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MIL-STD-2073 is the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) standard for packaging military supplies. It outlines detailed methods for preserving, packing, and marking items to ensure they arrive in usable condition, regardless of environmental exposure, transportation mode, or length of storage. The standard is required for most items entering the DoD supply chain and is a critical part of defense logistics compliance.

The standard covers:

• Preservation methods
• Packaging levels (A, B & Minimal)
• Unit/container/transport configurations
• MIL-STD-129 for detailed information

Need help understanding how MIL-STD-2073 applies to your contract? Speak with a Bentley packaging expert

If you're supplying products under a government or military contract, MIL-STD-2073 compliance is essential. It ensures your goods are packaged correctly for military use, avoiding contract penalties, shipment rejections, and delays.

Bentley World Packaging helps ensure full compliance with MIL-STD-2073 through:

• In-house packaging engineers trained in military specifications
• MIL-SPEC preservation and barrier material sourcing
• Custom crate design based on required protection levels
• MIL-STD-129 compliant marking and labeling
• Documentation and inspection coordination
• Audit-ready packaging records
• Decades of experience serving government contractors

Avoid costly shipment issues and delays. Reach out to Bentley to ensure your packaging meets military standards.

Any material shipped to the U.S. military or defense agencies may require MIL-STD-2073 packaging. Common items include:

• Mechanical components
• Electronics and communication devices
• Aerospace parts
• Medical and field equipment
• Tools and weapon accessories
• Kits and repair assemblies

Not sure if your items require MIL-STD-2073 packaging? Contact the Bentley team for a quick compliance check.

The standard outlines over 20 preservation methods based on the product’s nature and vulnerability. Examples include:

1. Method 10 – Physical protection only (no special preservation)
2. Method 20 – Grease or oil coating for corrosion resistance
3. Method 31 – Barrier bag sealing with desiccants (moisture-sensitive items)
4. Method 33 – Sealing with VCI (vapor corrosion inhibitors)
5. Method 41 – Encapsulation

Selecting the right preservation method is critical. Let Bentley guide your packaging process based on your product and contract specs. Contact our team.

MIL-STD-2073 defines two levels of protection:

• Level A: Maximum protection for severe handling, long-term storage, or overseas military deployment.
• Level B: Suitable for less demanding environments such as domestic shipment and short-term storage.

Make sure you’re using the correct protection level. Get support from Bentley on selecting Level A or B packaging.

All MIL-STD-2073 packaging must be marked according to MIL-STD-129, which includes:

• National Stock Number (NSN)
• Contract number
• Item description
• CAGE code Shipment number
• Preservation method and packaging level
• Date packed and shelf life (if applicable)
• Barcoding and RFID (when required)

Marking mistakes can lead to rejected shipments. Talk to Bentley about getting your MIL-STD-129 labeling done right.

Only if your contract specifically permits it. Otherwise, military-unique packaging is required. Commercial packaging often lacks the environmental durability and inspection markings needed for DoD acceptance. Bentley ensures that all packaging matches the specification codes and materials required for military acceptance. ASTM-D3951 is the Military Commercial packaging when called out in Contracts.

Uncertain whether commercial packaging is allowed? Consult with Bentley to make the right call before you ship.

Non-compliant packaging can result in:

• Rejected deliveries at DoD depots
• Withheld payment or partial reimbursement
• Required repackaging (at your expense)
• Lost time and supply chain delays
• Future audit scrutiny or contract penalties

Don’t risk costly repackaging or penalties. Get expert help from Bentley to ensure everything is compliant the first time.

Yes. Whether shipping domestically or internationally, if the item is part of a military contract requiring packaging compliance, MIL-STD-2073 applies. However, the level of packaging (A, B & Minimal) may vary depending on the shipping destination and handling method.

Even domestic shipments require attention to detail. Connect with Bentley to confirm your packaging approach aligns with DoD standards.

Bentley offers full-service military packaging solutions, including:

• Custom MIL-STD-2073 compliant crates, boxes, and cushioning
• Preservation methods, barrier bags, desiccants, ESD, and VCI applications
• Contract interpretation and packaging code selection
• MIL-STD-129 marking and labeling
• Documentation preparation and support for inspections
• Consultation for new DoD suppliers

Need to ensure your DoD shipments are MIL-STD-2073 compliant? Contact Bentley World Packaging today at 800-777-5957 or visit www.bentleywp.com to request a military packaging quote.