ISO 4180:2009 establishes general rules to be used for the compilation of performance test schedules for complete, filled transport packages intended for use within any distribution system except for the packages used for dangerous goods.

For a known distribution environment with experimental data available (case 1), ISO 4180:2009 provides guide lines for the compilation of appropriate test schedules.

For an unknown distribution environment (case 2), ISO 4180:2009 provides test schedules in dependence of the test specimen mass and forecast destination.

ISO 4180:2009 also gives the factors to be considered in assessing the criteria of acceptance of such packages after they have been subjected to a package performance test schedule.