IATA Outer Packaging Drums

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

Steel drums must be constructed of a suitable type of steel sheet with an adequate thickness for its intended use. Steel drums are divided into two categories:

• 1A1 - steel drum with a non-removable head
• 1A2 - steel drum with a removable head

Aluminum drums must be constructed of aluminum that is at least 99% pure or of an aluminum base alloy. The material must be constructed of a suitable type with an adequate thickness for its intended use. Aluminum drums are also divided into two categories:

• 1A1 - steel drum with a non-removable head
• 1A2 - steel drum with a removable head

Metal drums must be constructed of a metal or a metal alloy other than steel or aluminum. The metal must be of suitable type and adequate thickness for its intended use. Metal drums are divided into two categories:

• 1N1 - metal drum with non-removable head
• 1N2 - metal drum with removable head

Plywood Drums are coded as 1D. The wood used must be well-seasoned, commercially dry, and free from any defects that could lessen the effectiveness of the drum. The plywood must be at least two-ply for the body and at least three-ply for the heads. The plies must be glued together with water-resistant adhesive with their grain arranged crosswise. The lids must be lined with kraft paper or an equivalent material.

Fiber drums are coded as 1G. The body of the drum must consist of multiple plies of heavy paper or fiberboard without corrugations, firmly glued or laminated together. The heads must consist of natural wood, fiberboard, metal, plywood, or other suitable material. A protective layer may be used on the body or heads.

Plastic drums must be manufactured from suitable plastic and be of adequate strength. It must also be resistant to aging and degradation caused either by the substance contained or by ultra-violet radiation. Closures for removable heads must be designed to remain secure and leakproof under normal conditions of transport. Plastic drums are divided into two categories:

• 1H1 - plastic drum with non-removable head
• 1H2 - plastic drum with removable head

*The maximum capacity for steel, aluminum, and other metal drums is 450L, and the maximum net weight is 400kg.
*The maximum capacity for plywood drums is 250 L and fiber drums is 450L, and the maximum net weight is 400 kg.
*The maximum capacity for plastic drums is 450 L, and the maximum net weight is 400 kg.

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