This Stimuli article outlines the General Chapters–Packaging and Distribution Expert Committee’s current thinking and approach on the replacement of the current test method to determine the Spectral Transmission for Colored Glass Containers in Containers—Glass 〈660〉. The purpose of the proposal is to replace the current approach that determines spectral transmission requirements based on container volume with one based on wall thickness for tubular amber glass containers. Readers are encouraged to provide comments on the possible change in 〈660〉, the suggested method and acceptance criteria discussed below, and any other pertinent comments.
The USP General Chapters—Packaging and Distribution (GCPD) Expert Committee is responsible for developing new and revising current USP packaging standards. Since the beginning of the 2010–2015 revision cycle, the Expert Committee has worked to delineate a general chemistry-based testing approach for establishing the suitability of packaging materials, components, and systems. The purpose of this article is to provide insight into, and a rationale for, the introduction of a new approach for measuring and specifying the spectral transmission for colored glass containers used to contain light-sensitive drug products.