What is UN-Approved Packaging? And why your business cant ignore it

23 June 2025 by CSG

What is UN-Approved packaging?

United Nations (UN) Approved Packaging is packaging which has been designed and certified to enable the safe transportation of Dangerous Goods via road, sea, rail or air.

When and why it’s required

UN-approved packaging isn’t just a recommendation, it is a legal requirement when hazardous materials or waste is involved. UN approval is the way to ensure that packaging meets the conditions necessary to store hazardous substances in the safest possible way.

UN-approved packaging is required when transporting or storing materials classified as dangerous goods or hazardous waste. This includes materials such as:

• Hazardous chemicals such as solvents, acids, and flammable liquids
• Contaminated medical waste, including sharps, infectious materials, and pharmaceutical residues
• Industrial byproducts from manufacturing, processing, or cleanup operations
• Asbestos, pesticides, oils, and other regulated materials classified under transport regulations

Any waste stream that presents a physical, chemical, or biological hazard during handling or transport typically falls under these requirements.

Decoding UN packaging markings

It should not be too difficult to determine UN certified packaging. The letters “UN” should be printed on the package, preceding the rest of the code. But after the UN symbol is where the letters and numbers might get confusing if you don’t know how to read the rest of the markings. Here’s a breakdown of how to read them:

Type of package

UN markings will always begin with a number that identifies the type of package that it is. These numbers range from 0 through 6 and are, in order:

0. Light gauge metal packaging

1. Drums

2. Barrels

3. Jerricans

4. Boxes

5. Bags

6. Composites

In our example above, the “4” would stand for “boxes.”

Material and category

After the type of package is designated, the material used in the package is listed. This is marked as a letter, ranging from A to P:

• Steel (A)
• Aluminum (B)
• Wood (C)
• Plywood (D)
• Reconstituted Wood (F)
• Fibreboard (G)
• Plastic (H)
• Textile (L)
• Paper (M)
• Other Metal (N)
• Glass (P)

Following the material, any subcategory is listed. For example, drum packaging may have a removable or non-removable head. Boxes may be ordinary or with coatings. These subcategories are often listed with a number. The “H” would mean that this is a plastic box in our example above.

Packaging group

Next, you’ll find a letter – either X, Y, or Z – indicating the hazardous packaging group that the item classifies as. Products are broken down into three Packing Groups (PG). Packing Group I (X) indicates a high level of danger; Packing Group II (Y) indicates medium risk, and Packing Group III (Z) indicates a low level of danger. Following the packaging group indication, the max gross mass is listed.

Solid or liquid?

Next, the marking will indicate whether the substance is a solid or a liquid. If it’s a solid, an “S” will display. If it’s a liquid, its hydraulic test pressure is listed in numeric form in kPa. 

Year and Country of manufacture

The next two pieces of the code are the last two digits of the year the package was manufactured and where the package was manufactured. For instance, a package that was made in 2023 in the United States, like our example above, will appear “2023 USA” or “23 USA.”

UN certifying agency/manufacturer

The last letter and numbers in the marking are the manufacturer certifying code. 

Different types of UN-Approved packaging

Choosing the right type of UN-approved packaging is just as important as using certified containers in the first place. Different waste streams require different types of packaging to ensure that they are being transported safely.

In this section we will explore the most common UN-approved packaging types, their typical applications, and the pros and cons of each.

Drums

Types:

• Steel drums (code: 1A1 or 1A2) – suitable for flammable or corrosive liquids
• Plastic drums (code: 1H1 or 1H2) – often used for acids, oils, and non-reactive hazardous liquids

Applications:

• Solvents, flammable liquids, chemicals, oily waste, contaminated absorbents

Advantages:

• Durable and easy to transport
• Available in a range of sizes (typically 30L to 450L)
• Reusable if properly reconditioned

Limitations:

• Not ideal for very fine powders or sharps unless lined
• Plastic drums may degrade under UV or high-heat conditions

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)

Types:

• Rigid IBCs (code: 31HA1) – high-capacity plastic containers in metal cages
• Composite IBCs – combine a plastic inner layer with a protective outer frame
• Flexible IBCs – Woven flexible material with inner lining
• Wooden, Fibreboard & Metal IBCs

Applications:

• Large volumes of liquid waste (e.g., solvents, cleaning agents, wastewater)
• Large volumes of solids (interceptor sludge, rubble)

Advantages:

• Hold up to 3m³ liquids or solids
• Efficient for bulk transport
• Stackable and space-saving

Limitations:

• Higher initial cost
• May require forklifts or pallet jacks for movement
• Not suitable for highly reactive or oxidizing substances unless specifically certified

Jerricans

Types:

• Plastic jerricans (code: 3H1)
• Metal jerricans (code: 3A1 or 3B1)

Applications:

• Smaller quantities of liquids: fuels, chemicals, lab waste

Advantages:

• Easy to handle and pour
• Ideal for lab environments or small-scale operations
• Cost-effective for frequent use

Limitations:

• Limited volume (typically up to 50L)
• Can be unstable if stacked improperly

Boxes and Crates

Types:

• Fibreboard boxes (code: 4G)
• Plastic crates (code: 4H2)
• Often used with inner packaging (e.g., sealed bags or bottles)

Applications:

• Dry or solid waste, contaminated PPE, medical sharps (with inner sharps containers), small containers of liquids

Advantages:

• Lightweight and easy to label
• Often used for combination packaging
• Low cost

Limitations:

• Not suitable for heavy or liquid materials
• Susceptible to moisture damage (especially fibreboard)

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even when companies use UN-approved packaging, a wide range of mistakes can still occur. These common errors can lead to leaks, environmental damage and potentially injuries in the workplace. Below are some pitfalls waste handlers face and how you can avoid them.

Using incorrect or expired packaging

Not all UN-certified packaging is created for the same purpose. A container rated for solids may not be suitable for liquids, and packaging approved for Packing Group III isn’t suitable for all hazardous materials.

The fix:

• Check UN codes to ensure compatibility with your specific waste stream.
• Review the certification date – UN markings must be legible and within the allowed usage period.
• Never assume “any” UN container will do. Match it to the waste’s hazard class and physical form.

Overloading or mislabelling

Filling dangerous goods packaging beyond its approved capacity or applying incorrect or missing labels can lead to spills and even legal consequences.

The fix:

• Always follow the weight, pressure, and volume limits on the UN mark.
• Use standardized labels for the waste type, UN number, and hazard class.
• Include handling instructions and ensure labels are weather-resistant and clearly visible.

Not training staff on packaging codes

Even the best containers are useless if employees don’t understand what the codes mean or how to use them properly. Untrained staff are more likely to misuse UN packaging.

The fix:

• Train relevant staff on UN markings and compatibility.
• Include packaging as part of regular training.
• Post quick-reference guides or signage in packaging and loading areas.

At CSG, we can help businesses like yours select the right UN-approved packaging for your waste. Whether you’re unsure what packaging is right for your waste stream or need expert advice, we are here to support you.

Get in touch with us today at 0800 011 6600 or make an enquiry here.