This specification covers pressure-sensitive tapes of film, paper, and cloth types, with applications in packaging, box closure, and sealing. Covered in this specification are five types of tape: waterproof, weather-resistant, polyester-backed tape (Type I), water-resistant polyester-backed tape (Type II), water-resistant polypropylene-backed tape (Type III), water-resistant woven-cloth-backed tape (Type IV), and weather-resistant paper-backed tape. The tape shall be manufactured with film, paper, or cloth backing, coated with a smooth and uniformly distributed layer of pressure-sensitive water-insoluble adhesive. The tape shall be in wound into rolls on cores of paper fiber or plastic and shall be free from defects, with the edges clean, straight, and unbroken. Tests for adhesion, break strength, tear resistance, thickness, water-penetration rate, water solubility, water-vapor transmission rate, and weathering shall be performed and shall conform to the requirements specified.

1.1 This specification covers film, paper, and cloth pressure-sensitive tapes used for box closure and sealing.

1.2 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.

1.3 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 14, of this specification. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.