Packaging certification for the carriage of dangerous goods
All packaging intended for the carriage of dangerous goods must be certified by passing a series of tests and trials: drop, pressure, leak, stacking tests, etc. that vary according to the hazards and specifications of the product to be carried, the type of packaging and the means of transport employed.
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 6.1 of the ADR, the packaging must have certain characteristics and technical specifications that prove that they are suitable for the transport of dangerous goods by road and therefore to obtain the necessary certification. Certain tests similar to those conducted under the ADR are applied for the transport of dangerous goods in other means of transport. These measures are set forth in regulations such as IMDG, IATA and RID.
What regulations are applied to packaging certification for the carriage of dangerous goods?
The following regulations are applicable:
- ADR: Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road.
- IMDG: International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code.
- IATA/ICAO: International Air Transport Association (IATA) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (OACI) dangerous goods codes.
- RID: Regulation concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail.
Since breach of the rules could give rise to stiff financial penalties, these norms and standards define a series of quality requirements that must be met by packaging used for the transport of dangerous goods.
Therefore, all the packaging is subjected to strict testing to ensure that it meets the requirements to bear the United Nations (UN) marking. Once the packaging has passed the tests, a mark is engraved or printed in a visible place that informs the user regarding the certification obtained and therefore that it is fit for the type of transport in question.
What tests are used to certify packaging for the carriage of dangerous goods?
ITENE has a dangerous goods laboratory, and we conduct tests and trials on packaging, large bulk containers and outsized packaging for the carriage of dangerous goods and infectious substances by road, rail, sea and air (ADR, RID, IMDG, ICAO and IATA).
We perform the following tests:
- Drop and topple tests
- Watertightness and internal pressure tests
- Stacking test
- Chemical compatibility (white spirit, surfactant solution, nitric acid, butyl acetate, acetic acid and water) and permeability test
- Puncture test on packaging used with infectious substances
- Lift test from below and above
- Vibration test
- Tearing and righting test
Why is it necessary to certify your packaging for the carriage of dangerous goods?
- To comply with regulations related to the carriage of dangerous goods (ADR, RID, IMDG and IATA), for approval by the United Nations and to obtain the document that ensures that the packaging in question is suitable for the carriage of dangerous goods.
- For the safety of people and the environment.
- For reliable, safe carriage of dangerous goods
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How can I help you?
Ariana Gómez
Head of Packaging Systems Evaluation Laboratory
