Hardware or software having characteristics not directly needed to comply with requirements that are operationally relevant to the End User, but is necessary (because of the target system’s design features) to deliver, protect, or adapt hardware (or software) during one or more phases of its lifecycle. Support Equipment is often developed in order to adapt interfaces between supported CI and (for example) carrier or host platforms, and might be necessary during operational employment of the primary CI.
The concept of Support Equipment does not typically include shipping containers or package unless it has complex functionality needed to sustain the contents during transportation.
If sophisticated or expensive enough, a piece of Support Equipment can be considered a CI in its own right.