Defines test methods and values for paper bags manufactured from paper specified in EN 868-3, used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use.

This draft European Standard provides test methods and values for paper bags manufactured from paper specified in EN 868-3, used as sterile barrier systems and/or packaging systems that are intended to maintain sterility of terminally sterilized medical devices to the point of use. The need for a protective packaging may be determined by the manufacturer and the user. This part of EN 868 only introduces performance requirements and test methods that are specific to the products covered by this part of EN 868 but does not add or modify the general requirements specified in EN ISO 11607-1. As such, the particular requirements in 4.2 to 4.6 can be used to demonstrate compliance with one or more but not all of the requirements of EN ISO 11607-1. The materials specified in this part of EN 868 are intended for single use only. When additional materials are used inside the sterile barrier system in order to ease the organization, drying or aseptic presentation (e.g. inner wrap, container filter indicators, packing lists, mats, instrument organizer sets, tray liners or an additional envelope around the medical device) then other requirements, including the determination of the acceptability of these materials during validation activities, may apply.