Packing Methods

The following types of packaging are the most commonly used for air transport:

Single packaging contains the article or substance enclosed in a single container, and usually no outer packaging is required. It may be constructed of steel, aluminum, plywood, fiberboard, or plastic. Small single packagings with a capacity of 2L or less should be overpacked to facilitate handling and provide adequate protection.

Composite packaging consists of an outer packaging and an inner receptacle that are constructed to form an integral packaging. Once assembled, it remains as an integrated, single unit.

Combination packaging consists of one or more inner packaging secured in an outer packaging. The inner packaging may require cushioning and absorbent material, as indicated in the applicable packing instruction. The outer packaging may be manufactured from wood, fiberboard, plastic, or metal.

An overpack is an enclosure used by a single shipper to contain one or more packages. It forms one handling unit for convenience in handling and storage. Examples of overpacks include packages strapped together, packages strapped to a pallet or skid, a wooden crate containing multiple single packages, and strong boxes or drums that contain multiple inner packages.

Each dangerous goods package within an overpack must be properly packed, marked, and labeled according to the DGR. It must also be free of any damage or leakage, and it must not impair the intended function of each package. An overpack must not contain packages containing different substances that might react dangerously with one another. Note that an overpack may contain packages of goods that are not subject to these Regulations.

An overpack must clearly display all markings representative of each dangerous good in the overpack. If that is not possible, the word "Overpack" must be marked, along with any required markings specified in DGR 7.1.4. The lettering of the "Overpack" marking must be at least 12 mm high; this size requirement went into effect on January 1, 2016.

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