IATA Outer Packagings Bags

IATA DGR subsection 6.2 provides specifications for a variety of different packaging types. The following are different types of bags used for packaging:

Textile bags sift-proof packagings are impermeable to dry contents, such as fine solid material, produced during transport. Examples of sift-proof packagings include paper bonded or film bonded inner surfaces. Water-resistant textile bags prevent the entry of moisture by using separate inner liners, or by using plastic film or similar material bonded to the inner surface of the bag. Textile bags are divided into two categories:

• 5L2 - sift-proof textile bags
• 5L3 - water-resistant textile bags

Woven plastic bags must be made of stretched tapes or monofilaments of a suitable plastic material. If the fabric is woven flat, the bag must be made by sewing or some other method to ensure closure at the bottom and one side. If the fabric is tubular, the bag must be closed by sewing, weaving, or another equally strong method of closure. Woven plastic bags are divided into three categories:

• 5H1 - without an inner lining or coating
• 5H2 - sift-proof woven plastic
• 5H3 - water-resistant woven plastic

Plastic film bags are coded as 5H4. They must be made of a suitable plastic material, and the joins and closures must withstand pressures and impacts that may occur during normal conditions of transport.

Paper bags must be made of suitable kraft paper or an equivalent of at least three plies. The middle ply must be net-cloth and adhesively bonded to the outer ply. All joins and closures must be sift-proof. To prevent moisture, water resistant bags must be composed of four or more plies, and the outer ply must be water resistant or a water-resistant barrier must be used. Paper bags are divided into two categories:

• 5M1 - multi-wall
• 5M2 - multi-wall, water resistant paper

*The maximum net weight of all bags is 50 kg. Review IATA DGR Subsections 6.2.14, 6.2.15, 6.2.16, and 6.2.18 for more details on textile, woven, plastic, and paper bags.

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