This guide identifies the key information required to ensure that selected packaging will pass the United Nations (UN) packaging certification at the level that is appropriate for its intended use. This guide covers test procedures for transportation of hazardous material packagings for net masses except those used for infectious substances, radioactive materials, cylinders, and other receptacles for gases and does not replace domestic or international requlatory requirements for hazardous material packagings. The UN performance tests are based on the degree of hazard posed by the proposed materials to be packaged which are also assigned to a specific packing group. Only packaging designs that meet the UN performance standards are to be marked with a UN mark. Tests include drop test, leakproofness test, stack test, vibration test, pressure differential test, hydrostatic pressure test, and cobb water absorption test.

1.1 The main focus of this guide is to identify the key information required for United Nations (UN) packaging certification to ensure the selected packaging will be certified to the appropriate level for its intended use. This document also provides guidance for locating relevant sections of the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Consult with a regulatory specialist whenever needed.

1.2 This guide is intended to assist in determining the appropriate performance tests required to certify packaging designs to the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations performance oriented packaging standards based on the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

1.3 This guide covers the testing for transportation of hazardous materials packagings for net masses not exceeding 400 kg (880 lb) or capacities not exceeding 450 L (119 gal), excepting packagings for infectious substances, radioactive materials, cylinders and other receptacles for gases.

1.4 This guide does not replace domestic or international regulatory requirements for hazardous materials packaging but is strongly recommended to be used in conjunction with those regulations.

1.5 The user of this guide must be trained in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations as required by 172.700 and should be familiar with other applicable hazardous materials regulations such as; International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air, and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) and carrier rules such as International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.