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    Dangerous Goods Packaging: Packing Dangerous Goods Correctly

    Dangerous goods explained simply: Here you can find out which marking is required for the packaging of dangerous goods, information on the packaging group, ADR-compliant packaging and UN packaging code.

    Information on Dangerous Goods Packaging

    Is your product you want to ship a dangerous good? The category of dangerous goods includes all goods that are potentially dangerous for humans, animals or the environment during transport. For example, because they are toxic, corrosive or flammable. These already include hairspray, aftershave, batteries and lighters. Dangerous goods must be shipped in special dangerous goods packaging with labelling and a UN packaging code.

    On this page you will find a lot of important, general information about packing, shipping and labeling dangerous goods. Our recommendation: Consult a trained expert on the subject of dangerous goods. So that your dangerous goods arrive safely and nothing goes wrong during transport. At Model, we develop special dangerous goods packaging based on your requirements. Get in touch with our experienced experts:

    Dangerous Goods Packaging & Packaging Material

    UN Packaging Code

    Dangerous Goods Packaging

    Special boxes made of corrugated cardboard safely transport dangerous goods by land, rail, air and sea. Dangerous goods boxes protect their contents and in the event of an accident, no one is harmed by leaking liquids or explosives. We offer tested, ADR-compliant packaging for dangerous goods.

    Wrapping

    Adhesive Tape & Accessories

    Extremely tear-resistant and glass-fibre reinforced: If you seal dangerous goods packaging, you need 75 millimetre wide filament adhesive tape in accordance with the regulations. In addition, an inner bag made of durable LD-PE film protects the contents. As a cushioning material for dangerous goods, it is best to choose vermiculite, which shields the heat in the event of a fire.

    Marking

    Dangerous Goods Labels

    Your dangerous goods belong to one of nine classes: Dangerous goods are classified according to the danger they pose. To ensure that they are immediately recognised during transport, you must attach a corresponding diamond-shaped label to the shipping box. Be careful not to wrap this and other important information around the corners of your box or cover it with tape.

    Dangerous goods packaging: important terms briefly explained

    ADR-compliant packaging

    ADR stands for "International Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods". It contains regulations on how dangerous goods packaging for road traffic must be designed.

    Dangerous Goods Class

    Dangerous goods are divided into several classes – according to the type of danger they pose. The class is noted on the dangerous goods label that is attached to the packaging.

    UN Packaging Code

    UN dangerous goods packaging with the corresponding code is approved for the transport of dangerous goods. They are tested by an officially recognized body and have to pass various tests.

    Dangerous goods packaging explained in detail

    There is a lot to consider when packing dangerous goods and you probably have some questions. We have the answers for you. Would you like individual advice on your dangerous goods packaging? Get in touch with our experienced experts.

    What do the dangerous goods classes mean?

    Dangerous goods are divided into nine classes (some with subclasses) according to the danger they pose. The dangerous goods label on the shipping packaging indicates the dangerous goods class.

    Class 1: Explosives

    Class 2: Gases and gaseous substances

    Class 3: Liquids

    Class 4.1: Flammable solids

    Class 4.2: Spontaneously combustible substances

    Class 4.3: Substances which emit flammable gases in contact with water

    Class 5.1: Flammable substances

    Class 5.2: Organic peroxides

    Class 6.1: Toxic substances

    Class 6.2: Infectious substances

    Class 7: Radioactive substances

    Class 8: Corrosive substances

    Class 9: Miscellaneous hazardous substances

    To which packaging group does my dangerous goods belong?

    What does the UN packaging code mean?

    Dangerous goods are assigned to a packaging group depending on how much risk the respective packaged goods pose: Group I for high risk, Group II for medium risk, Group III for low risk.


    The dangerous goods packaging X, Y and Z are suitable for the different groups: X for dangerous goods of groups I, II and III. Y for dangerous goods of groups II and III. Z only for dangerous goods of group III.

    The UN packaging code (approval number) of dangerous goods packaging is made up of various information. Here is an example: UN4G/Y20/S/22/CH/4204519-MODEL

    • The marking always begins with the letters "UN"
    • 4G: the number describes the type of packaging (4 = box, box, carton), the letter the material used (G = cardboard)
    • Y: the group of packaging
    • 20: the maximum gross weight of the packaging (including contents)
    • S: the type of substance that may be transported in the packaging (S = solid, L = liquid, G = gas)
    • 22: the year of manufacture of the packaging (2022)
    • CH: the country code in which the packaging has been tested and approved

    4204519-MODEL: the approval number of the packaging manufacturer

    What are the regulations for the carriage of dangerous goods?

    The International Agreement on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (ADR) contains regulations on packaging, load securing and marking for road transport. There are also special transport regulations for maritime, air and rail transport.

    Packing dangerous goods step by step

    Step 1

    Choosing Your Dangerous Goods Box

    Select the packaging group of your dangerous goods as well as the required packaging size. If markings and labels don't fit on one side, you'll need a larger box.

    Step 2

    Choose Accessories & Closure

    In addition to the prescribed filament tape, you should use secure inner bags and non-flammable vermiculite as cushioning material for your dangerous goods.

    Step 3

    Attaching information

    According to the dangerous goods regulations, the UN number, the dangerous goods label and the orientation arrows must be clearly visible on one side of your outer packaging.

    Buy packaging for your dangerous goods