Know your UN packaging codes – The complete guide

UN Packaging Codes

It is prevalent in the packaging field of hazardous products that have UN packaging codes on the outer packaging for the export products. Domestically never used the UN packaging codes, but it requires the other countries to demand the product is suitable with the pack for the transport worthiness or not.

UN Packaging Certificate 

The certificate has some unique identification numbers having the coding of the packaging supplier and product manufacturer. The features will mention below.

The UN packaging certificate has comprehensive details of the testing data for the related packaging, such as boxes, metal drums, plastic drums, fiberboard drums, square fiber drums, IBC containers. These UN packaging codes are given to the user to imprint on the outer surface of boxes or whatever packaging material.

UN Packaging symbol: the symbol indicates that items are being tested and qualified for all the performance parameters which is required for UN certification. After all the test has been passed, a UN number is given to the particular packaging consignment for the particular supplier for the product.

UN Marking as per the items of Packaging and Material MOC:

Types of Packaging

• 1 — Drum/Pail

• 2 — Barrels

• 3 — Jerrican

• 4 — Box

• 5 — Bag

• 6 — Composite packaging

Materials of Construction

• A — Steel

• B — Aluminum

• C — Natural wood

• D — Plywood

• F — Reconstituted wood

• G — Fiberboard

• H — Plastic material

• L — Textile

• M — Paper, multi-wall

• N — Metal (other than steel or aluminum)

• P — Glass, porcelain, or stoneware (not used in these regulations)

Packing Group: The packing group determines the degree of danger of a dangerous goods item, so the following UN specification packaging:

• X — for packing groups I, II, and III

• Y — for packing groups II and III

• Z — for packing group III

Maximum Gross Weight: Secondary packagings are for solids, the marking will show the maximum gross mass (weight) in kilograms.

Year of Manufacture – 19 or 20

Origin of Manufacture

Manufacturer Code

QnA regarding UN packing certificate and their testing

Q1. What is the Purpose of UN packaging code?

UN packaging codes’ purpose is to ensure that it won’t escape when dangerous goods material is packed and transported. It is able by putting to use UN-approved making onto a Packaging Material.

Q2. Can we do print the UN number on Labels and then stick it to the packaging material? 

The answer is no. Because it is assumed when we use a sticker that can easily remove during transport (vibration and friction of two surfaces), and other countries(receiver) will not accept that consignment without UN no. So, worldwide it is recognized as an embossed and pre-printed UN marking (Screen printing | Flexo printing) for corrugated boxes or other secondary packaging material.

Q3. Why is UN marking required? 

International agreements for the carriage of dangerous goods need marking onto the product’s packaging, said to be authenticated by an agency having the necessary quality certification.

Worldwide United Nations had made a criterion for the acceptance of the product and its packaging. UN packaging certificate details how things are to be done to make sure it is right for the carriage of certain dangerous goods.

Suppose all the countries follow their own rule. It will indeed have a messy situation because every company must submit their document in their countries for approval and export their product. That company has to comply as per other countries’ required reports. So, it makes our shipping carrier a deadly explosive. 

So, it needs a single UN packaging certificate that allows you to cross all the boundaries without fail.

Q4. Can we use a single UN packaging certificate for the air and sea cargo?  

The answer is no. Both the agencies are different, but their testing is the same. It required a different number according to their norms.

No.# 1  IMDG (International Maritime Organization) – Sea Shipment

No.# 2  IATA (International Air Transport Association) – for the Air Shipment 

Q5. What are the testings required for the UN packaging codes?

UN packaging testing is basically for performance testing of the packaging material. The packaging testing agencies do the testing to find the withstand property of the content during transit.

Q6. What do we call the performance testing?

It is Transport Worthiness Test and the test involves drop test, leakage test, hydraulic test, rolling test, impact test, stack load test, and compression test. The testing agencies choose the testing and standard as per country norms; it depends on the packaging material.

Q7. Is it include the compatibility and stability testing of packaging material with product in the UN packaging certificate?

No, but the UN packaging certificate won’t allow you to pack as per your desire. The United nation has a booklet and specified all the details in that to choose the packaging material. The testing agency won’t check the packaging is appropriate or not, but it’s your responsibility to review the IMDG booklet specified all the details, including packaging material and volume.

The details specified the packaging material type and shipping volume of the unit pack with their specified product.

Example: Mild Steel drum can go in multiple packs such as 20Ltr. or Kg

Understanding the danger of UN Packing Group

Q8. How long is this certificate valid? 

Generally, it is 1year but can be extended up to 6months further. 

Q9. Can we use the same UN for life long for the same packaging material?

Many countries testing agencies provide the same UN for life long. But again, both have merits and demerits of UN certificate numbers. 

Refer the official PDF from UNESE

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