- by Elay Plastic
- 02 August 2026
UN FIBCs for Dangerous Goods: Approval, Marking and Use
The essential difference between a general industrial FIBC and a UN-approved design type for regulated dangerous goods.
Dangerous-goods packaging starts with classification
A shipper must first identify the substance’s UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group and any special provisions. Only then can the applicable packaging instruction and permitted FIBC design be established.
A strong industrial bulk bag is not automatically authorized for dangerous goods. The packaging must correspond to an approved and tested UN design type for the intended contents and transport conditions.
What the UN marking represents
The UN mark identifies key elements of the approved packaging design, such as the FIBC code, tested packing-group level, month and year of manufacture, country authorization and manufacturer or approval identification. Additional figures can describe test load or maximum permissible gross mass according to the marking system.
The exact mark must remain legible and must correspond to the supplied design. It should not be copied to a materially different construction.
Packing group matters
Dangerous goods may be assigned to Packing Group I, II or III according to degree of danger, where applicable. The performance level shown in a packaging approval uses X, Y or Z conventions, but the permitted use must be checked against the relevant packing instruction and substance entry.
Do not choose a bag from the marking letter alone. Compatibility, maximum mass, filling limits and all special provisions still apply.
Design changes require control
Fabric, coating, liner, seams, dimensions, closures, lifting construction and other components can be part of the tested design type. An apparently small substitution may affect conformity with the approval.
Buyers should request the approval or test information relevant to the offered construction and ensure that production controls preserve the approved design.
Transport mode and jurisdiction
Road, rail, sea and air movements are governed by their applicable regulations, and national or modal provisions may differ. The consignor remains responsible for classification, packaging selection, filling, closure, marking, labelling and documentation.
Confirm the complete route and mode before ordering. A packaging solution acceptable for one movement should not be assumed acceptable everywhere.
Information to send with an enquiry
Provide the UN number, proper shipping name, class, packing group, physical form, particle size, bulk density, maximum net mass, filling temperature, transport modes, route countries, liner requirement and required discharge arrangement.
Final approval should be made by the shipper’s dangerous-goods specialist using the current applicable regulations. Supplier guidance supports—but does not replace—that legal responsibility.
Relevant standards and guidance
- UNECE Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods — Model Regulations
- The applicable modal and national dangerous-goods transport rules
Important: Final suitability depends on the packed product, process, handling environment and approved technical specification. Consult the responsible safety or dangerous-goods specialist where applicable.