Packaging

When you're procuring goods from suppliers, the box they arrive in matters more than you might think. Packaging in federal procurement isn't just about wrapping—it's a detailed set of requirements covering materials, weight limits, sustainability standards, and accessibility. Get it wrong, and you're dealing with damaged goods, rejected shipments, or common carriers charging premium rates.

How It Works

The federal government has specific expectations for how suppliers package deliveries. According to PSPC's Guide for Packaging and Packing of Printed Products, cartons can't exceed 35 lbs. (about 16 kg) unless your contract says otherwise. You need new cartons that meet Canadian General Standards Board Specification 43-GP-33M—though reused cartons are acceptable if they're in "New Carton" condition. Sealing tape must be at least 2 inches wide, whether you're using gummed or pressure-sensitive adhesive.

Here's where sustainability enters the picture: packaging requirements tie directly into broader environmental goals. The Canada-wide Strategy for Sustainable Packaging, approved by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment in October 2009, pushed for extended producer responsibility and consideration of packaging in government procurement decisions. What does this mean for your suppliers? They need to use cardboard boxes with at least 80% recycled content. If they're using plastic bags or sheets for final packaging, that jumps to 75% recycled content minimum, according to circular procurement guidelines.

The packaging also needs to do its job: protect goods during shipment and qualify for the lowest common carrier rate. Poor packaging that leads to damage or forces premium shipping rates won't fly. Your contract requirements should specify these standards upfront, and suppliers must conform to what PSPC calls "good workmanship, sound trade practices, satisfactory materials and consistency." Accessibility matters too—packaging must be easy to open, with instructions available in accessible formats for users with disabilities.

Key Considerations

• Weight limits are firm. That 35 lb. threshold isn't a suggestion. Suppliers who habitually exceed it without contract authorization may find their deliveries rejected or reassessed at higher shipping rates.

• Sustainability requirements vary by material type. Don't assume a blanket recycled content percentage applies across the board. Cardboard and plastic have different thresholds, and exemptions exist for certain product types.

• Accessibility isn't optional. Federal accessibility legislation means packaging design now falls under compliance requirements. If your procurement doesn't address this explicitly, you're creating risk.

• Reused cartons need documentation. If a supplier wants to use reused materials, they need to demonstrate the cartons meet "New Carton" condition standards. This typically requires inspection and approval processes.

Related Terms

Delivery Requirements, Contract Specifications, Sustainability Requirements, Accessibility Standards

Sources

• Guide for Packaging and Packing of Printed Products - Canada.ca

• Canada-wide Strategy for Sustainable Packaging - CCME

• Reducing Plastics Waste through Procurement - Circular Procurement

Build these requirements into your solicitation documents from the start. Addressing packaging standards upfront prevents delivery issues and ensures your suppliers understand expectations before they bid.