SIST EN 13461:2009

Overview

EN 13461:2009 - Packaging: Cylindrical flexible laminated tubes - Dimensions and tolerances is a CEN (European) standard that defines the sizes and geometric characteristics for cylindrical laminated flexible tubes manufactured by directly welding laminate materials. The standard applies across packaging sectors including pharmaceutical, cosmetic and hygiene, as well as food, industrial and domestic products. EN 13461:2009 supersedes EN 13461:2001 and is based on ETMA (European Tube Manufacturers Association) recommendations.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope: Specifies dimensional and geometric requirements for cylindrical laminated flexible tubes (sleeve tubes made by direct welding of laminates).
• Terms & definitions: Key defined terms include nominal diameter (D), nominal length (L), ovality diameter (d2), and wall thickness (S1) - with clear measurement points (length measured between shoulder and open end).
• Dimension table (Table 1): Provides nominal diameters (range examples from 13.5 mm up to 50 mm) with corresponding:
  • Actual outside diameter (d1) ranges and a tolerance of ±0.2 mm,
  • Nominal length (L) ranges with tolerance +1.5 mm / −2 mm,
  • Maximum ovality diameter (d2) values,
  • Wall thickness (S1) values with tolerance ±10%.
• Measurement rules: Defines how to determine outside diameter, ovality (largest enclosing circle), body length and wall thickness for consistent quality control.
• Regulatory note: The foreword highlights possible patent rights related to elements of the document; users should be aware of intellectual property considerations.

Applications

EN 13461:2009 is practical for:

• Tube manufacturers - design, production tolerances, and machinery setup for laminated tubes.
• Packaging engineers and designers - specifying tube dimensions for product fit, filling equipment, closures and labelling.
• Quality assurance and inspection teams - acceptance criteria for incoming/outgoing tube batches based on d1, d2, L and S1 tolerances.
• Procurement and compliance - ensuring supplied tubes meet European dimensional standards for pharma, cosmetic, food and industrial packaging.
• Filling equipment suppliers - adapting nozzle, chuck and handling systems to standard tube dimensions.

This standard focuses on dimensional conformity rather than material composition or barrier performance; use it alongside material and performance standards when specifying complete tube performance.

Related standards

• EN 12374 - Packaging – Flexible tubes – Terminology (referenced in EN 13461:2009 bibliography)

Keywords: EN 13461:2009, cylindrical flexible laminated tubes, tube dimensions and tolerances, laminated tubes, nominal diameter, nominal length, wall thickness, ovality, packaging standard.