Packaging codes for describing packaged dangerous substances

Both the national rules and the international ADR agreement prescribe that only approved packagings suitable for packing dangerous goods may be used for the transport of dangerous goods. So what packaging codes are there for describing packaged dangerous substances? Find out from this Honexpres article!

Packaging codes for describing packaged dangerous substances

The packagings that can be approved are described in the ADR Agreement, and following approval they are assigned an approval code, which contains a code identifying the type of packaging.

Example of an approval mark:

This packaging code, which indicates in particular the type and the material of the packaging, may be used in the transport document to describe how the dangerous goods are packed. It is not mandatory to state the packaging identification code in the transport document, but it can be useful information which may significantly reduce waiting time during checks.

What is more, the packaging code may be stated only as a supplement, in addition to the description of the type and method of packing.

Example of a description:

“ ……..5 drums, 500 litres in total” – a correct description without a packaging code.

This description does not reveal the type and material of the packaging. Consequently, in order to verify whether the drum (in this case) may be used for packing and carrying the dangerous goods in question, the inspection body has to identify the packaging code marked on the packaging. This check can take time. It may be necessary to open the overpack, which makes the inspection more difficult and longer.

“……….5 drums(1A1), 500 litres in total” – a correct and complete description with a packaging code (as a supplement)

This description is more complete. The packaging identification code is given in brackets. The inspection authorities can thus check very quickly whether the goods are compatible with the type of packaging.

“…….5 pieces of 1A1, 500 litres in total” – an incorrect description, because the name of the packaging does not appear; only the packaging code appears, which may be used only in addition to the name of the packaging.

The codes for the types of packaging authorised under the ADR Agreement

Packaging codes for intermediate bulk containers (IBCs)

The codes for large packagings are made up of two parts:

1. The type of large packaging

   51- flexible large packaging

50 – rigid large packaging

2. The material of the packaging:

A. Steel (all types and surface treatments)

B. Aluminium

C. Natural wood

D. Plywood

F. Reconstituted wood (reconditioned)

G. Fibreboard

H. Plastics material

L. Textile

M. Paper, multiwall

N. Metal (other than steel or aluminium)

P. Glass, porcelain or stoneware.

Examples of descriptions of goods in the transport document

UN 1263 PAINT 3 II (D\E) 15 JERRICANS(1H1) with a total of 450 litres

1H1 – JERRICAN(1) made of PLASTICS(H) with Non-removable head(1)

UN 2067 AMMONIUM NITRATE BASED FERTILIZER 5.1 III (E) 100 BAGS(5L3) with a total of 500 kg

5H3 – bag(5) made of textile(H), water resistant(3)

UN 1090 ACETONE 3 II (D\E) 5 intermediate bulk containers(31H1) with a total of 5000 litres

31H1 – intermediate bulk container made of RIGID PLASTICS(H), for LIQUIDS(31), with structural equipment(1)

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