Packaging requirements for dangerous goods transport: How to choose packaging materials that meet UN standards

The following is a detailed guide to packaging requirements for dangerous goods transport, covering the selection points and operational recommendations for UN standard packaging materials:

Core requirements for dangerous goods transport packaging (UN standards)
During international transportation, dangerous goods packaging must comply with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN Recommendations) and the regulatory requirements of the corresponding modes of transport (such as IMO for sea transport, IATA for air transport, ADR/RID for land transport, etc.). Key standards include:

UN certification mark: The packaging must pass performance testing and carry a permanent mark in the format of UN/XX/XXXX.

Triple protection:

Inner packaging: Direct contact with the goods, must be resistant to chemical corrosion (such as plastic bottles, glass containers).

Intermediate packaging: Absorbent/cushioning materials (such as vermiculite, foam).

Outer packaging: Strong containers that are impact-resistant and anti-stacking (such as steel drums, plywood boxes).

How to choose packaging materials that meet UN standards?

  1. Match packaging level according to dangerous goods category
    Class I packaging (high risk: such as explosives, highly corrosive goods): must pass the most stringent test (such as drop height ≥ 1.8m).

Class II packaging (medium risk: such as flammable liquids): medium test standard (drop height ≥ 1.2m).

Class III packaging (low risk: such as ordinary chemicals): basic test (drop height ≥ 0.8m).

  1. Select materials by chemical properties
    Dangerous goods type Recommended packaging materials Example
    Corrosive (acid/alkali) Polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lining UN 1H1 plastic drum (with anti-corrosion coating inside)
    Flammable liquid Metal drum (steel/aluminum) + anti-static seal UN 1A2 steel drum (airtight seal)
    Solid toxic substances Leak-proof composite packaging (plastic + fiberboard) UN 4G fiberboard box (with PE inner bag)
    Oxidizer Metal/glass container without organic materials UN 1B2 aluminum can (leak-proof design)
  2. Key certification and testing
    Performance test: including drop test, stacking test (≥24 hours), hydraulic test (liquid), etc.

Environmental adaptability: no failure in the temperature range of -18℃ to 55℃.

Compatibility test: ensure that the material does not react with the cargo (such as hydrofluoric acid requires PTFE container).

Operation steps: Select compliant packaging
Confirm the UN number and PG (packaging group) of the goods: Check the “Dangerous Goods List” (such as UN 1263 gasoline, PG II).

Choose a certified supplier: Purchase packaging with UN markings (such as UN 1A1/Y1.4/100).

Mark interpretation: 1A1=steel drum type, Y=applicable to PG II, 1.4=maximum density 1.4 g/cm³.

Verify the matching of packaging codes: Make sure the packaging code matches the mode of transportation (such as air transportation, additional compliance with IATA 6.0.2).

Filling and sealing: Use inert cushioning materials (such as silicone pads) and perform leak checks after sealing.

Common mistakes and avoidance
Error: Use ordinary cartons to hold corrosive liquids.
Correction: Use UN 1H2 plastic barrels + leakproof lining instead.

Error: Ignore the mismatch between packaging level and cargo PG.
Correction: PG I cargo must use Class X packaging (the highest level).

Resource recommendation
Regulatory documents: UN Orange Book, IATA DGR Manual, ADR Chapter 6.

Certification bodies: China Packaging Research and Testing Center (CPRTC), US DOT Certification Laboratory.

Through the above steps, you can systematically ensure that the packaging complies with UN standards and minimize transportation risks. In actual operation, it is recommended to entrust a professional dangerous goods logistics company to conduct packaging compliance audits.

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