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International Child-Resistant Packaging Standards

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The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

International child-resistant packaging standards reflect a shared, global commitment that acknowledges children are curious, capable, and not yet equipped with the judgment to recognize when a product poses a risk. Regulators across Europe and around the world have responded by developing rigorous, science-backed frameworks that define how packaging must perform. Perritt Laboratories provides child-resistant package testing services that comply with these international standards.

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Why Is International Child-Resistant Packaging Needed?

International child-resistant packaging standards exist primarily to help reduce the risk of accidental product access, establishing a clear, science-based benchmark for how packaging must perform in the hands of children and adults. Standard packaging may prove insufficient when a child is motivated to explore. 

These standards also serve broader systemic purposes:

  • Regulatory harmonization: A shared international framework provides a single, recognized path to compliance, enabling market entry across multiple countries and regions.
  • A consistent performance baseline: By requiring human panel testing against defined pass rates, these standards establish a measurable, reproducible benchmark for packaging performance that applies regardless of where a product is manufactured or sold.

International Child-Resistant Packaging Standards

Three primary standards govern compliance with international child-resistant packaging. Each addresses a distinct package type and product category, providing manufacturers with a clear and structured path to verification.

ISO 8317:2015 governs child-resistant packaging that can be opened and re-closed, including screw-cap containers and push-and-turn closures. The standard requires human panel testing with defined groups of children and senior adults. For child panels, at least 85% of children between 42 and 51 months of age must be unable to open the packaging without a demonstration, and 80% must be unable to open it after being shown how. 

Senior adult panels must also meet defined usability thresholds before a package can be considered compliant. Perritt Laboratories conducts ISO 8317 testing, providing defensible data for supporting regulatory submissions.

EN 14375 is the European child-resistant packaging standard for nonreclosable pharmaceutical products, most commonly blister packs and foil pouches. ISO 14375:2018 is the corresponding international standard, establishing equivalent requirements for manufacturers seeking compliance beyond European markets. Both require structured human panel testing to demonstrate that the packaging resists child access. 

Our scientists perform ISO 14375:2018 and EN 14375 testing in accordance with the full requirements of the standards, supporting pharmaceutical clients who need validated documentation for European market entry.

EN 862 extends child-resistant packaging requirements to nonreclosable packages for nonpharmaceutical products, including household chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous consumer goods. ISO 28862:2018 is the corresponding international standard, extending equivalent requirements to global markets. 

Perritt Laboratories performs ISO 28862:2018 and EN 862 testing, delivering the independent test data manufacturers need to demonstrate compliance across international markets.

Designing Packaging That's Safe for Kids but Easy for Adults
Designing Packaging That's Safe for Kids but Easy for Adults
Designing Packaging That's Safe for Kids but Easy for Adults
Designing Packaging That's Safe for Kids but Easy for Adults

Benefits of Partnering With an Accredited Contract Testing Lab

As a contract testing lab that has A2LA accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 and conducts testing in accordance with international child-resistant packaging standards, Perritt Laboratories provides defensible, independent data to verify package integrity and help your business protect families.

By partnering with us for international child-resistant packaging, you can:

  • Prove packaging integrity: Our test results help you provide regulatory bodies with credible evidence on safety.
  • Access European and international markets: With compliant test documentation, you can satisfy the requirements for market entry across Europe and other regulated regions.
  • Build a defensible compliance record: A clear record of third-party testing conducted in accordance with recognized international protocols can strengthen your position in a regulatory inquiry.
  • Earn trust from every stakeholder: Verified, standards-based packaging can build trust with consumers and retail partners, helping you maintain brand reputation and loyalty.

Begin Your International Compliance Progra

Perritt Laboratories is ready to support your international child-resistant package testing needs. Contact us online today to build a testing program designed for your specific products and target markets.

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