UN Certification for IBCs: What You Need to Know

What is UN Certification?

United Nations (UN) certification indicates that an IBC has been tested and approved for transporting hazardous materials according to international standards. This certification is mandatory for shipping dangerous goods.

Understanding UN Markings

UN-certified IBCs display markings that provide key information:

• UN Symbol: Circle containing "UN" or "UN" in a circle
• Packaging Type: 31H1 (composite IBC) or 31A (steel IBC)
• Packing Group: X, Y, or Z indicating hazard level
• Gross Mass: Maximum weight when full
• Date of Manufacture: Month and year
• Country Code: Where testing was performed

Packing Groups Explained

Packing Group I (X)

High danger—most rigorous testing. For highly hazardous materials.

Packing Group II (Y)

Medium danger—standard hazardous materials.

Packing Group III (Z)

Low danger—minor hazard materials only.

Certification Requirements

UN certification involves testing for:

• Drop testing
• Stacking/compression testing
• Hydrostatic pressure testing
• Vibration testing

Maintaining Certification

UN certification has a validity period (typically 5 years from manufacture). Reconditioned IBCs must be re-tested and re-certified. Damaged containers lose certification.

Legal Requirements

Transporting hazardous materials in non-certified containers violates DOT regulations and can result in significant fines. Always verify certification status before shipping dangerous goods.