Code for Designating Types of Packages

You may recall from learning about packing instructions in Part 4 that a specific designation is given to each type of package. Section 6.1.2 provides the details about such designations. It states that the packaging code consists of the following:

• A number indicating the kind of packaging including drums, jerricans, boxes, bags, and composite packagings
• An upper-case letter (or letters) indicating the nature of the material, including steel, aluminum, natural wood, plastics material, and others (see full list under 6.1.2.6)
• A number indicating the category of packaging within its type (used as necessary)

An example of this code is 6HD2. Find this code in the table under 6.1.2.7. The designation for the kind of packaging is 6 - composite packaging. For the types of materials, the receptacle is made of H - plastics material and this is placed inside a container made of D - plywood. The final 2 refers to the second entry under 6HD, where we learn that the plywood will be in a box shape. The last column of the table indicates the subsection in which specific provisions for this packaging combination are given.

To learn more about IMDG visit our International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code Online Training web page.