Overpacks must pass a drop test from what height?

• A. 1.2 m
• B. 1.8 m
• C. 9 m
• D. Overpacks do not require package testing

Answer: (D)

Overpacks are just containers used to group multiple inner packages and do not require their own independent drop testing. The testing that proves safety is applied to the inner packaging and its ability to withstand impacts; the overpack’s job is to hold and protect those contents without altering the performance of the tested inner packaging. Because of that, there isn’t a specific drop height an overpack must pass for its own test. The other drop-height figures come from different packaging scenarios and apply to packages that themselves are subject to testing, not to an overpack used only to consolidate contents. As long as the inner packages are properly tested and the overpack is used correctly (proper size, sealing, and labeling), no separate overpack drop test is required.