Dangerous goods must be shipped in packaging whose design has passed the UN performance tests for the product's packing group and physical state. Each approved package carries a UN mark that shows the type, the test level and where it was made.
The IMDG Code also lists which packaging types are allowed for each UN number, through packing instructions. So the packaging must be both UN-certified and permitted for your specific product.
Common UN packaging types for chemicals
- 1A1 is a steel drum with a non-removable head, used for liquids such as solvents.
- 1A2 is a steel drum with a removable head, used for solids and pastes.
- 1H1 is a plastic drum with a non-removable head, common for corrosive liquids such as acids and caustic lye.
- 1H2 is a plastic drum with a removable head, used for powders and granules.
- 3H1 is a plastic jerrican, used for smaller volumes of liquid.
- 31HA1 is a composite IBC with a rigid plastic inner container in a steel cage, used for liquids.
- 5H codes are woven or film plastic bags, and 13H codes are flexible IBCs or jumbo bags, both for solids only.
- 4G is a fibreboard box, usually holding inner bottles or bags as combination packaging.
How to read the UN mark
A typical mark on a steel drum for liquids reads UN 1A1/Y1.4/150/26/IND followed by a maker's code. Here 1A1 is the type. Y means it is approved for packing groups II and III; X would cover I, II and III, and Z only III. 1.4 is the maximum relative density of the contents. 150 is the hydraulic test pressure in kilopascals. 26 is the year of manufacture, and IND shows it was made in India.
For solids, the middle part changes. A mark such as UN 1H2/Y50/S/26 shows a maximum gross mass of 50 kilograms, and S means solids only.
Rules buyers often miss
- The contents must not be heavier or more dense than the mark allows. A drum approved to density 1.2 cannot legally carry a liquid of density 1.5.
- Plastic drums, jerricans and plastic IBCs generally have a permitted use period of five years from manufacture for dangerous goods, unless a shorter one applies.
- IBCs need periodic inspection and testing, and the dates must be marked on the IBC.
- Reconditioned or reused drums must be cleaned, inspected and still meet the test standard.
- The packaging must be compatible with the chemical. Some solvents soften certain plastics, and some acids attack unlined steel.
What to ask your Indian supplier
Ask for the UN test certificate for the packaging design, issued by an approved testing body, and a photo of the actual mark on the drums or IBCs you will receive. Check that the packing group and density on the mark suit your product, using section 14 and section 9 of the SDS.
Agree the packaging type in the contract. Packaging choices also affect cost and handling, as covered in buying in drums, IBCs or ISO tanks. For the basics of DG shipping, see what dangerous goods cargo is.
The shipper is legally responsible for using approved packaging. If you are unsure whether a packaging type is permitted for your UN number, ask your freight forwarder's DG desk before production starts.
Next step
We check packaging certificates, UN marks and package condition before loading, so non-compliant drums are found at the factory, not the port. To start, book a free sourcing review.