Specification marks on a package indicates that it corresponds to a successfully tested design type and that it complies with the provisions of IMDG Code which are related to the manufacture. The mark does not mean that the package is authorized to carry all dangerous goods, shipper must check the individual entry of UN Number in chapter 3.2 of IMDG Code to identify which package is authorized and maximum permitted quantity in each type.

The need for UN specification mark on packages is to be of assistance to packaging manufacturers, reconditioners, packaging users, carriers and regulatory authorities.

a. The United Nations packaging symbol (Letters un in a circle)

b. The code designating the type of packaging according to 6.1.2 of IMDG Code

c. A code in two parts:

(i) a letter designating the packing group or groups for which the design type has been successfully tested:

“X” for packing groups I, II and III

“Y” for packing groups II and III

“Z” for packing group III only;

(ii) the relative density, rounded off to the first decimal, for which the design type has been tested for packagings, without inner packagings, intended to contain liquids; this may be omitted when the relative density does not exceed 1.2. For packagings intended to contain solids or inner packagings,

the maximum gross mass in kilograms.

d. Either a letter “S”, denoting that the packaging is intended for the transport of solids or inner packagings, or, for packagings (other than combination packagings) intended to contain liquids, the hydraulic test pressure which the packaging was shown to withstand in kilopascals, rounded down to the nearest 10 kPa.

e. The last two digits of the year during which the packaging was manufactured. Packagings of types 1H and 3H shall also be appropriately marked with the month of manufacture; this may be marked on the packaging in a different place from the remainder of the marking.

An appropriate method is

The last two digits of the year of manufacture may be displayed at the center of the clock. In such a case, the two digits of the year in the type approval marking and in the inner circle of the clock shall be identical

f. The State authorizing the allocation of the mark, indicated by the distinguishing sign for motor vehicles in international traffic.

g. The name of the manufacturer or other identification of the packaging specified by the competent authority.

Each packaging intended for use according to this Code shall bear markings which are durable, legible and placed in such a location and of such a size relative to the packaging as to be readily visible.

For packages with a gross mass of more than 30 kg, the markings or a duplicate thereof shall appear on the top or on a side of the packaging. Letters, numerals and symbols shall be at least 12 mm high, except for packagings of 30 ℓ or 30 kg capacity or less, when they shall be at least 6 mm in height, and for packagings of 5 ℓ or 5 kg or less, when they shall be of an appropriate size.

All marking shall be applied in the sequence; each element of the marking required as above shall be clearly separated, e.g., by a slash or space, so as to be easily identifiable.

After Reconditioning, the reconditioner shall apply to it, in the following sequence, a durable marking showing:

(h) the State in which the reconditioning was carried out, indicated by the distinguishing sign for motor vehicles in international traffic;

(i) the name of the reconditioner or other identification of the packaging specified by the competent authority;

(j) the year of reconditioning; the letter “R”; and, for every packaging successfully passing the Leakproofness, the additional letter “L”.

Sample UN Marks for a new fibreboard box

For more information, refer to Chapter 6.1 of IMDG Code