Both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently changed the required size of the text to be used when marking the United Nations Identification Number (UNID Number) on packages of dangerous goods/hazardous materials.  The UNID Number is a four-digit numerical designator (for example, UN1993) which provides an internationally recognized identification number for the dangerous goods/hazardous materials being transported in that specific packaging that is the same regardless of the transport mode or the body of regulatory rules being followed.  The UNID Number is associated with a specific Proper Shipping Name which, with extremely rare exceptions, also remains constant across modes of transport and regulations (for instance, using the example of UN1993, the associated Proper Shipping Name is “Flammable Liquids, N.O.S.”).

The new marking rules specify a text size of at least 12mm for marking packages of dangerous goods/hazardous materials greater than 30 kg/30 L gross mass.  For packages equal to or less than 30 kg/30 L gross mass, but greater than 5 kg/5 L gross mass, a 6 mm text size is indicated.

Note: Additionally, the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code includes Cylinders of 60 L or less under this 6 mm requirement.

For packages equal to or less than 5 kg/5 L gross mass, it is acceptable to use a text size which is appropriate to the size of the package in question.  It should be noted that the word “appropriate” is left undefined as to any specific size indication.  The associated prefix “UN” must also be displayed in the same text size as the respective four-digit number.  The same size requirements, less the 5 kg/5 L “appropriate” exception, are presently recommended for Package Use and Overpack markings, but are not yet specifically required.

As is typical in these cases, a transition period is provided.  In this case, the mandatory date at which packages MUST be so annotated is Jan. 1, 2014.  However, it is acceptable to begin using the new marking sizes immediately.

Further information on this change is available at the websites of the IMO, ICAO and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

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Labelmaster carries an extensive suite of hazard class shipping name labels which may be used to help satisfy the text size change and many other regulatory requirements. Labelmaster regulatory personnel are also available to help customers with understanding and clarification of the various rules and their associated timelines. Please feel free to contact us at 800-621-5808.

References: ICAO 2013-2014 Section 5; 2.4.1; A.I.R. Shipper 2013 Section 5.2.4.1 (c) & Explanatory Note under 5.2.2.2; IATA 54^thEdition Section 7.1.5.5.1 (with associated note), 7.1.5.5.2; IMO/IMDG Code 36-12 Section 5.2.1.1

Note: The ICAO Technical Instructions 2013-2014, A.I.R. Shipper 2013, and the 54^th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations take effect on Jan. 1, 2013; IMO/IMDG Code 36-12 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2014 but is authorized for voluntary use effective Jan. 1, 2013.