GOST 21140-88 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 21140-88 — "Тара. Система размеров" (Package. System of dimensions). The standard establishes a unified system of nominal sizes for transport and consumer packaging (rectangular and circular cross-sections) based on a modular grid (module 600×400 mm) and taking into account common pallet footprints (notably 1200×1000 mm and 1200×800 mm).

Abstract

GOST 21140-88 specifies dimensional series and recommended layout patterns for packaging intended for transport and consumer use. It defines nominal overall dimensions, modular relationships, and contains recommended appendices for placement of rectangular and circular-section packaging on pallets as well as a calculation procedure for deriving package sizes from the module. The document is intended to harmonize packaging sizes to improve palletization, handling and transport efficiency.

General information

• Status: Active / in force in commercial standards databases (original USSR standard adopted 1988, entered into force 01.01.1989).
• Publication date: Approved 29 September 1988; date of introduction (entry into force) 1 January 1989.
• Publisher: Approved by the State Committee for Standards of the USSR (Gosstandart); originally published by Издательство стандартов (Standards Publishing House).
• ICS / categories: Packaging and distribution of goods (ICS 55 — e.g., 55.020 general packaging; related to cases/boxes 55.160).
• Edition / version: GOST 21140-88 (1988 edition, introduced 1989). Replaces earlier edition GOST 21140-75.
• Number of pages: Approximately 14–15 pages depending on publisher/print (database records show 14–15 pages).

Scope

The standard applies to transport and consumer packaging of rectangular and circular cross-section. It defines a unified size system based on the 600×400 mm module and lists nominal package sizes that are compatible with commonly used pallet footprints (1200×1000 mm and 1200×800 mm). It includes requirements and recommendations for dimensions of transport and consumer packaging, recommended pallet placement patterns, and a method for calculating package dimensions from the module. It does not prescribe materials or strength requirements (those are covered by other standards).

Key topics and requirements

• Modular sizing system for packaging using a 600×400 mm base module.
• Nominal dimensional series for rectangular and circular-section packaging to ensure pallet compatibility.
• Recommendations for placement of rows of rectangular and round packages on pallets to maximize stability and space utilization (appendices with layout patterns).
• Procedure for calculating package sizes from the base module (guidance for deriving intermediate sizes).
• Cross-references to related transport and container standards (for materials, construction and handling requirements—those aspects are handled in other GOSTs).

Typical use and users

Used by packaging engineers and designers, logistics and palletization specialists, manufacturers of transport and consumer packaging, warehouse and distribution planners, standardization bodies, and procurement/specification writers who need harmonized package dimensions to optimize pallet loads, transport efficiency and handling. Also useful for auditors and quality managers checking compliance with dimensional standards.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside GOST 21140-88 include earlier/replaced edition GOST 21140-75, standards on unitized loads and pallet parameters (for example GOST 24597 series), standards on wooden boxes and pallets (e.g., GOST 2991-85), and other packaging-geometry and transport packaging standards (including national/regional GOST R documents and ISO packaging classifications under ICS 55). Users should consult applicable material- and strength-related GOSTs when designing specific containers.

Keywords

packaging; package dimensions; palletization; transport packaging; consumer packaging; module 600×400; pallet 1200×1000; GOST 21140-88; container sizes.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 21140-88 is a Soviet / Russian standard titled "Тара. Система размеров" (Package. System of dimensions) that establishes a unified system of nominal package sizes and layout recommendations for rectangular and round packaging to improve compatibility with standard pallet footprints.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers dimensional series and layout recommendations for transport and consumer packaging (rectangular and circular cross-sections), a modular sizing approach based on a 600×400 mm module, recommended pallet placement schemes and a calculation method for deriving package sizes. It does not specify material strength or performance tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging designers, logistics and palletization engineers, manufacturers of boxes/crates/containers, distribution/warehouse planners, standards and quality managers, and organizations specifying transport packaging for supply chains.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was approved on 29 September 1988 and entered into force on 1 January 1989 (GOST 21140-88). Commercial standards databases list it as active (records updated in recent database entries), and it is shown as replacing GOST 21140-75. Users should verify present legal/regulatory status in the current national standards registry or with an official standards body before relying on it for regulatory compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the body of GOST standards dealing with packaging and transport packaging; it replaces an earlier edition (GOST 21140-75) and is commonly used together with other GOSTs that address pallet/unit-load parameters, container construction, and material- or application-specific packaging requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Module 600×400 mm; pallet 1200×1000 / 1200×800; transport packaging; consumer packaging; package dimensions; palletization; packaging system.