Packaging Your Dangerous Goods

Aviation safety is dependent on shipping a dangerous good in the correct packaging. If you choose the wrong packaging, you could severely injure a transportation worker, harm the environment, or cause catastrophic damage to an aircraft.

Appropriate dangerous goods packaging is based on a product's correct hazard classification and physical attributes. For example, you cannot ship certain corrosive materials in metal packages because they violently react with metal and will eventually destroy the package.

Packaging requirements vary depending on the type, class, and quantity of dangerous goods you are shipping. Often, packaging must be tested and certified to meet the regulations for the shipment of dangerous goods by air. The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR), Part 173 lists the general packaging requirements for bulk and non-bulk packaging, new and reused packaging, and specification and non-specification packaging.

The appropriate packaging for the material is also dependent on the packing group. The packing group is a grouping according to the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials or dangerous goods:

  • Packing Group I indicates great danger;
  • Packing Group II indicates medium danger; and
  • Packing Group III indicates minor danger.

UN-specification packaging, or Performance Oriented Packaging (POP), is required for most air shipments of dangerous goods. This packaging that must pass several tests to ensure it is strong enough to withstand the shocks, loadings, and atmospheric pressure changes generally encountered during transportation.

Packaging that has successfully passed these tests will bear UN markings to certify that they have passed the required tests. The markings indicate the level of testing that the packaging has been tested to. See the Package ID Table (below) to help you determine the correct packaging identification. The reference for all performance oriented packaging standards and tests can be found in Part 178 of the HMR.

Follow these procedures when determining if a package is authorized for use:

  1. Look up the Proper Shipping Name (PSN)/UN ID number for a material in the Hazardous Materials Table (HMT) in the HMR or the Dangerous Goods List in the ICAO TI.
  2. Locate and follow the appropriate packaging information and instructions in Column 8 on the HMT or Column 10 in the ICAO TI Dangerous Goods List.
  3. Verify that the package is marked correctly per Part 178 of the HMR.
  4. Verify that the package is authorized for the packing group indicated in the HMT for the material.
  5. Verify that Column 7, "Special Provision Codes," or Column 9, "Packing Provisions," does not further restrict or provide additional requirements for packaging.
  6. Always review the general packaging sections in 173.24, 173.24a, and 173.27, in addition to any other relevant sections in subpart B of part 173 of the HMR, for additional requirements for package preparation.

Packaging Tips

  • Review your knowledge of your materials and check the segregation tables. Never pack dangerous goods with incompatible materials that may react dangerously with one another.
  • Carefully follow the information in the packaging closure instructions from the manufacturer. Package manufacturers test specification packages with the materials listed in the closure instructions. A variation from the manufacturer's instructions could compromise the integrity of the package and result in non-compliance.
  • Ensure that your completed package does not exceed the tested weight of the package (in kilograms). See below:


Where can I obtain appropriate packaging for my material?

You can purchase packaging for the shipment of dangerous goods by air through various commercial sources. As the FAA is a government entity, we cannot endorse or recommend a specific supply source for packaging that will meet the regulatory requirements of your materials. However, vendors are readily available on the Internet.


Sample UN Markings

illustration showing UN markings for solids

illustration showing UN markings for liquids

Package ID Table

The markings indicate the level of testing that a package has passed.

This table provides a reference to assist you in identifying UN-specification packaging. The codes are in sections 178.504 through 178.523.

Reference for determining the UN package identification
Type Material Category Performance Standard
1 – Drums
2 – Barrels
3 – Jerricans
4 – Boxes
5 – Bags
6 – Composite packaging
7 – Pressure receptacle		 A – Steel
B – Aluminum
C – Material Wood
D – Plywood
F – Reconstituted Wood
G – Fiberboard
H – Plastic
L – Textile
M – Paper, Multi-wall
N – Metal other than Steel or Aluminum
P – Glass Porcelain, Stoneware

A, B, or H Drums – Jerricans
1 – Removable Head
2 – Non-Removable Head

A or B Boxes
1 – Ordinary A or B
2 – A or B with liner or coatings

C Boxes
1 – Ordinary
2 – W/sift proof wall

H Boxes
1 – Expanded Plastic
2 – Solid Plastic

L Bags
2 – Sift Proof
3 – Water Resistant

M Bags
2 – Multiwall, Water Resistant

 X – PG I, II, III
Y – PG II, III
Z – PG III
Glossary

Density or Specific
Gravity

For single packages containing liquids, you'll find the specific gravity of a material (e.g. /Y1.5/). For packaging intended for solids or inner packagings (combination packages), an "S" in uppercase will follow the gross mass (e.g., /X13/S/).

Hydraulic Pressure

Hydraulic Pressure in Kilopascal (kPa) (applies to liquids). This will follow the specific gravity.

XX

Year of Manufacture

USA

Country Where the Package was Manufactured

MXXX

Code for UN Certifying Agency or Manufacturer
 

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Last updated: Tuesday, August 13, 2024