Reclosable Package Testing

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Reclosable Child-Resistant Package Testing Services

Reclosable child-resistant packaging reduces the risk of accidental pediatric exposure while allowing repeated adult access to potentially hazardous products. Manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pesticides, and other regulated products are required to demonstrate that reclosable packaging systems meet established child-resistant performance criteria without compromising usability for adults.

Perritt Laboratories is an independent contract testing laboratory and a globally recognized leader specializing in reclosable child-resistant packaging performance testing. As a recognized pioneer in child-resistant package testing since 1973, we provide manufacturers with the data and documentation they need to support regulatory compliance, product safety, and market access.

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Reclosable Child-Resistant Package Testing Criteria

Child-resistant reclosable package testing evaluates a packaging system’s ability to prevent young children from accessing its contents while ensuring that adults can open and properly resecure the package.

Perritt Laboratories’ testing programs assess performance against established regulatory criteria outlines in PPPA regulations, iSO standards, and comparable international frameworks, which typically include:

A specified percentage of children within the defined regulatory age range, generally 42–51 months, must be unable to open the package or access its contents within the allotted test period, with and without a demonstration of proper opening technique, as defined by applicable standards.

A required percentage of senior adults (commonly aged 50–70 years) must be able to open and properly reclose the package, maintaining its child-resistant properties.

Reclosable Child-Resistant Package Testing Services

Perritt Laboratories conducts formal child-resistant and senior-friendly reclosable package performance testing using structured protocols designed to reflect real-world use while maintaining strict procedural control.

The two-part evaluation, which consists of child panel testing and senior adult resecuring testing, supports compliance while helping manufacturers identify potential design improvements prior to product launch.

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Why Reclosable Child-Resistant Package Testing Is Required

Reclosable child-resistant packaging testing is a critical component of product safety and regulatory compliance. Testing helps manufacturers:

  • Demonstrate compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Reduce the risk of product recalls, enforcement actions, or liability exposure.
  • Support market access in regulated domestic and international markets.
  • Protect brand integrity through demonstrated commitment to consumer safety.
  • Minimize accidental child poisonings to fulfill public health objectives.

Regulatory Framework for Reclosable Child-Resistant Packaging

Reclosable child-resistant packaging requirements are established through a combination of U.S. federal regulations and international standards, depending on product type and intended market.

Perritt Laboratories conducts testing in alignment with applicable requirements, including:

  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) 16 CFR Part 1700.
  • International Standard ISO 8317: Child-resistant packaging requirements and testing procedures for reclosable systems.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 40 CFR Part 162 and 40 CFR Part 157, Subpart B: Specifies requirements for pesticide packaging.
  • European Standards EN 8317 and EN 14375: Child-resistant and senior-friendly packaging performance standards.

These standards are commonly referenced by regulatory authorities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and other international markets.

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Reporting, Documentation, and Compliance Support

Upon completion of testing, Perritt Laboratories provides a comprehensive final report that includes:

  • Detailed test methods and protocols
  • Performance results for child and adult panels
  • Compliance determination against applicable standards
  • Observations and recommendations, where appropriate

Reports are suitable for regulatory submissions, internal quality systems, packaging validation activities, and audit support. Complete records are retained to support future inquiries or regulatory review.

Partner With a Reclosable CR Package Testing Laboratory

With more than five decades of experience, Perritt Laboratories has tested thousands of packaging systems across regulated industries. Our focused expertise, independent testing services, and commitment to quality help manufacturers meet regulatory expectations while protecting consumers.

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