested to ensure it maintains its child-resistant properties over time.
   
4. Mechanical and Environmental Conditioning
   Packaging may undergo additional mechanical stress or environmental exposure (e.g., humidity, heat) to simulate real-world conditions before testing.
   

These rigorous tests are conducted in accordance with ISO-defined procedures to ensure standardization and reliability.

Need testing support through accredited labs? Contact support@pacificcert.com.

How to Implement ISO 8317:2015

Implementation involves a mix of design, documentation, testing, and compliance tracking:

1. Design & Development
   Start by designing packaging with built-in safety features (e.g., push-and-turn, squeeze-and-turn closures).
2. Prototype Testing
   Submit packaging samples to ISO 8317-compliant laboratories for pre-certification testing with child and adult panels.
3. Documentation
   Prepare technical documentation that includes:
   • Design drawings
   • Material specifications
   • Test protocols and results
   • Instructions for use and labeling
4. Third-Party Certification (optional but recommended)
   Some markets require or prefer packaging to be certified by an accredited body based on ISO 8317 test results.
5. Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
   Periodically retest packaging after material changes, or based on shelf-life considerations.

Need help with end-to-end ISO 8317 implementation? Email us at support@pacificcert.com.

Documentation Required

To demonstrate compliance with ISO 8317, manufacturers should maintain:

• Child and adult panel test reports
• Drawings and specifications of closure systems
• Instructions for proper use by adults
• Re-closure functionality validation
• Declaration of conformity (if required by local laws)
• Certificates of testing or third-party verification (if applicable)

We provide support for ISO 8317 contact us at support@pacificcert.com!

Benefits of ISO 8317:2015 Compliance

• Protects children from accidental poisoning or injury due to unsafe packaging.
• Supports fulfillment of legal obligations in Europe, North America, and other regulated markets.
• Demonstrates social responsibility and prioritization of consumer safety.
• Documented compliance with ISO 8317 provides a strong defense in product liability cases.
• Required or expected by many retailers, importers, and regulators for product approval.
• Balancing child resistance with adult accessibility prevents frustration and misuse.
• Compatible with sustainable packaging trends, when designed responsibly.

Lately, child-resistant packaging is more than a regulatory requirement, it’s a market differentiator. With increasing incidents of child poisoning due to household products and cannabis edibles, regulators across the globe are tightening packaging mandates.

Key market trends include:

• Expansion of CRP to e-cigarettes, cannabis products, and cosmetics
• Integration of smart closures for tamper evidence and tracking
• Growing demand for sustainable child-resistant materials
• EU and U.S. aligning ISO 8317 with digital labeling and e-commerce packaging guidelines
• The global CRP market is projected to grow at 7.2% CAGR, reaching over $35 billion by 2030 (source: MarketsandMarkets, 2024)

ISO 8317 compliance ensures manufacturers stay ahead of regulatory changes, consumer expectations, and market access barriers.

Want to future-proof your packaging systems? Contact support@pacificcert.com.

How Pacific Certifications Can Help

We provide full support for ISO 8317 compliance and certification:

• CRP design review and testing preparation
• Guidance on child and adult panel testing protocols
• Documentation development (technical file, use instructions, declarations)
• Coordination with accredited test labs
• Certification support for EU, U.S., and Canadian regulatory markets
• Integration with ISO 9001, ISO 15378, or GMP frameworks

Whether you’re launching a new product or updating existing packaging, we help ensure it meets global safety standards.

Start your ISO 8317 compliance project today, contact support@pacificcert.com!