November 2025 Packaging & Distribution Standards: Safety and Traceability Updates

The packaging and distribution of goods sector has made significant advancements in November 2025 with the publication of two cornerstone international standards. These latest documents strengthen both operational safety in packaging machinery and food traceability throughout cold chain logistics—targeting some of the industry's most critical areas. Whether you oversee quality assurance, engineering, compliance, or procurement, understanding how these standards reshape practice is crucial to achieving both regulatory success and supply chain confidence.

Overview / Introduction

From consumer products to sensitive food logistics, the packaging and distribution sector relies on rigorous international standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and traceability. The November 2025 releases—EN 415-7:2025 for packaging machine safety and ISO/TS 31514:2025 for food traceability in cold chain logistics—represent key milestones. These documents go beyond technical instructions: they define industry expectations for machine safety, operator protection, traceability, and consistent logistics performance.

In this article, you will:

• Understand the scope, key requirements, and industry impact of each new standard
• Discover compliance strategies and practical implications for manufacturers, logistics providers, and engineers
• Gain technical insights into best practices for machine safety and food traceability

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 415-7:2025 - Safety Requirements for Cartoning and Case Packing Machines

Full Standard Title: Safety of packaging machines – Part 7: Cartoning and case packing machines

The newly revised EN 415-7:2025 establishes robust safety and design requirements for cartoners, case packers, and crate loading/unloading machines. It applies to all phases of the machine lifecycle—including installation, commissioning, operation, adjustment, maintenance, and cleaning. Notably, it supersedes the 2006+A1:2008 edition, reflecting extensive updates to align with modern engineering, automation use, and European Directives (notably the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC).

What Does This Standard Cover?

EN 415-7:2025 provides:

• Clear safety requirements to minimize risks from hazardous motions, sharp edges, unstable assemblies, and drive mechanisms
• Specific guidance on guarding designs (fixed, adjustable, interlocked, and change part guards)
• Requirements for pneumatic and hydraulic safety, proper marking, warnings, and ergonomic features
• Verification procedures for all safety functions, including visual checks, mechanical measurements, and operational tests
• Enhanced hygiene and cleaning protocols for machines used in food or pharmaceutical packaging

It applies to any organization involved in designing, manufacturing, supplying, or operating cartoning, case packing, and crate handling equipment. Compliance is mandatory for new machines produced after this document’s issuance.

Key Requirements & Specifications

• Inherently safe design philosophies in line with EN ISO 12100:2010
• Protective measures against mechanical and thermal hazards (e.g., insulation, guards, emergency stops)
• Ergonomic loading/unloading points, reduced slip/trip risks, and integration of internal lighting for safe inspection
• Requirements for adjustable, interlocked, and change part guards—minimizing deliberate sensor defeat
• Compatibility with robots and combined-function packaging systems (following Part 10 in the EN 415 series)
• Enhanced noise reduction and marking standards (per EN ISO 11688-1 & EN ISO 7010)

Practical Implications for Implementation

• Manufacturers must integrate new safety-by-design principles and provide detailed user instructions
• Operators and maintenance teams require training on updated guard systems and verification procedures
• Both new installations and machine upgrades (if significant changes are made) should be audited according to these standards

Notable Changes from Previous Editions

• Expanded scope to include more types of cartoning equipment
• Aligned safety requirements with EN 415-10:2014 and harmonized references to B1/B2 machinery standards
• New mechanisms for minimizing deliberate bypassing of safety interlocks
• Detailed directives for integrating robotics and automated handling within packaging lines

Key highlights:

• Applies to new machines; excludes mandrel carton form, fill, and seal machines (see EN 415-3:2021)
• Detailed protective measures for operators, maintenance personnel, and bystanders
• Ensures EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC compliance for cartoning and case packing equipment

Access the full standard: View EN 415-7:2025 on iTeh Standards

ISO/TS 31514:2025 - Food Traceability in Cold Chain Logistics

Full Standard Title: Requirements and recommendations for food traceability in cold chain logistics

ISO/TS 31514:2025 responds to the growing need for precise, verifiable traceability in food cold chain logistics. Designed for logistics service providers, warehouse operators, transporters, retailers, and food safety managers, this standard sets out a comprehensive traceability framework. It targets every stage—transportation, warehousing, loading/unloading, and delivery—ensuring that temperature-sensitive foods remain safe and fully traceable.

What Does This Standard Cover?

ISO/TS 31514:2025 specifies:

• Core requirements for establishing and managing an end-to-end traceability system
• Procedures for recording traceability information during all critical tracking events (CTEs) such as receipt, storage, transit, and delivery
• Best practices for temperature monitoring, data accuracy, storage, and handover in logistics links

The standard integrates harmoniously with ISO 22005 for traceability and ISO 22000 for food safety, emphasizing the need for reliable temperature data and comprehensive data management.

