There are standards for Small Means of Containment (boxes, drums, jerricans, etc.) and standards for

Large Means of Containment (bulk tanks, portable tanks, and IBC’s).

All containers must meet and remain within the standard in which it had been tested, approved and outlined in the TDG Regulations.

Part 5 of the TDG Regulations states any person involved with offering or preparing a dangerous good shipment must not handle, offer for transport or transport dangerous goods included in Class 3, 4, 5, 6.1, 8 or 9 in a Small Means of Containment unless it is a UN standardized Means of Containment that is selected and used in accordance with Sections 2, 3 and 12 of CGSB-43.146 or a Means of Containment that is selected and used in accordance with Sections 2 and 3 of the CGSB Standards and Part 1 of TP14850.

Dangerous Goods Classes 1, 2, 6.2 and 7 have separate packaging regulations specific to their hazard and the country that they are shipped from. Listed below are the standards.

Packaging or Closure Instruction

The container or packaging manufacturer or distributor must provide the following information in relation to each container design as per TP14850

• a list of components that includes enough information so that the user can assemble and close the container in the same fashion as it was tested;
• a procedure for assembling and closing the container as tested;
• the maximum capacity of any inner packaging, as applicable;
• the tare weight, maximum gross mass and maximum capacity of the container

This applies to “Small Means of Containment” (drums, boxes, jerricans) as well as IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers).

You will be able to identify the appropriate standards by the certification mark (United Nations) that is visible on the container. This mark can be embossed, printed, imbedded, stamped, labelled, etc.

It is the shipper/consignor’s responsibility to select the correct packaging or containers and know how to package and secure the dangerous goods properly.