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UN Packaging Codes: How to Read UN Codes

International Packaging Regulations:

The basis of all national and international regulations for the safe transport of dangerous goods is the UN Recommendations of the Transport of Dangerous Goods of the "UN Committee of Experts" as published in "The Orange Book".  There are five different (relevant) Modal Authorities who each publish their own regulation manuals in which they follow "The Orange Book". These are the:

The Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air published by the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO).

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG) published by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) published by The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).

The International Agreement for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) published by The Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF).

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) (Title 49 CFR Parts 100-185) published by The Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, US DOT.

The UN Marking System

The U.N. marking system indicates several characteristics of the packaging, as well as information on the test levels the packaging has successfully passed. Because these test levels are related to the hazard level and physical and chemical characteristics of the substance to be filled, the markings also indicate some of the properties of the materials that may be packed in each container.