UN Certified Big Bag: Hazardous Goods Transportation Guide

What is UN Certified FIBC?

UN certified big bag is an FIBC that has passed performance tests set by the United Nations for international transportation of dangerous goods. It is certified under the UN 13H class.

Packaging used in dangerous goods transportation plays a critical role in human health, environment and transport safety. UN certification is proof that the big bag performs safely under specified conditions.

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UN Classification

UN Packaging Codes

FIBCs for dangerous goods are classified under the UN 13H series:

UN Code	Material	Design
13H1	Woven polymer	Open top (without top or with cover)
13H2	Woven polymer	Fully enclosed
13H3	Plastic film	Open top
13H4	Plastic film	Fully enclosed

Packing Groups

Dangerous goods are divided into three groups according to risk level:

Group	Risk Level	Test Requirement
PG I	High hazard	Most demanding tests
PG II	Medium hazard	Standard tests
PG III	Low hazard	Minimum tests

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UN Test Requirements

For UN certification, big bags undergo the following tests at accredited laboratories:

1. Drop Test

Purpose: Resistance to drop impact during handling

Parameter	Value
Height	0.8 m (PG III) - 1.8 m (PG I)
Load	Maximum gross mass
Position	Base, side, corner

Pass Criteria: No rupture or leakage of contents

2. Stacking Test

Purpose: Resistance to superimposed loads during storage

Parameter	Value
Duration	28 days (24 hours for PG I)
Load	Equivalent to stacking height
Conditions	Ambient temperature

Pass Criteria: No structural failure or unacceptable deformation

3. Lift Test

Purpose: Verify lifting capability

Parameter	Value
Load	6 × maximum gross mass
Duration	5 minutes
Method	Each pair of lifting devices

Pass Criteria: No damage to lifting points or body

4. Tear Test

Purpose: Resistance to tear propagation

Parameter	Value
Method	100 mm cut then loaded
Load	Half maximum gross mass

Pass Criteria: Tear doesn’t propagate beyond acceptable limit

5. Topple (Righting) Test

Purpose: Container integrity after toppling

Parameter	Value
Angle	Toppled onto corner
Load	Maximum gross mass

Pass Criteria: No rupture or content loss

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Regulatory Framework

ADR (Road Transport)

ADR (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) governs dangerous goods transport across European roads.

Key requirements:

• UN certified packaging mandatory
• Proper labelling and marking
• Vehicle placarding
• Driver training (ADR licence)
• Transport documentation

RID (Rail Transport)

RID (Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail) covers rail transport across Europe.

IMDG (Sea Transport)

IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code) governs sea transport worldwide under IMO (International Maritime Organization).

Specific requirements:

• Container packing certificate
• Dangerous Goods Declaration
• Emergency procedures

IATA (Air Transport)

IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) for air freight have the strictest requirements. Many dangerous goods are forbidden in air transport.

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Dangerous Goods Classes

Class	Description	Example Substances
1	Explosives	Not in FIBC
2	Gases	Not in FIBC
3	Flammable liquids	Typically not in FIBC
4.1	Flammable solids	Sulphur, metal powders
4.2	Spontaneous combustion	Metal catalysts
4.3	Substances emitting flammable gases	Calcium carbide
5.1	Oxidizers	Ammonium nitrate
5.2	Organic peroxides	With restrictions
6.1	Toxic substances	Pesticides
8	Corrosives	Some solid forms
9	Miscellaneous	Environmentally hazardous

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Selecting the Right UN FIBC

Step 1: Identify Your Product

• Proper shipping name
• UN number
• Packing group (I, II, or III)
• Hazard class

Step 2: Check Packaging Requirements

• Review ADR/IMDG for allowed packaging
• Verify FIBC compatibility for substance
• Check special provisions

Step 3: Select UN Bag Type

• 13H1/13H2 for woven construction
• 13H3/13H4 for film construction
• With or without liner

Step 4: Verify Certification

• Certificate from accredited lab
• UN marking on bag
• Test report availability

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UN Marking

Proper UN marking must include:

UN (symbol)
13H1/X/S/22
GB/1234/ACME
1000/500

Explanation:

• 13H1: Packaging type
• X: Packing group compatibility (X=I, II, III; Y=II, III; Z=III only)
• S: Single trip (or blank for multi-trip)
• 22: Year of manufacture
• GB/1234: Country code/manufacturer code
• 1000/500: Maximum gross mass / tare weight

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Karaca UN Certified FIBC

Karaca manufactures UN certified FIBCs for dangerous goods transportation:

Available certifications:

• UN 13H1 (woven, open top)
• UN 13H2 (woven, enclosed)
• Packing Groups II and III

Features:

• Accredited laboratory testing
• Full documentation package
• ADR/IMDG compliance
• Liner options available

Contact our technical team for UN certified big bag requirements.