ESD Protective packaging

Updated December 2023

Definition of the types of packaging

61340-5-1 defines three categories of packaging - intimate, proximity, and secondary packaging:

Warning labels (compliant with 61340-5-1) must appear on all packages containing ESDS. If removed for access, they must be replaced.

When unwrapping a package containing sensitive devices, it is important to remove packaging as far as the ESD protective packaging layer that bears the ESD symbol. This layer must only be removed within an EPA.

Secondary packaging, such as polythene bags, cardboard boxes, jiffy bags etc. must not be taken into an EPA as they can be the source of electrostatic charge and lead to ESD risks.

Packaging used in the EPA

Packaging brought into the EPA must not have an insulating outer surface. It must allow charge to dissipate to EPA ground. Secondary packaging must not be brought into the EPA.  

Packaging material resistances must be maintained at the lowest humidities expected under operational conditions. Materials are normally qualified at 12 % RH.

Note that materials like pink polythene often depend on air humidity and can lose their low charging and dissipative properties below about 30 %RH.

Packaging used outside the EPA

An ESDS transported outside the EPA must be protected by a low charging and dissipative (or conductive, if non-powered) layer of intimate packaging around the ESDS. This must be further surrounded by shielding proximity packaging. 

Some packaging, such as shielding bags, combine the intimate and proximity shielding packaging functions. At the time of writing, hielding bags are the only commonly available packaging that has approved shielding characteristics for protection of ESD sensitive components outside the EPA.

Definitions of packaging material types

In 61340-5-1 & 2, the following definitions apply to packaging materials:

A very useful article on ESD packaging is given here