Dangerous goods packaging: Pack dangerous goods properly

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

Information on dangerous goods packaging

Is the product you want to ship considered a dangerous good? All goods that are potentially dangerous to people, animals or the environment during transport fall into the category of dangerous goods. For example because they are toxic, caustic or flammable. This already includes hairspray, aftershave, batteries and lighters. You must send dangerous goods in special dangerous goods packaging with labeling and a UN packaging code.

On this page you will find a lot of important, general information about packaging, 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. Contact our experienced experts:

Dangerous goods packaging & packaging material

UN packing code

Dangerous goods packaging

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

Packing material

Tape & accessories

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

Labelling

Dangerous goods labels

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

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 packing code

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

Dangerous goods packaging explained in detail

When packing dangerous goods, you have a lot to consider and you probably have a few questions. We have the answers for you. Would you like individual advice on your dangerous goods packaging? Contact 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 shows the dangerous goods class.

Class 1: Explosive substances

Class 2: Gases and gaseous substances

Class 3: Liquid substances

Class 4.1: Flammable solids

Class 4.2: Spontaneously combustible substances

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

Class 5.1: Substances with an inflammatory effect

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: Various dangerous substances

Which packaging group does my dangerous goods belong to?

Dangerous goods are assigned to a packaging group depending on how much danger 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 appropriate for the different groups: X for dangerous goods of groups I, II and III. Y for group II and III dangerous goods. Z only for group III dangerous goods.

What does the UN packaging code mean?

The UN packaging code (approval number) of dangerous goods packaging is made up of various information. Here’s 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, crate, carton), the letter the material used (G = cardboard)
  • Y: the group of packaging
  • 20: the maximum gross mass of the packaging (including content)
  • 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 was tested and approved

4204519-MODEL: the packaging manufacturer’s approval number

What are the regulations for the transport of dangerous goods?

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

Pack dangerous goods step by step

Step 1

Choose your dangerous goods box

Select the packaging group for your hazardous goods and the packaging size you require. If markers and labels don’t fit on one side, you 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

Attach 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