IEC 61340-5-3-2022 PDF

Full title and description

St IEC 61340-5-3-2022 — Electrostatics — Part 5-3: Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena — Properties and requirements classification for packaging intended for electrostatic discharge sensitive devices. This international standard defines classification, material properties and performance limits for packaging used to protect ESD-sensitive (ESDS) items during production, rework and maintenance, transport and storage.

Abstract

IEC 61340-5-3:2022 specifies required packaging properties (conductive, dissipative, field‑shielding, low‑charging, etc.), references test methods for evaluating finished packaging and packaging materials, and gives performance limits and marking guidance. It excludes protection against EMI/EMP and electrically initiated explosive devices. The 2022 edition includes technical changes from the previous edition (notably the electrostatic discharge shielding limit reduced to 20 nJ and additions of guidance on electric field shielding and low‑charging materials).

General information

• Status: International Standard — published and current (3rd edition).
• Publication date: 27 April 2022.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
• ICS / categories: 17.220.99; 29.020.
• Edition / version: Edition 3.0 (2022).
• Number of pages: 47 pages.

(Core bibliographic details and stability information as published by the IEC webstore.)

Scope

This part of IEC 61340 covers the properties, classification and minimum requirements for packaging intended to protect electrostatic discharge sensitive devices (ESDS) through manufacturing, rework/maintenance, transport and storage. It specifies which material properties are relevant, the recommended test methods (or references to them), and performance limits for different classification levels. The document explicitly does not address protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulsing (EMP) or the protection of electrically initiated explosive materials/devices.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of ESD protective packaging by primary function (e.g., conductive, dissipative, electrostatic discharge shielding, low charging, etc.).
• Material property definitions and limits, including surface and volume resistance categories and charge/decay characteristics.
• Reference test methods for finished packaging and packaging materials (for example, methods from IEC 61340-2-3 and discharge/shielding tests such as IEC 61340-4-8).
• Change in electrostatic discharge shielding requirement: the allowable internal energy for ESD‑shielding bags was reduced (from the earlier value to 20 nJ in the 2022 edition).
• Updated marking guidance and removal/clarification of some previous classification symbols and function codes; addition of Annex C (electric field shielding guidance) and Annex D (low‑charging material property).
• Recommendation to test finished packaging when possible; where not possible, defined material test procedures and limits apply to components.

Typical use and users

Used by packaging manufacturers, electronics OEMs and contract manufacturers, quality and reliability engineers, procurement and compliance teams, test laboratories and standards bodies to specify, verify and procure packaging that protects ESD‑sensitive components and assemblies during handling, storage and transport. It is also used as a reference in ESD control programs and supplier specifications.

Related standards

IEC 61340-5-3 is part of the IEC 61340 series on electrostatics. Related and cross‑referenced documents include IEC 61340-5-1 (General requirements for ESD control programs), IEC 61340-2-3 (resistance and surface resistivity test methods — two‑point probe), IEC 61340-4-8 (discharge/shielding test methods), and technical deliverables referenced in the 2022 edition such as IEC TS 61340-5-4 and IEC TR 61340-5-5. Users should consult those parts for program-level requirements and specific test procedures.

Keywords

ESD, electrostatics, packaging, shielding, conductive packaging, dissipative materials, low charging, electrostatic discharge shielding, test methods, IEC 61340.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC 61340-5-3:2022 is an international standard that specifies properties, classification and minimum performance requirements for packaging intended to protect electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) items.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of packaging functions, material property definitions (surface/volume resistance, shielding, low‑charging), referenced test methods for materials and finished packages, performance limits (for example the ESD shielding energy limit included in 2022), and guidance on marking and verification. It does not cover EMI/EMP protection or electrically initiated explosives.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Packaging suppliers, electronics manufacturers, ESD program managers, quality assurance teams, test laboratories and procurement/specification engineers. It is commonly used when defining supplier requirements and for acceptance testing of ESD protective packaging.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The current edition is the 2022 (3rd) edition published 27 April 2022. It supersedes earlier editions (for example the 2015 edition). Users should verify national/adopted versions (EN/BS/other) for local implementation dates.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the IEC 61340 series (Electrostatics), which includes general requirements (61340-5-1), implementation guidance and several test method parts referenced throughout the series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: ESD, packaging, shielding, conductive, dissipative, low‑charging, material classification, test methods, electrostatic discharge sensitive (ESDS) devices.