What Is UN-Approved Packaging?

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Summary:

• Shipping dangerous goods requires compliance with DOT regulations.
• DOT regulations are based on United Nations standards, which include UN-approved packaging for dangerous goods.
• UN-approved packaging is designed to contain dangerous goods and is certified after testing.
• UN-approved packaging also carries a code indicating specifications of what the package contains.
• Packages are ranked according to their degree of danger.

If you’re planning on shipping dangerous goods, such as hazardous chemicals or lithium-ion batteries, it’s mandatory to comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations on safe transportation and storage. The DOT bases its rules on standards outlined by the United Nations (UN) in its Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

These regulations state that dangerous goods must be packaged in UN-approved packaging when shipped. What is UN-approved packaging? UN-approved packaging has been designed to safely contain solid or liquid materials that are deemed to be dangerous. 

The packaging has been built and tested according to exact standards stipulated by the UN and receives a UN certification upon verification that it meets the criteria. This ensures that dangerous materials can be transported safely under normal transportation conditions. 

The classification of dangerous materials indicates various degrees of hazard. This is the general method used by the DOT to define the safe and secure shipment of chemicals as cataloged in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations for Transportation.

The Best UN=Approved Packaging Available at Air Sea Containers

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Coding and Labeling

However, using UN-certified packaging like custom shipping boxes purchased from Air Sea Containers is not the only requirement for safe shipping of hazardous goods. A permanent UN marking must be visible on the package’s exterior identifying the products being transported, which also bears a unique UN identification code. 

The unique identification code is a string of letters and numbers identifying the type and quantity of dangerous goods in the package. The code also enables the package to be tracked at any point during its journey. The code indicates the material the package is made from, the maximum gross mass, the specific gravity or the hydrostatic pressure of the dangerous material, whether solid or liquid, and the location and year of manufacture. The marking also includes details of the sender and contact information.

The first number indicates the type of packaging, whether a drum, jerrican, box or bag. The letter that follows refers to the material used to construct the packaging, such as wood, paper, plastic or steel. The next number indicates whether the packaging is an open or closed head.

The Roman numerals in the packaging code show the tested rating of the packing group (PG), where X indicates the highest degree of danger, Y indicates a medium degree of danger and Z indicates the lowest degree of danger:  

X = PG I, II, III

Y = PG II, III

Z = PG III

If the packaging has been tested to the highest degree of danger, you can also use it for less dangerous materials. 

Following the rating is the Maximum Gross Mass or Specific Gravity and whether the goods are solid or liquid. The final number and letters in the code are the year and place of manufacture.

For example, the code UN 1A1/ X1.5/ 250 /19/ USA/ LM0000 indicates an open steel drum containing liquid with a 1.5 specific gravity and 250 kPa hydrostatic test pressure. The packaging was manufactured in 2019 in the USA.

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Selecting Packing Materials and Packing

Before selecting your packaging, you should refer to packing instructions outlined by the governing body responsible for regulating the mode of transport you’ll be using for shipment: land (Title 49 CFR), sea (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) or air (International Air Transport Association). This can tell you whether any restrictions apply to what you’re shipping and what the packing requirements are.

Air Sea Containers: Your Source for UN-Approved Packaging

Once you have selected your packaging, such as hazmat boxes from Air Sea Containers, carefully assemble and close the package and check that the contents are appropriate according to the packaging instructions.

You may either have a UN specification single package or a UN combination package. A single package holds only the goods and features no inner packages. A combination package, also known as a 4GV UN box, contains several inner containers that must be assembled inside the outer package precisely according to the instructions. 

On a 4GV UN package, the outer package carries the UN combination packaging code, which is valid only if the package is assembled the exact same way as it was during testing (and which is indicated in the instructions.) 

The Bottom Line

If you are shipping hazardous materials, it is critical to use UN-approved packaging, as it’s illegal to send dangerous materials without it. However, by selecting the proper packaging with the correct codes and assembling as per the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll ensure that you are always compliant with DOT shipping standards. 

If you are planning on shipping dangerous or hazardous materials, Air Sea Containers offers a broad range of UN-certified containers and packaging, including custom shipping boxes, hazmat boxes, drums and 270 gallon totes for sale. We also stock hazmat placards and shipping labels to ensure that your goods are transported safely.