Woven plastic FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) used for the transportation of dangerous goods may carry UN packaging markings. A typical marking example is:
13H4/Y/250/S/19/CN/ABC123
Each section of the marking provides specific information about the packaging type, material, performance classification, and manufacturer identification.
1. 13 – Packaging Category Code
The number 13 identifies a flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) under the UN packaging classification system. It distinguishes flexible IBCs from rigid and composite IBCs.
2. H – Material Identification
The letter H indicates that the bag body is made of woven plastic material. Most industrial FIBCs are manufactured using polypropylene (PP) woven fabric. Virgin PP resin may be used depending on the manufacturer's material specifications.
3. Final Digit (1/2/3/4) – FIBC Design Type
The final digit identifies the construction type of the woven plastic FIBC:
These codes describe the packaging construction. They do not independently indicate a specific moisture-resistance or leakage-protection level.
4. X/Y/Z – Packing Group Performance Level
The letters indicate the dangerous goods packing groups for which the FIBC has been approved:
Packing Group I represents a high degree of danger, Packing Group II a medium degree of danger, and Packing Group III a low degree of danger.
5. 250 – Maximum Gross Mass
The number 250 indicates the maximum permissible gross mass of the package, expressed in kilograms.
In this example, the maximum gross mass is 250 kg, including the packaging and its contents.
6. S – Solid Substances
The letter S indicates that the FIBC is intended for the transport of solid substances.
7. 19 – Year of Manufacture
The number 19 indicates that the FIBC was manufactured in 2019.
8. CN – Country of Manufacture
The letters CN identify China as the country of manufacture.
9. ABC123 – Manufacturer Identification Code
ABC123 represents the manufacturer's identification code specified in the applicable UN approval marking. It helps identify the manufacturer and trace the packaging to its relevant approval documentation.
Important Considerations When Reading UN FIBC Markings
A UN marking indicates that an FIBC has undergone the applicable performance testing and has been approved for specific dangerous goods packaging applications.
However, a UN-certified FIBC is not automatically suitable for every type of dangerous goods. Before selecting a UN-certified FIBC, users should verify its design type, packing group, maximum gross mass, intended contents, and relevant approval documentation in accordance with applicable transport regulations.
Woven plastic FIBCs (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) used for the transportation of dangerous goods may carry UN packaging markings. A typical marking example is:
13H4/Y/250/S/19/CN/ABC123
Each section of the marking provides specific information about the packaging type, material, performance classification, and manufacturer identification.
1. 13 – Packaging Category Code
The number 13 identifies a flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) under the UN packaging classification system. It distinguishes flexible IBCs from rigid and composite IBCs.
2. H – Material Identification
The letter H indicates that the bag body is made of woven plastic material. Most industrial FIBCs are manufactured using polypropylene (PP) woven fabric. Virgin PP resin may be used depending on the manufacturer's material specifications.
3. Final Digit (1/2/3/4) – FIBC Design Type
The final digit identifies the construction type of the woven plastic FIBC:
These codes describe the packaging construction. They do not independently indicate a specific moisture-resistance or leakage-protection level.
4. X/Y/Z – Packing Group Performance Level
The letters indicate the dangerous goods packing groups for which the FIBC has been approved:
Packing Group I represents a high degree of danger, Packing Group II a medium degree of danger, and Packing Group III a low degree of danger.
5. 250 – Maximum Gross Mass
The number 250 indicates the maximum permissible gross mass of the package, expressed in kilograms.
In this example, the maximum gross mass is 250 kg, including the packaging and its contents.
6. S – Solid Substances
The letter S indicates that the FIBC is intended for the transport of solid substances.
7. 19 – Year of Manufacture
The number 19 indicates that the FIBC was manufactured in 2019.
8. CN – Country of Manufacture
The letters CN identify China as the country of manufacture.
9. ABC123 – Manufacturer Identification Code
ABC123 represents the manufacturer's identification code specified in the applicable UN approval marking. It helps identify the manufacturer and trace the packaging to its relevant approval documentation.
Important Considerations When Reading UN FIBC Markings
A UN marking indicates that an FIBC has undergone the applicable performance testing and has been approved for specific dangerous goods packaging applications.
However, a UN-certified FIBC is not automatically suitable for every type of dangerous goods. Before selecting a UN-certified FIBC, users should verify its design type, packing group, maximum gross mass, intended contents, and relevant approval documentation in accordance with applicable transport regulations.