Testing Parameter of UN Packaging | UN Certification

Under the purview of UN packaging, the UN mark IIP certificate focuses on transporting hazardous goods across various UN countries. This certificate ensures that the material that possesses the characteristic of harmful elements can put property, the environment, and life at risk. Most of the materials that get counted under UN packaging material have the potential to exhibit several dangers and are prone to leak, break, and compromise the integrity of the contained hazardous materials. 

The testing parameter is the evaluation scale that measures the ability of packaging to safely transport dangerous goods. These parameters provide a shield to prevent uncertain conditions such as leaks, breaks, or contamination of the contained materials. There are various types of testing parameters given under IIP certification before the certificate to the applicant  that examine the package of hazardous ‘a proven cover’. 

In this article, we will provide you with complete insights into the importance of testing parameters and how various types of UN packaging categorize according to the hazardous product you want to build goodwill around the world. 

Table of Contents

What are the Testing Parameters under UN Packaging? 

The testing parameters for material are the scale of measures taken before the issuance of a certificate to evaluate the package of hazardous goods. This scale is used to determine whether the package of goods is able to pass the test or not. 

Right after making the payment for the UN registration of an applicant, the packaging material undergoes various tests that result in the approval of UN certified product. The tests depend on the materials used while packaging the hazardous product. These material tests are categorized into 5 tests, which includes: vibration tests, drop tests, leakproofness tests, hydrostatic tests, and stack tests. 

 

Objectives of Testing Parameters under UN Packaging 

 

Here are the objectives of testing parameters under UN packaging, which are as follows: 

  • To protect property, people, and environment from potential hazards. 

  • To prevent frequent movement such as extreme temperatures, moisture and vibrations 

  • To withstand physical stresses encountered during transportation. 

  • To agree upon standards framed by UN regulations. 

 

Importance of Testing Parameters under UN Packaging 

 

Here are the important testing parameters of IIP certification that should be considered while taking the materials to the material test:

Prevent tragic conditions:

While transporting the hazardous material package, the prospect of posing significant risks is likely to occur. UN regulations prescribe tests, which allow businesses dealing in dangerous goods to grow in international territory.  

Regulating safe and efficient transport:

The hazards, such as spills, leaks, breaks, and explosions of hazardous elements that have the ability to put life at risk, can be avoided through testing parameters.  Under UN regulation, transportation encourages foreign businesses to grow abroad at the international level.

  • Boosts supply chain:

As per UN regulations, the testing parameters for material packaging boost the supply chain in the global economy. This fosters trust and confidence within the supply chain, contributing to smooth and efficient operations.  

  • Compliance and legal standards:  

UN packaging testing follows international regulations, allows compliance with legal requirements for transporting dangerous goods. Non-compliance can lead to heavy fines, delays, and even the forfeiture of goods. 

  • Protect people and environment:

This test protects people and the environment. This certificate helps businesses mitigate certain risks that have the potential to harm the environment. 

Types of Testing Under UN Certification 

 

Basically, the material testing under UN certification is categorized on the basis of the material used while packaging the product. The level of packages can be separate from another entity and may also require testing as per the design of the package and the elements contained in the hazardous product. These tests determine the potential of packaging during the transportation of hazardous goods.   

Here are the methods introduced by the UN regulations in order to fix the issue of choosing the right packaging material:

 

Types of tests

Purpose 

Method 

Drop test

The main purpose behind the drop test is to examine whether the given material package will endure the pressure when it is dropped during transportation.  



 

Here, the drop height depends on the packing group and the specific gravity of the material for which the packaging may be used.

In this test, material will be dropped from an appropriate height onto a rigid, flat, and horizontal surface. 

 

The number and types of materials are being tested in terms of parameters. 

Leakproofness test

The main purpose behind the leakproofness test is to ensure that the package will not leak or allow liquid to escape the container so that the normal air pressure won’t build up inside the package. 


 

Under the transport conditions, the packaging being tested will be immersed in water and restrained. 

 

The package will be placed under water and restrained. For this, the minimum pressure is applied to the packaging of the Packing Material that is being tested.  

Hydrostatic pressure test

The main purpose behind the hydrostatic pressure test is to check whether the liquid inside the container won’t leak under pressure. 



 

To simulate real-world conditions, the packaging undergoes a pressure test.

 

This involves filling it with water or a similar liquid to remove any air pockets. 

 

A specific amount of pressure is then applied internally through a special fitting. The duration of this pressure test depends on the packaging material

Stack test

The main purpose behind this technique is to ensure that the packaging is tested, to make sure it won't break or leak when stacked with other boxes during shipping.


 

They pile up a bunch of weights on the packaging to see if it can hold the pressure of other boxes stacked on top during shipping. The pile has to be at least 3 meters (10 feet) tall!

Vibration test

Besides being stacked with weight, single packages also go through a vibration. Besides being stacked with heavy. Single packages also go through  vibration. This adds tashaky and bumpy  experience to the package, making sure they're tough enough to handle the journey.

Vibration testing is a mechanism that is used to test if the packaging material is ready for transportation. 

 

The method is performed on the vibrating platform, which is  restrained from horizontal movement but free to bounce, rotate, and move vertically. 

 

Shake the package really hard for an hour. It shakes it so much that a thin piece of cardboard could slide under it. Then, they check to see if it broke or leaked anything. 

 

Conclusion 

Before obtaining the UN certified package commodities, applicants need to undergo important tests for hazardous packages. After passing the tests, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) provides the applicant with UN certified product. For this, the IIP authority shall send the investigator to make all the tests possible. On the basis of the observation, the report is structured by the IIP officials, and the applicant may receive the UN certification on the basis of their remarks. 
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is UN specification packaging required?

Yes, UN specifications are required for the packaging of hazardous materials. The transportation of UN packaging can be done via road, air, and sea transport, which also requires approval letters from IMDG and ICAO to obtain UN mark certification.

Why is an IIP certificate required?

The requirement of an IIP certificate is required for those entities that deal with hazardous materials. Packing such materials in a safe package can help businesses take measures to mitigate the associated uncertainty of hazardous materials.

What are the performance tests to be conducted for the UN approval testing?

The performance tests to be conducted for the UN approval testing contain 5 material tests, which include: performance tests, vibration tests, stack tests, hydrostatic tests, pressure tests, permeability tests, leakproofness tests, and drop tests.

How do recognize UN specification packaging for commodities?

To identify original specification packaging for commodities, one needs to know how to read the code with UN symbols, packaging code, performance standard code, year of manufacturer, manufacturer’s code, and maximum gross mass. For this, we have provided a guide book to read the specific code for the material package.

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