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UN Approved Packaging - How to Label of Dangerous Goods

Views: 259     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2022-12-07      Origin: Site

All cross-border shipments of hazardous materials (chemicals, lithium batteries, dry ice, toxic & flammable products) require strictly certified UN approved packaging and standardized dangerous goods labeling following UN Model Regulations, IATA DGR (air freight) and IMDG Code (ocean freight). Incorrect marking, misaligned hazard labels or missing UN information will result in port cargo holds, heavy carrier fines, customs penalties or complete shipment rejection.

This step-by-step compliance guide covers every mandatory marking rule, label placement standard, special requirements for lithium batteries, dry ice and environmentally hazardous goods, plus document attachment specifications for shippers, freight forwarders and factory exporters.

UN Approved Packaging - How to Label Dangerous Goods Shipments?

This can be done from the following:

UN approved packaging with all dangerous goods diamond hazard labels


Label all dangerous goods on one side of the UN packing: 

Ensure that all labels and markings for dangerous goods, (printed/handwritten information on the carton) are on one side of the package. Labels must be affixed flat, not folded. (If the labels and markings cannot be placed on one side, a larger carton is required, as per IATA regulations, all information relating to dangerous goods must be placed on one side of the carton, but directional labels must be placed on the other side.

Compliant UN dangerous goods package with UN number, hazard labels & shipping markings


Ensure that the names of the shipper and consignee, or markings on the UN packing:

The name and address of the shipper and consignee must be securely attached to the outer carton, or durably printed or marked on the outer surface of the package. Do not print the address on paper and place it in the bag as it may be lost and your consignment may be prohibited.



If a Shipper's Dangerous Goods Declaration is required, ensure that it is attached to the shipment:

For many shipments of dangerous goods, a Shipper's Dangerous Goods Declaration is required. To ensure that the declaration does not fall off the packaging, fold it, place it in a strong clear plastic bag and attach it to the outside of the packaging.



Diamond-shaped dangerous goods labels:

The type of dangerous goods you are transporting can be immediately identified by their diamond-shaped dangerous goods label. So make sure you use the correct hazmat labels and attach them to the carton in a diamond shape (set at a 45° angle).


Ensure that the dangerous goods markings on the UN packing are not removed:

The correct transport-specific name, the applicable UN Dangerous Goods number, and the UN package specification mark, usually need to be printed directly on the carton designed for dangerous goods. It is therefore important to keep these details clearly visible and unobscured by tape and any stickers.



When transporting liquids, use the directional arrows:

If the shipment contains liquids, ensure that two directional labels are attached to opposite sides of the package and that the front of the package is facing upwards.



Outdated lithium battery handling labels are prohibited:

From 1 January 2019, shipments containing lithium batteries (Section II and Section IB) must be labelled with a lithium battery mark in place of the obsolete lithium battery handling label. Although the two look similar, the use of obsolete lithium battery handling labels is a violation of dangerous goods regulations.


Correctly marking the net weight of dry ice packages :

As required by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the net weight of dry ice is to be marked on shipments of dry ice. Please ensure that the net weight of the dry ice is marked next to the Class IX Dangerous Goods label on the dry ice package, rather than marking it on the label.


Labelling environmental hazards:

If you are transporting goods that are environmentally hazardous (with UN Dangerous Goods number (UN 3082 or UN 3077), make sure that you have attached the label with "dead trees and dead fish" on the right hand side to the package, otherwise you may be fined or there may be a delay in your shipment.


Shipping requirements and documentation requirements may vary from carrier to carrier. This article is for information only and is subject to the requirements of the freight forwarder before shipping.

7 Common Non-Compliance Mistakes & Corresponding Costs

  1. Folded or covered hazard labels → Cargo detained, re-labeling surcharges

  2. Outdated lithium battery stickers → Air shipment refused, return freight fees

  3. Missing environmental hazard mark for UN3077/UN3082 → Customs monetary penalties

  4. No directional arrows for liquid hazmat → Port inspection delay

  5. Loose DGD document falling off → Carrier rejects pickup entirely

  6. Obscured UN number/shipping name → Full container hold at terminal

Final UN Packaging Labeling Compliance Checklist (For Shippers & Forwarders)

✅ All hazard diamond labels & UN data on one single flat package side
✅ Labels affixed flat, no folding or tape coverage
✅ Full shipper + consignee address durably printed on carton
✅ Sealed waterproof pouch holding signed Shipper’s Dangerous Goods Declaration
✅ All hazard class diamond placards placed at 45° diagonal
✅ Clear, uncovered UN number + official proper shipping name
✅ Dual opposite-side upward arrows if transporting liquid dangerous goods
✅ New 2019 lithium battery mark for battery shipments (no old labels)
✅ Dry ice net weight text printed adjacent to Class 9 label
✅ Environmental hazard tree/fish pictogram for UN3077 / UN3082 cargo

FAQ – Top Buyer Search Questions (Optimized for Google Featured Snippets)

Q1: Where should I place all labels on UN approved dangerous goods packaging?

A: All UN numbers, hazard diamonds and shipping details must be grouped onto one single flat vertical side of the outer carton; liquid directional arrows are an exception placed on two opposite faces.

Q2: What label must I use for lithium batteries starting 2019?

A: The legacy lithium battery handling sticker is prohibited globally after Jan 1, 2019. You must use the updated rectangular lithium battery UN mark with matching UN number and emergency phone contact.

Q3: Do I need to mark dry ice weight on UN packaging?

A: Yes, IATA rules require the exact net weight of dry ice printed clearly next to the Class 9 hazard label, separate from the diamond sticker itself.

Q4: What happens if I skip the environmental hazard label for UN3077 / UN3082?

A: Customs authorities across major trade lanes impose fines, hold shipments and delay clearance until compliant pictograms are re-applied on all UN boxes.

Q5: Is a loose paper address slip acceptable on UN dangerous goods packages?

A: No. Address labels must be permanently printed or weatherproof bonded onto the box; loose slips in plastic pockets risk loss and cargo detention.

Q6: Where do I attach the Shipper’s Dangerous Goods Declaration form?

A: Fold the completed signed DGD, seal in a heavy clear waterproof plastic bag, and securely tape the pouch to the exterior of the UN approved packaging.



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