UN Packaging Codes
UN packaging type codes and material codes system, air transport specific inner packaging requirements. Inner packaging limits for air transport are lower than for road transport.
Packaging Type Codes
First digit = packaging type, letter = material, last digit = closure type
Drum
1A1 (steel, non-removable head), 1A2 (steel, removable head), 1H1 (plastic, non-removable), 1H2 (plastic, removable)
Barrel (Wood)
2C1 (wood, bung type), 2C2 (wood, removable head)
Jerrycan
3A1 (steel, non-removable), 3A2 (steel, removable), 3H1 (plastic, non-removable), 3H2 (plastic, removable)
Box
4A (steel), 4B (aluminium), 4C1/4C2 (wood), 4D (plywood), 4G (fibreboard), 4H1/4H2 (plastic)
Bag
5H1 (woven plastic), 5H2 (plastic film), 5H3 (plastic textile), 5L (textile), 5M (paper, multi-wall)
Composite Packaging
6HA1 (plastic inner + steel outer), 6HG1 (plastic inner + fibreboard outer), 6PA1 (glass inner + steel outer)
Material Codes
Air Transport Specific Requirements
Inner Packaging Maximum Quantities
Air transport maximum quantity per inner packaging is LOWER than road transport.
- -Glass inner packaging: max 1 L (PG I liquid), 2.5 L (PG II), 5 L (PG III)
- -Plastic inner packaging: max 2.5 L (PG I), 5 L (PG II), 10 L (PG III)
- -Metal inner packaging: max 2.5 L (PG I), 5 L (PG II)
Pressure Test Requirements
Additional pressure resistance is required to withstand the altitude pressure differential.
- -Liquid inner packages: must withstand max 100 kPa internal pressure or 95 kPa external pressure differential
- -Glass and porcelain inner packages: additional cushioning mandatory
- -Aerosols: internal pressure limits at 50°C apply
Absorbent Material
Absorbent material is required between inner and outer packaging for liquid dangerous goods.
- -Must be capable of absorbing the entire leaked liquid
- -Chemically compatible absorbent material must be selected
- -Mandatory for PG I liquids
Cold Chain / Temperature Controlled
Temperature-controlled packaging and transport requirements for certain substances.
- -Self-reactive substances (4.1 SR): control temperature must be monitored
- -Organic peroxides (5.2): SAPT (Self-Accelerating Polymerization Temp.) control
- -Biological substances: transport with dry ice or cold packs
Packaging Performance Levels (X, Y, Z)
Shown on the UN packaging mark — selected according to Packing Group
Highest performance — suitable for PG I, II, III substances
Applicable PG: I + II + III
Medium performance — suitable for PG II and III substances
Applicable PG: II + III
Basic performance — suitable for PG III substances only
Applicable PG: III
UN Packaging Test Requirements
| Test | Purpose | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Drop test | Impact resistance | PG I: 1.8 m, PG II: 1.2 m, PG III: 0.8 m drop height |
| Leakproofness test | Liquid leak prevention | Min. 20 kPa (0.2 bar) gauge pressure — PG II and III (DGR 6.3.4.2) |
| Hydraulic pressure test | Pressure resistance | PG I: min. 250 kPa, PG II/III: min. 100 kPa or vapour pressure formula (DGR 6.3.5.3) |
| Stacking test | Compression resistance | Equivalent load applied for 24 hours |
| Pressure differential (air) | Altitude pressure difference | Must withstand 95 kPa (0.95 bar) external pressure drop (DGR 5.0.2.9) |