UN Certified Big Bag: Dangerous Goods Transport Guide
Dangerous goods transport with UN certified FIBCs. ADR, RID and IMDG regulations, UN codes, test requirements and a guide to choosing the right big bag.
What is a UN Certified FIBC?
A UN certified big bag is an FIBC designed for the transport of dangerous goods.
It has passed the performance tests laid down by the United Nations.
It is certified under the UN 13H codes.
Why Does It Matter?
Packaging plays a critical role in the transport of dangerous goods:
- Human health
- Protection of the environment
- Transport safety
UN certification is proof that the big bag performs safely under the specified conditions.
UN Classification
UN Packaging Codes
Big bags made of woven plastic are classified under four codes in the UN 13H series:
| UN Code | Construction |
|---|---|
| 13H1 | Woven plastic, without coating or liner |
| 13H2 | Woven plastic, coated |
| 13H3 | Woven plastic, with liner |
| 13H4 | Woven plastic, coated and with liner |
Packing Group
Dangerous goods are divided into three packing groups according to their degree of danger. The packaging is tested at the level corresponding to the group of the substance to be carried:
| Group | Degree of danger | Marking letter | Drop test height |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG I | High | X | 1.8 m |
| PG II | Medium | Y | 1.2 m |
| PG III | Low | Z | 0.8 m |
Big bags are for solids only. Whether a substance may be carried in a big bag is determined by the ADR packing instruction assigned to its UN number: flexible IBCs (big bags) are authorised under packing instruction IBC08.
UN Test Requirements
For UN certification, big bags pass the following tests in an accredited laboratory:
1. Drop Test
Purpose: Resistance to being dropped during transport
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.8 m (PG I) · 1.2 m (PG II) · 0.8 m (PG III) |
| Load | Maximum gross mass |
2. Stacking Test
Purpose: Resistance to the load from above during storage
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration | 24 hours |
| Load | 1.8 × the total maximum gross mass of the big bags that may be stacked on top |
3. Top Lift Test
Purpose: Strength of loops and seams during lifting
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Load | 6 times the maximum net mass |
| Duration | 5 minutes |
4. Tear Test
Purpose: Resistance of the fabric to tearing
5. Topple and Righting Tests
Purpose: Retention of the contents when the bag topples, and the ability to lift a bag lying on its side upright by its loops
ADR, RID and IMDG Regulations
ADR (Road Transport)
ADR (Accord relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route) is the agreement governing the international carriage of dangerous goods by road, to which Turkey is also a party.
ADR requirements:
- UN certified packaging
- Appropriate marking and labelling
- Transport documents
RID (Rail Transport)
RID applies to the carriage of dangerous goods by rail. Its packaging requirements are aligned with ADR.
IMDG (Sea Transport)
The IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) governs the carriage of dangerous goods by sea.
Choosing a UN Certified Big Bag
Steps
- Identify the UN number and packing group of the substance
- Confirm that the ADR packing instruction permits the use of big bags
- Define the volume and dimensions from the bulk density of the product
- Select the UN code (13H1 – 13H4) that suits the product
Liner and Coating
| Property of the substance | Suitable construction |
|---|---|
| Moisture-sensitive substances | With liner (13H3 / 13H4) |
| Very fine powders | Coated or with liner (13H2 / 13H3 / 13H4) |
| Combustible dusts | Together with a Type C conductive big bag |
Marking
A UN certified big bag carries the following information:
- UN packaging symbol
- Packaging code and packing group letter (e.g. 13H1/Y)
- Month and year of manufacture
- Country authorising the approval
- Manufacturer’s identification
- Stacking test load and maximum gross mass
Antistatic Requirements
The transport of combustible dusts involves an electrostatic risk.
Type C + UN Combination
For the transport of dangerous goods in explosive atmospheres:
- UN certified big bag
- Type C conductive construction
- Mandatory grounding
This combination provides both regulatory compliance and protection against fire and explosion.
Karaca Ambalaj UN Certified FIBCs
Production
- UN 13H1, 13H2, 13H3 and 13H4
- Packing group I, II and III performance levels
- Type C conductive option
Testing and Certification
- Testing in an accredited laboratory
- UN approval documents
Technical Support
- Selection of the appropriate big bag type
- Support with marking and documentation
Conclusion
In the transport of dangerous goods, a UN certified big bag:
- Is a legal requirement
- Provides tested safety
- Is accepted internationally
Contact our technical team about choosing the right UN certified FIBC for your chemical products.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ on This Topic
What is a UN certified big bag?
Which substances require a UN certified big bag?
What is the difference between UN 13H1, 13H2, 13H3 and 13H4?
What are the UN big bag tests?
What do ADR and IMDG mean?
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