Marking

Each package that is intended for carrying dangerous goods must bear a specific set of markings. These markings indicate that the package corresponds to a successfully tested design type and that it complies with the IMDG Code provisions. Note that this compliance pertains to the specifications for the package itself. It does not necessarily confirm that the package can be used for a specific substance. A letter code is given to a package has been successfully tested for use with different packing groups. These are designated as follows:

• X - Suitable for packing groups I, II, III
• Y - Suitable for packing groups II and III
• Z - Suitable for packing group III only
• S - Suitable for the transport of solids or inner packagings

The package must be durably marked with a UN symbol and sequence of letters and numbers indicating the type of packaging, the packing groups for which it has been successfully tested, its capacity, a letter or number indicating whether it is an inner or outer packaging, the year of manufacture, the state authorizing the package, and the name of the manufacturer.

When a package conforms to more than one tested packaging design type, the packaging may display more than one mark indicating the applicable packaging test requirements have been met.

The following is an example of a marking code:

1H2/Y250/S/07

USA M-4152

This code specifies a plastic open-head drum for Packing groups II and III, that can carry 250 kg of solid material. The drum bearing this code was manufactured in 2007 in the United States, by manufacturer M-4152. Various marking provisions are also outlined for packagings that are reconditioned or salvaged.

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