ISO 10109-12:2004 details the general conditions of transport that are not under the control of the manufacturer, from manufacturers to customers for optical instruments and instruments with optical components.

It deals with the requirements to be met by commercial packaging of instruments during transport from manufacturers to customers in order that the optical, mechanical, chemical and electrical properties or the performance be unaffected. Transport from the manufacturer to the customer, as defined by ISO 10109-12:2004, comprises all steps and procedures the instrument may be subject to during transport from the moment it leaves the place of manufacture until it reaches its final destination (end user), including transport by parcel services, road, rail, sea or air etc. (all of which are beyond the control of the manufacturer) and including all intermediate steps such as e.g. loading, unloading, packing or unpacking.

It does not apply to the transport of instruments while they are in use by customers.