Direct answer
The UN-specific packaging is designed in accordance with the United Nations system for the transport of dangerous goods and has been tested with prescribed performance. The UN marking on the packaging indicates the type of design, performance level, permitted content form or relative density, year of manufacture, country and manufacturer, but does not represent that the packaging is suitable for all hazardous goods.
What do you think of the UN logo?
Typical markings may contain:UN4G/Y30/S/26/CN/manufacturer code。
4GFibreboard boxes;Yperformance level, which can be used for eligible packing class II or III goods;30: The maximum total mass allowed for solid or packaged packaging, usually in kg;S: For solid or inner packaging;26Year of manufacture;CN_: States authorizing the use of markings;- Final field: Manufacturer or approval identification code.
The label fields for a single package of liquids differ and usually also involve relative density and hydraulic pressure. The above example cannot be used to determine directly whether specific liquid packagings are in compliance.
Select a six-step process for packing
- Confirm UN number, correct transport name, category and packing class.
- Query packing instructions and special provisions applicable to the current mode of transport.
- The goods are identified as liquid, solid, gas, contents or articles.
- Check the type of packaging, the individual net content and the whole volume limit.
- Select an overpack that meets the required performance level and is compatible with the contents.
- Complete sealing, adsorption, leakproofing, buffering, marking and tagging.
What does X, Y, Z mean?
| Tags | Corresponding packing levels |
|---|---|
| X | I, II or III, still subject to specific entry requirements |
| Y | II or III |
| Z | III |
Higher performance levels do not mean that packaging instructions can be ignored. Certain goods are also restricted by the contents, sealing, maximum capacity, temperature control or special regulations.
Common Errors
- Seeing UN markings makes it possible to fit any dangerous goods;
- Use of paper boxes that exceed the conditions of effective use or are damaged or in a state of tide;
- Liquid packagings that do not check compatibility, relative density or test pressure;
- The actual gross mass exceeds the corresponding limit of the UN mark;
- The original test certificate shall be deemed valid after the replacement of the packaging or arrangement;
- The U.N. performance packaging is mixed with the use of the U.N. package at the mainland export chain.
FAQ
Can a UN label outside a normal box become a UN box?
Can't. The UN-specific packaging shall be marked with the type of packaging that has been designed and tested for performance and shall not be eligible by sticker.
Can the UN box be used again?
Whether this depends on the type of packaging, status, original approval conditions and applicable rules. Before reuse, the intensity, contamination, tact, seal and marking readability must be checked.
Should Hong Kong still be packaged with UN?
Where the goods and applicable packing instructions require UN-specified packaging, the place of origin change does not remove the international transport requirement. Individual limited or excepted quantities of entries may be subject to different packing rules and may require consideration for each ship.
Official References
- UN Model Regulations, Rev.24, Part 6
- ICAO Technical Instructions, Part 4 and Part 6
- IATA DGR, 67th Edition (2026)
- IMDG Code, Amendment 42-24
This is a general comment only. The selection of packagings must be reviewed in conjunction with specific UN entries, quantities, packing instructions and carrier requests.