How To Mark And Label Dangerous Goods Shipments

Dangerous goods are substances and articles that pose a risk to health, safety, property or the environment in transport, such as flammable liquids, gases, corrosives, toxic chemicals and lithium batteries. To ship them legally, each package generally needs the correct UN number and proper shipping name marking plus the matching diamond-shaped hazard label, applied under the rules for the transport mode: the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for air, the IMDG Code for sea and ADR or national rules for road. So, in order to ensure public safety, the safe and compliant shipment of these materials is more than important.

One of the crucial parts of this process is the proper marking and labeling of dangerous goods. It plays a vital role in communicating the necessary information like handlers, transporters, and the nature of the contents within a package. They provide critical information regarding hazards, handling precautions, and emergency response measures.

Hence, it is a moral obligation for businesses engaged in the process to ensure compliance with international and national regulations, otherwise it can lead to severe consequences such as accidents, injuries, environmental damage, or death. Also, companies may face negative publicity or loss of business for failing to meet safety standards.

Considering the same, the following sections of the blog will guide you through the essential aspects of marking and labeling dangerous goods shipments.

What are Dangerous Goods?

Dangerous goods are classified into 9 classes based on their inherent properties and the risks they pose. The classes are set by the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (the UN Model Regulations), and the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, the IMDG Code and ADR apply them to air, sea and road transport.

• Class 1: Explosives
• Class 2: Gases
• Class 3: Flammable liquids
• Class 4: Flammable solids, substances liable to spontaneous combustion and substances that emit flammable gases in contact with water
• Class 5: Oxidizing substances and organic peroxides
• Class 6: Toxic and infectious substances
• Class 7: Radioactive material
• Class 8: Corrosive substances
• Class 9: Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles, including environmentally hazardous substances and lithium batteries

The classification of dangerous goods is crucial for their safe handling and transport. Each class has specific requirements regarding packaging, labeling, and documentation to prevent accidents and ensure that those handling or transporting these goods are aware of the risks.

Regulatory Framework

The regulatory framework for the marking and labeling of dangerous goods includes a variety of laws, guidelines, and standards that clearly define how dangerous goods should be identified, handled, and communicated to all parties involved in the shipping process.

Here are the key regulatory bodies involved in the process of setting and ensuring regulatory framework:

1. International Regulations: The transport of dangerous goods is regulated by several international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) has established specific guidelines for marking and labeling. While the IATA provides regulations specific to air transport, the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code governs sea transport.

Also, the ADR agreement governs international road transport of dangerous goods in Europe, and EU law also applies it to domestic road transport in every Member State. The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) sets how chemicals are classified and labelled for supply and workplace use; GHS pictograms on a product label do not replace transport hazard labels on the shipping package.

2. National Regulations: In the United States, the Department of Transportation's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) regulates hazmat transport under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR Parts 171 to 180), while OSHA covers chemical hazards in the workplace.

3. Compliance Standards: Label durability is where many shipments fail. For sea freight, the IMDG Code requires markings and labels to remain identifiable on packages that have been in sea water for at least three months, and label makers commonly show compliance with the British Standard BS 5609:2024 test for marine-use labels. Sai Impression prints BS5609 chemical drum labels for chemical and industrial brands. Regulators such as PHMSA in the US enforce these marking and labelling rules.

Rule updates that apply in 2027

• Air: the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 68th edition brings its changes into effect from 1 January 2027. IATA publishes a new edition every year.
• Road, rail and inland waterways in Europe: the 2027 versions of ADR, RID and ADN apply from 1 January 2027, with a transitional period until 30 June 2027.
• Sea: 2027 is a transition year in which either IMDG Code Amendment 42-24 or 43-26 may be used, and from 1 January 2028 only 43-26 is valid (IMO amendment cycle).

Check your labels, declarations and training records against the edition that applies on your shipping date.

Key Components of Dangerous Goods Marking and Labeling

Marking and labeling provide critical information to ensure safety, proper handling, and compliance with regulations. Here are the key components involved:

Marking: 

• Proper Shipping Name is the official name of the hazardous material, which must be clearly stated on the package. It provides information about the contents and their potential hazards.
• Every dangerous good is assigned a unique UN Number (United Nations Number) that identifies the substance or material. This number is crucial for first responders, customs, and shipping personnel to identify the goods quickly in case of an emergency. For example, UN 1203 is used for gasoline.
• The full name and address of both the shipper and the recipient must be marked on the package to ensure correct delivery and facilitate communication in case of emergencies.
• Depending on the regulations, packages may need to indicate either the net quantity of dangerous goods or the gross weight if multiple packages are involved.
• If a dangerous substance is a mixture, the technical name may be required for clarity.
• It is important to include the classes or categories of dangerous goods being shipped. For example: Class 3 for flammable liquids, Class 2 for gases, and Class 8 for corrosive substances.

