Identification and Labeling Standards for UN Bulk Bags

Identification and Labeling Standards for UN Bulk Bags

If you’re currently using FIBCs to transport/store hazardous materials, chances are you’re already using UN bulk bags. If you’re not, then read this blog and find out if UN bags are a good fit for you.

UN bags are specifically designed to store/transport hazardous materials. In order to safely use the bags, the UN has outlined specific criteria for identifying the bags and their contents.

 

UN FIBC Bulk Bag Standards

It’s easy to visually identify a UN bag because of the strict labeling and ID requirements. Part of these strict labeling requirements relate to the contents of the bag. Because UN bags are designed specifically to carry hazardous materials, it’s paramount to proper safety that the bag is labeled with a specific hazardous materials label that pertains to what’s in the bag.

There are 8 different classes of hazardous labels on UN bulk bags:

  1. Class 4.1: Flammable solids, self reactive substances and desensitized explosives
    1. Class 4.1 flammable solids, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  2. Class 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
    1. Class 4.1 spontaneous combustion, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  3. Class 4.3: Substances that emit flammable gases when they come in contact with water
    1. Class 4.3 flammable gases/water, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  4. Class 5.1: Substances that oxidize
    1. Class 5.1 substances that oxidize, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  5. Class 5.2: Organic peroxides
    1. Class 5.2 organic peroxides, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  6. Class 6.1: Toxic substances
    1. Class 6.1 toxic substances, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  7. Class 8: Corrosive substances
    1. Class 8 corrosive substances, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag
  8. Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles
    1. Class 9 misc substances, UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag

 

ID Break Down

On top of specific labeling identifying the contents of the UN bulk bag, UN bags use a unique bag labeling system that allows the user to track the origin, materials, manufacturer, coating, and other important attributes of the individual UN bag. This labeling system is extremely important to safe handling, filling, and use of a UN bag given the hazardous nature of a UN bag’s contents.

Below is a breakdown of what the bag label looks like as well as the significance of each individual tag:

UN IDs, diagram of labeling on UN Bulk Bags, FIBCs, National Bulk Bag

  1. United Nations Packaging Logo - 178.503(e)(1)(ii)
  2. Code number designating FIBC design type - 178.702(a)
  3. Capital letter identifying the performance standard under which the design type has been successfully tested
  4. The numerical month and year of manufacture
  5. Country authorizing allocation of the mark - 178.503(e)(1)(ii)
  6. The name and address or symbol of the manufacturer or the approval agency certifying compliance with subpart N and subpart O of 178
  7. The stacking test load in kilograms
  8. Maximum gross mass

 

Thanks for reading!

Download A Buyer's Guide to UN Bulk Bags - National Bulk BagThanks for reading all about UN bags! We hope you found this both useful and informative.

Download our Buyer's Guide to UN Bulk Bags and learn all you need to know about purchasing UN Certified Bulk Bags. By downloading, you'll get access to: 

  1. What makes a UN certified bulk bag different? 
  2. UN Bulk Bag ID tag break down
  3. UN Bulk Bag rigorous testing procedures
  4. Access to a comprehensive Hazardous Materials Chart

Be sure to read this guide before purchasing UN bulk bags! 

  DOWNLOAD UN BULK BAG BUYER'S GUIDE

July 11, 2017

Categories: UN Certified Bulk Bags

About the Author: Janette Lais

Janette is the Director of sourcing for National Bulk bag. Janette is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Janette has been in the packaging industry since 2004 and has held many roles such as Operations and purchasing manager, Purchasing management project manager. Before entering the packaging industry, Janette spends 19 years at a manufacturing facility where she held production scheduling, product manager, and purchasing manager position. Janette is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking and fishing in her free time. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends and her three dogs.

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