IATA Placement of Markings

All markings must be placed on packages or overpacks so that no part of the marking or any other required marking or label is covered or obscured in any way. Markings that relate to one another should be placed together so as not to cause confusion or limit their effectiveness. In addition, all markings should meet the following requirements:

• Durable and printed or otherwise marked on, or affixed to, the external surface of the package or overpack
• Readily visible and legible
• Able to withstand open weather exposure
• Displayed on background of contrasting color
• Written in English, in addition to the language required by the State of origin
• Each package containing dangerous goods should be marked with the following information:
• Proper shipping name, including the UN or ID number and supplemental technical or chemical name, if applicable
• Full name and address of the shipper and the consignee
• The net quantity of dangerous goods contained

Additional information may be required depending on the type of dangerous good being transported.

Salvage packaging must also have the word "SALVAGE" included as part of the marking. The letters must be at least 12 mm high.

Empty packaging that previously contained dangerous goods must be marked as if it still contained the dangerous goods, unless it has been properly cleaned, purged of vapors, and refilled with non-dangerous goods to nullify any hazard.

Packages shipped under the limited quantities provision must be marked with the limited quantities marking.

If two or more dangerous goods are packed in the same outer packaging, the package must be marked as required for each dangerous good substance.

An overpack must clearly display all markings representative of each dangerous good in the overpack. If that is not possible, the word "Overpack" in letters at least 12 mm high must be marked, along with any required markings specified in 7.1.4.1(a), (b), (e) through (i), total net quantity of dry ice, if applicable, 7.1.4.4, 7.1.5.1 through 7.1.5.3, and any special handling instructions. If a consignment consists of more than one overpack, the operator requires each overpack to show an identification mark and the total quantity of dangerous goods per UN number, as indicated on the Shipper's Declaration.

There are specific size requirements for markings. Package and overpack use markings and the UN/ID number must be at least 12 mm high, except for packagings of 30 L or 30 kg capacity or less, which should have a minimum height of 6 mm.

Additional markings or symbols indicating precautions to be taken while handling or storing the package may be displayed as appropriate. For example, a symbol representing an umbrella indicates that the package should be kept dry. Similarly, if the package contains environmentally hazardous substances (UN3077 and UN3082), the package must be durably marked with the environmentally hazardous substance marking shown in Figure 7.1.B as well as the Class 9 hazard label shown in Figure 7.3.W. These labels must be applied on one face of the package, and not in a way that the label can be folded or bent so it appears on multiple faces of the package. If a package orientation label is affixed to a package or overpack, the words "THIS END UP" or "THIS SIDE UP" should be marked on the package.

Markings required by other international or national transport regulations are permitted in addition to the markings required by these Regulations, provided they do not conflict or cause confusion. However, arrows for purposes other than indicating proper package orientation are prohibited on packages or overpacks containing liquid dangerous goods. It is recommended that you use International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognized symbols.

To learn more about IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations visit our IATA DGR Online Training Certification Courses web page.