Labeling

• Hazard labels show the primary hazard and any subsidiary hazard. Each is a square set on point (a diamond at 45 degrees), at least 100 mm by 100 mm with an inner border about 5 mm from the edge, in the colours and symbols set for its class, for example flammable liquid or toxic. Labels may be reduced in size only when the package is too small.
• Additional labels may be required to provide instructions on how to handle or store the materials safely. This includes warnings about specific risks associated with the goods. For example: “Keep Away from Heat” or “Fragile” to help personnel take proper care.
• For certain substances classified as environmentally hazardous (e.g., UN 3077 or UN 3082), the environmentally hazardous substance mark showing a “dead fish” symbol must be affixed to alert handlers to potential ecological risks.

This mark is a black fish and tree symbol on a diamond of at least 100 mm by 100 mm. It is used in addition to, not instead of, the Class 9 hazard label on UN 3077 and UN 3082 packages.

Placement and Visibility

• Hazard labels go on the same surface as, and near, the proper shipping name marking where the package is big enough, and never on the bottom of the package. Primary and subsidiary labels sit next to each other, and under US rules packages, overpacks and IBCs of 1.8 cubic metres (64 cubic feet) or more need duplicate labels on at least two sides. If a package is smaller than the label or has an irregular surface, a label may be placed on a securely attached tag.
• It is crucial that all markings and labels are clearly visible. This includes ensuring that printed information is not covered by any other materials or packaging elements like tape, text, etc.

Best Practices for Marking and Labeling Dangerous Goods

In addition to the set standards & regulations, discussed below are some points that can help you ensure proper marking & labeling of dangerous goods.

• All markings and labels must be durable, legible, and printed in English (or other languages as required). They should withstand rain, UV light and abrasion without fading. US rules, for example, require labels to withstand a 30-day exposure to transport conditions without deterioration or a substantial change in colour, and sea shipments need markings that stay identifiable after three months in sea water.
• Prepare any necessary documentation, such as a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods if required by regulations. This document should accompany the shipment to provide additional information about its contents.
• Before shipping, conduct a thorough check to ensure all markings and labels comply with regulatory requirements. 
• Ensure that labels are positioned correctly according to the regulations for each mode of transport (air, sea, road) and the type of container. For instance, on air shipments each label must appear in full on one face of the package rather than wrapping around an edge, while large packages and IBCs need duplicate labels on two sides.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

To ensure the safe transport of dangerous goods, meticulous attention to marking & labeling solutions are required. However, there are some common and minor mistakes that can compromise safety and fail to ensure compliance:

• Regulations and standards for hazardous materials evolve over time: IATA publishes a new edition every year, and ADR and the IMDG Code are amended every two years. Regularly update labels and markings to ensure compliance and stay informed about changes in regulations.
• Personnel lacking proper training may mislabel or mishandle dangerous goods. Provide comprehensive training on current regulations and correct labeling practices. 
• When transporting multiple hazardous materials together, each must be accurately labeled. Ensure that all applicable hazard labels are present and the guidelines are followed to prevent adverse reactions. 
• Different transportation modes (air, sea, road) have varying regulations, and failing to account for these differences can lead to non-compliance. For this, familiarize yourself with the specific requirements for each mode of transport.

Frequently asked questions

What size must a dangerous goods hazard label be?

At least 100 mm by 100 mm, set on point as a diamond, with an inner border about 5 mm from the edge. A smaller label is allowed only when the package is too small for the standard size.

Do GHS labels replace transport hazard labels?

No. GHS labels cover supply and workplace use, while transport rules require their own hazard labels and UN markings on the shipping package. Many chemical drums carry both.

Which label material survives sea freight?

Choose a label stock and print system tested to BS 5609, which is used to show that labels withstand a three-month sea water immersion. You can request a free quote and free samples of BS5609 chemical drum labels from Sai Impression.

Which rule editions apply in 2027?

The IATA DGR 68th edition changes from 1 January 2027, the 2027 ADR with a transition to 30 June 2027, and IMDG Amendment 42-24 or 43-26 during 2027, with 43-26 mandatory from 1 January 2028.

Summing Up

Transportation of dangerous goods safely is very important. In addition to following the above measures, conduct regular audits to confirm that all shipments meet marking & labeling standards. Keep yourself updated about changing regulations and invest in ongoing training for your team. 

It is also important to raise awareness about the risks of incorrect labeling and ensure everyone knows emergency procedures. By prioritizing these practices, we can help prevent accidents and protect everyone involved.