Understanding Marks on Package of Dangerous Goods

The handling and transportation of dangerous goods are significantly different from those of ordinary goods, and industry professionals who handle dangerous goods must undergo rigorous training and testing. To distinguish packaging of dangerous goods from that of ordinary goods and to enable industry professionals to recognize whether the selected packaging is correct at a glance, people use a combination of symbols with certain meanings and rules to differentiate dangerous goods from ordinary goods. This is the topic we will introduce today: the markings on the packaging of dangerous goods.

Below, we will introduce the meanings of the numbers and letters on the packaging markings: 

 A) UN Packaging Symbol The “UN” letters at the front, as shown in the “0” position in the image. In most cases, the two letters are enclosed in a circle. This symbol is only used to prove that the packaging, flexible bulk containers, mobile tanks, or multiple-element gas containers comply with relevant construction and testing regulations. For compression metal packaging, capital letters “UN” can be used as symbols.

B) Packaging Type Code The combination of numbers and letters immediately after, before the first “/”. In the image, the number “1” is in the “1H1” position. “1H1” - the first “1” represents the type of packaging, which is a drum; the second “H” represents the material of the packaging, which is plastic; the third “1” represents the category to which the packaging belongs, such as non-removable drum cover, etc.

C) Code Composed of Two Parts The position of the number “2” in the image is “Y1.4”, which means:

   1）Indicates the packaging class letter of the design type that has successfully passed the test. “X” represents packaging classes I, II, and III. “Y” represents packaging classes II and III. “Z” only represents packaging class III.

   2）Relative density, rounded to the first decimal place, indicating that the packaging of the intended liquid substance has been tested according to the relative density for the design type without internal packaging. If the relative density does not exceed 1.2, this item can be exempted. For packaging intended for solid substances or packaging with internal packaging, the maximum total weight shall be expressed in kilograms. The meaning of “Y1.4” in the image indicates that it can hold goods of packaging classes II and III, with liquids as internal contents and a relative density of 1.4.

D）Symbol at the Position of Number “3” in the Image 

If it is the letter “S”, it indicates that the packaging is intended for solid substances or internal packaging; if it is a number, it indicates the liquid pressure test pressure that the packaging intended for liquids (except for composite packaging) can withstand, expressed in kilopascals, rounded to the nearest 10 kilopascals.

E）Symbol at the Position of Number “4” in the Image 

The last two digits indicate the year of manufacture of the packaging. Type 1H and 3H packaging must indicate the month of manufacture.

F）Symbol at the Position of Number “5” in the Image 

The country authorized to use the marking is represented by the symbol used for vehicles that are allowed to travel on international highways. In the image, “CN” represents China.

G）Symbol at the Position of Number “6” in the Image 

The name of the manufacturer or other identification mark prescribed by the relevant authority.

H）Symbol at the Position of Number “7” in the Image 

The number at this position is generally the batch number, which is not a mandatory requirement of the convention.

Knowledge Extension: 

Regarding the packaging code “1H1”:

 The first “1” represents the type of packaging, such as the Arabic numerals for drums, cans, etc., such as: 

1 drum 

3 can 

4 box 

5 bag 

6 composite packaging

“H” is used to indicate the material properties, such as capital Latin letters for steel, wood, etc., such as: 

A steel (various types and surface treatments) 

B aluminum 

C natural wood 

D plywood 

F recycled wood 

G fiberboard 

H plastic materials (including other polymer materials) 

L textiles 

M paper, multi-layered 

N metals (excluding steel and aluminum) 

P glass, ceramics, and coarse ceramics

The following “1” represents a category within the packaging ownership type, such as: 

1 non-removable 

2 removable