UN Package Code

What is UN Packaging Code?

UN packaging codes are strings of letters and numbers located on hazardous materials packaging that provide information on several key aspects of the chemicals inside. It is important to select the correct package for materials that require UN-Rated packaging. The marking that is applied to a UN package indicates the type of package and the levels to which the packaging has been approved. Understanding UN markings may seem complicated at first, but this breakdown of each element of UN markings describes how to easily read and identify the code. 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.

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Elements of the UN Packaging Code

The five sections of a UN packaging code indicate the following, from left to right:

? Packaging type identification code

? Packaging group level

? Depending on whether the items transported are solid or liquid, either gross mass or specific gravity and hydraulic pressure

? Year and country of manufacture

? PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration) identification code

Section 1: Packaging type identification code

The first section of the UN packaging code is a string composed of two or three characters. The first character is a number code identifying the type of container used:

? 1: Drums or pails

? 2: Barrels

? 3: Jerrycans

? 4: Boxes

? 5: Bags

? 6: Composite packaging

? 7: Pressure receptacle (e.g., cylinders, tanks, containers filled with pressurized or compressed gas, etc.)

The second character is a letter code indicating the container material:

? A: Steel

? B: Aluminum

? C: Natural wood

? D: Plywood

? F: Reconstituted wood (e.g., laminated veneer lumber, hardboard, particleboard, etc.)

? G: Fiberboard (e.g., shipping cardboard, paperboard)

? H: Plastic

? L: Textile

? M: Paper

? N: Metals other than steel or aluminum

? P: Glass, porcelain, stoneware

If the packaging is a drum or pail of any type (1), a fiberboard box (4G) or a paper bag (5M), you may find a third character.

The third character is “1” if it possesses a closed, non-removable head or “2” for open, removable heads on drums and jerry cans. On fiberboard boxes, if the third character is “V,” this packaging is a 4GV box, which means it has passed UN hazardous materials transportation certifications and is suitable for carrying dangerous goods. For paper bags, the third character is “1” if it is a standard multiwall paper bag or “2” for water-resistant multiwall paper bags.?

Commonly seen example codes:

? 1A1: Steel drum with a non-removable head, such as 217-liter UN-rated drums for transporting crude oil.

? 3H1: Plastic jerry can with a plastic cap and a safety seal stopper.

? 4GV: UN-certified fiberboard box for transporting hazardous materials.

Section 2: Packing group level

The second section of the UN packaging code system is a string of characters containing one letter and at least one number. The letter indicates which UN packing group levels this container is certified to carry:

? X: Suitable for carrying products in packing groups I, II and III

? Y: Suitable for carrying products in packing groups II and III

? Z: Suitable for carrying products in packing group III only

The UN packing group level refers to the relative danger level of the materials contained:

? Level III indicates the materials present a low danger level, such as camphor oil, diesel fuel, pine oil or turpentine.

? Level II indicates the materials present a medium level of danger, including octane, toluene, certain types of magnesium powder and lead nitrate.

? Level I is reserved for the most dangerous goods like hydrogen fluoride, ethyl ether, cesium, rubidium and liquid arsenic acid.

? Materials lacking a packing group level are not considered hazardous but may still be subjected to other UN regulations or packing recommendations.

The United Nations maintains a list of over 2,000 types of dangerous goods, corresponding packing group levels and other relevant information for storage or packing, such as quantity limitations.

Section 3: Gross mass, specific gravity and hydraulic pressure

The third section on a UN packaging code varies, depending on whether the packaging contains solid or liquid materials.

On packaging carrying solid materials, this section comprises a number followed by the letter “S” for solid. The number indicates the maximum gross mass in kilograms. For example, the number “8” means the packaging can contain a total of 8 kg.

Containers carrying liquids or compressed gases, instead, feature two sets of numbers.

The first set represents the maximum specific gravity this packaging is certified to hold. The specific gravity of a liquid is its relative density compared to an equivalent volume of water, expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc or g/cm3). For example, citric acid has a specific gravity of 1.665, which means a liter of citric acid weighs 1.665 kg. A container storing citric acid must possess a maximum specific gravity of 1.665 or higher.

The second set may follow the specific gravity on particular containers. This number represents the maximum hydraulic pressure the packaging is certified to withstand. The number is expressed in kilopascals (kPa).

Examples:

? 430/S: Packaging capable of carrying up to 430 kg of solid materials.

? 1.7/300: Container capable of carrying a liquid or gas with a maximum specific gravity of 1.7g/cm3 and a maximum hydraulic of 300 kPa.

Section 4: Year and location of manufacture

The fourth section of a UN packaging code comprises the last two digits of the packaging’s year of manufacture, followed by a letter code indicating the country of manufacture.

For example, 21/USA means the packaging was produced in 2021 in the United States.

Section 5: PHMSA identification code

The last section of a UN packaging code is typically a unique identification code identifying a manufacturer registered with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Each registered packaging manufacturer is assigned a unique code. For example, UN-approved containers manufactured by Air Sea Containers will feature the M4733 code. The PHMSA never reassigns unique codes, even if the manufacturer ceases to produce UN-certified packaging or goes out of business.

Using an Air Sea UN-certified box as an example, you can see a UN packaging code printed on the side: 4GV/X10/S/10/USA/M4733.

Breaking it down section by section, the code indicates:

? 4GV: This UN-certified fiberboard box is suitable for transporting hazardous materials.

? X: This is suitable for carrying products rated in UN packing groups I, II and III; in other words, it’s ideal for packaging most types of dangerous goods.

? 10/S: This can carry up to 10 kilograms of gross solid materials, including poly bags, air pillows for shipping and other extraneous items.

? 10/USA: This is manufactured in 2010 in the United States.

? M4733: It is manufactured by Air Sea Containers, Inc.

Determining Mass or Gravity for Single, Combination or Combination Package

Once determining the degree of danger, the number on the packaging code indicates the specific gravity or gross mass. For combination packaging that can be included inside solid or composite packaging, knowing the mass or gravity of your package once filled is key to meeting shipping requirements. Below are the two main types of markings you should be aware of:

1. Solids Need Gross Mass

With composite or single packagings that are meant to hold combination packaging for every material or solid, the mark should list the maximum gross mass allowable for the package to weigh after it’s been filled. This weight will take into account both the packaging and its contents.

2. Liquids Need Specific Gravity

Hazardous liquid materials that come in composite or single packaging will need to follow the maximum amount of specific gravity that is allowed for the packaging. As such, the packaging will use a mark that lists the maximum amount of specific gravity that’s allowed for liquid packaging.

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