Packaging Specification — Section 6
IATA DGR Section 6 — UN specification packaging standards: marking anatomy, performance testing, IBC requirements, salvage packaging and pharma examples. Air transport is not permitted without UN-approved packaging (except LQ and EQ exemptions).
UN Marking Example — Anatomy
6.0 Introduction — UN Specification Packaging
The UN-approved packaging system defines minimum performance standards and marking requirements for dangerous goods packaging. Every UN-approved package must be tested, certified and traceable.
- 1Test standards: Based on UN Model Regulations (Rev. 22+)
- 2Testing body: Accredited organisation (e.g. TSE, TUV, BV, LR)
- 3Marking: Legibly displayed on the outside of every package
- 4Certificate number: Testing body + date + batch information
- 5Traceability: Production records must be retained for 5+ years
- 6Type approval: Periodic re-testing and inspection required
6.1 General Packaging Requirements
Fundamental rules that all UN-approved packages must comply with. Section 6.1 fundamental requirements.
- 1Integrity: No damage under normal transport conditions
- 2Internal compatibility: No reaction between packaging material and contents
- 3Closures and caps: Adequate density (tight fit), removable and re-sealable
- 4Flat surface for labels: Minimum 10 x 10 cm uninterrupted area
- 5Lifting points: Sufficient strength for IBC and large packagings
- 6Maximum fill density: 98% for inner packagings (expansion allowance)
6.2 UN Marking Anatomy
The UN approval marking is printed on the package in a standard format. Each symbol indicates a package characteristic.
- 1Format: `u+n` symbol + `
/ / / / ` - 2Example: UN 4G / Y30 / S / 22 / TR / BASPAK
- 34G = Fibreboard box (Code 4), packaging type (G = fibreboard)
- 4Y = Packing Group II suitable (X=PG I, Y=PG II, Z=PG III)
- 530 = Maximum gross mass in kg (30 kg)
- 6S = Solid material (L = liquid, V = special)
- 722 = Test year (2022)
- 8TR = Country code (Turkey)
- 9BASPAK = Manufacturer code (company abbreviation)
6.3 Performance Testing
UN-approved packaging must pass 4 fundamental tests. Each test has different severity levels depending on Packing Group.
- 1Drop test: PG I = 1.8 m, PG II = 1.2 m, PG III = 0.8 m; dropped onto flat hard surface
- 2Leakproofness test: 20 kPa internal pressure for liquid packagings, 5 minutes
- 3Hydrostatic test: External pressure x 1.5, 5-30 minutes (for liquids)
- 4Stacking test: 24-hour top load calculation; deformation < 10%
- 5Vibration (optional): 1 hour for IBC and large packagings
- 6Test frequency: Type approval + annual sample audit
- 7All tests are performed sequentially on the same package (most critical): drop -> leak -> stack
6.5 IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) Standards
Medium-sized bulk containers — between 450 L and 3000 L. Subject to different standards for PI packaging and transport.
- 1IBC types: 11A (metal flexible), 13H (rigid plastic), 31A/H (composite)
- 2Volume range: 450 L < V < 3000 L
- 3Marking: UN + type + PG + gross mass + date + country (similar to normal packages)
- 4Testing: Drop + leak + stack + vibration + lifting + stacking pressure
- 5Periodic testing: Every 2.5 years — drop + leak + lifting
- 6Certificate: Original (production) + periodic (during use)
- 7Damage check: Visual + functional inspection at every refill
6.6 Salvage Packaging
Large 'rescue' packaging that contains damaged, leaking or emergency-state packages. Typical use: post-incident response.
- 1Use: Temporary containment for damaged packages
- 2Size: Large enough to contain the damaged package + sufficient absorbent
- 3Marking: Standard UN + 'SALVAGE' inscription
- 4Testing: PG I compliant (most stringent) — for all scenarios
- 5Closure: Leakproof, non-reopenable seal
- 6Time-limited: Emergency only + nearest disposal facility
- 7Common definition across IMDG 6.1.5.1.11 + ADR + IATA DGR 6.6
6.4 Single Packaging (Pharma Examples)
Single large packaging instead of combination packaging — typically for pharma, food or high-volume industrial use.
- 1Example: UN 1993 Flammable liquid n.o.s. — 30 L rigid plastic jerrycan
- 2Pharma: Injection vial (small glass) — combination + outer box
- 3Direct rigid drum: 200 L metal or plastic barrel (for PG III)
- 4IBC alternative: Single large container 1000 L — single use
- 5Maximum weight: Per packaging type and PG (4G/Y30 = max 30 kg)
- 6Testing: Drop + leak + stack — same as combination
References
- IATA DGR 67th Ed Section 6 (Packaging Specifications)
- UN Model Regulations Rev. 22+ (Orange Book)
- ISO 16106 — Packaging Management System