Key Requirements & Specifications

• Traceability Information: Capture accurate, timely CTEs (origin, warehouse, transit, customer delivery)
• Temperature Records: Document product temperatures at every stage, with clear calibration, measurement points, and records storage requirements
• Traceability Identifiers: Unique product, carton, or pallet markings (e.g., barcode, RFID, on-pack identifiers) to enable end-to-end data retrieval
• Information Management: Secure, accessible storage and exchange protocols for traceability data between supply chain partners
• Process Training: Robust staff training and operational surveillance to ensure correct record-keeping and system operation
• System Verification: Validation procedures to confirm ongoing data continuity, reliability, and regulatory alignment

Practical Implications for Implementation

• Logistics and food companies must upgrade or validate their traceability systems to capture and manage all required data points for temperature-sensitive goods.
• Temperature monitoring devices must be calibrated, placed appropriately, and records stored in compliance with system guidelines.
• Unique identifiers must be added to packaging levels—ensuring rapid recall, withdrawal, and regulatory response if necessary.

Notable Changes/Innovations

• Focus on temperature as a primary traceability parameter for cold chain effectiveness
• Clear linkage to previous ISO standards—streamlining integration for companies already certified to ISO 22000/22005
• Requirements for management responsibility, staff training, standardized record-keeping, and timely data handovers
• Detailed annexes on measurement protocols and typical temperature ranges

Key highlights:

• Enhances cold chain integrity and food safety for global logistics networks
• Enables rapid product recalls/withdrawals in case of safety incidents
• Seamless integration with food safety and quality management systems

Access the full standard: View ISO/TS 31514:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

Adoption of EN 415-7:2025 and ISO/TS 31514:2025 will have far-reaching effects on businesses operating in the packaging machinery and cold chain logistics sectors.

Business Impacts

• Manufacturers of packaging machines must adhere to new safety designs, enhanced guarding, and improved ergonomics, reducing accident rates and legal liabilities.
• Food & Beverage Logistics Providers need updated traceability systems, compliant with temperature record requirements and rapid product recall capabilities.

Compliance Considerations and Timelines

• EN 415-7:2025: Applicable to machines manufactured after November 2025. Early adoption is recommended for anyone upgrading lines or purchasing new machinery.
• ISO/TS 31514:2025: While presented as a technical specification, it is expected to become a customer and regulator expectation in global trade for cold chain products.
• Organizations should conduct gap analyses, review existing SOPs, and ensure training and documentation align with these requirements.

Benefits of Adopting These Standards

• Safer working environments, minimizing workplace injuries and machine downtime
• Stronger brand reputation by demonstrating compliance and commitment to international best practices
• Improved traceability and food safety, reducing the risk of costly recalls or customer complaints
• Streamlined regulatory approval for cross-border trade and market access

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Increased injury rates and associated legal costs
• Product recalls, regulatory fines, or losing key business contracts
• Damage to brand trust and customer relationships

Technical Insights

Common Technical Requirements Across Standards

• Robust documentation: Both standards emphasize record-keeping, traceability, and documented procedures for verification.
• Integration with existing systems: Whether facility automation or supply chain records, integration with ERP/MES/LIMS and similar systems is recommended.
• Operator training and competency: Both require evidence of comprehensive staff training, especially for handling safety devices and traceability data.

Implementation Best Practices

• For EN 415-7:2025:
  • Integrate safety assessments and user ergonomics early in machine design.
  • Use interlocking and adjustable guards tailored to each SKU or product variant.
  • Maintain clear, up-to-date instructions/manuals for all safety-critical operations.
• For ISO/TS 31514:2025:
  • Deploy reliable temperature monitoring technologies throughout logistics links.
  • Store data securely, with backup and audit trails.
  • Regularly review calibration and verification routines.
  • Ensure unique identifier systems (barcoding, RFID) link seamlessly with traceability databases.

Testing and Certification Considerations

• Packaging Machinery: Validate safety systems (mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical) using procedures detailed in EN 415-7:2025 and referenced standards.
• Cold Chain Traceability: Test traceability at each CTE via mock recalls and internal audits to ensure compliance before regulatory or customer audits.

Conclusion / Next Steps

The November 2025 publication of EN 415-7:2025 and ISO/TS 31514:2025 marks a step change in best practice for the packaging and distribution of goods industry. By embracing rigorous machine safety protocols and advanced cold chain traceability systems, organizations position themselves at the forefront of operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and customer trust.

Key takeaways:

• Machine safety and food traceability standards are integral to risk management and supply chain transparency
• Early compliance not only reduces risk, but can drive competitive advantage in the global market
• Continuous training, system upgrades, and process reviews are critical to successful implementation

For organizations committed to safety, quality, and efficiency, now is the time to:

1. Explore the full standards via iTeh Standards links
2. Conduct internal assessments and initiate compliance planning
3. Engage staff in training and awareness on new protocols
4. Stay updated as interpretations, guidance, and supporting technologies continue to evolve

For the latest detailed requirements and official documents, access the standards directly:

• EN 415-7:2025 – Safety of packaging machines – Part 7: Cartoning and case packing machines
• ISO/TS 31514:2025 – Requirements and recommendations for food traceability in cold chain logistics

Stay ahead—use iTeh Standards as your trusted resource for all major international standards in packaging, logistics, and beyond.