Hazardous Goods Packaging Regulations

The UN “Orange Book” is the global foundation for hazardous goods transport.

UK law adopts these via:

• ADR (road),
• IMDG Code (sea),
• IATA DGR (air), and
• RID (rail)

The key points this regulation covers includes:

• Use of UN-certified packaging (e.g., UN 4G, 1a1).
• Packaging must pass drop, leak, stack, and pressure tests.
• Appropriate labelling and documentation.

GWP Group can, as part of Macfarlane Group, help customers meet specific obligations for hazardous goods packaging. The specific requirements must be assesses on a project by prject basis. We can also provide testing of packs using approved partners (including TUV SUD and ISTA). Appropriate labelling and documentation is typically the responsibility of our customers.

Requires certain companies handling or transporting dangerous goods to appoint a qualified Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).

It ensures oversight of compliant packaging, storage, and transport operations.

GWP Group is not able to act as Dangrous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA). We can however work closely with individual DGSAs at customer’s businesses to assist in required compliance.

Applies to waste packaging, including hazardous goods.

Businesses must classify, label, and handle packaging waste appropriately, especially if contaminated with hazardous residues.

GWP Group can help customers fulfil their waste obligations, including advice on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) as appropriate. As part of Macfarlane Group, we also have close links to Valpak for additional requirements or outsourcing compliance .

Governs the transport of hazardous goods by road across Europe (including the UK).

• Packaging must comply with UN test standards.
• Specific packaging instructions per substance class.
• Requires hazard labels, UN numbers, and packing group designations.

As part of Macfarlane, GWP Group can assist with specific ADR requirements. Please note however that as every application is different, each project will need full scope determined before ascertaining if GWP Group can assist. Samples can be supplied for testing as required. Direct printing of hazard labels, UN numbers and other required info is available if customers provide suitable artwork files. Accuracy and correct use of labelling is our customers responsibility.

Governs hazardous materials shipping by sea (from the UK or elsewhere).

• Enforces UN packaging standards adapted for maritime conditions.
• Covers stowage, segregation, and marine pollutant labelling.
• Includes special requirements for corrosives, flammables, etc.

GWP Group can, through specific divisions within Macfarlane Group, provide export packaging that meets the IMDG code.

Governs air transport of hazardous materials.

• Packaging must be air-transport certified (pressure tested).
• Enforces specific IATA packing instructions per hazard class.
• Includes strict limits on lithium batteries, aerosols, etc.

GWP Group can provide specific types of packaging that comply with IATA regulations. Precise requirements must be discussed with GWP’s packaging experts to ascertain scope before proceeding. Testing is also available through selected partners, or samples can be provided for customers to conduct their own testing requirements.

Rail transport rules across Europe.

Similar packaging standards to ADR, but adapted to rail logistics.

As per ADR, GWP Group may be able to assist with specific applications, subject to full understanding of the scope of the project/requirement.

International system for classifying and labelling hazardous chemicals.

While mainly used for product labelling, GHS symbols and classifications inform packaging labels and SDS (safety data sheets) for international shipments.

GWP Group is unable to offer specific advice on Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemical (GHS). We can however incorporate required elements as requested by our customers. Accurate and correct use of such classifying and labelling is the responsibility of our customers.

Provides guidance for packaging design and testing.

Supports compliance with UN and modal transport regulations.

Recommendations for marking, documentation, and performance testing.

GWP Group can help customers in manufacturing ISO 16106 compliant packaging as required. Please note GWP Group do not hold this accreditation ourselves.