US
What is UN Packaging?
UN packaging is packaging that’s passed a defined set of performance tests — covering things like impact, stacking strength and durability under transit stress — and been certified by a regulatory authority as fit to carry dangerous goods by air, road, sea or rail. Once approved, the packaging is given a UN Mark confirming it is UN certified.
At Air Sea USA, every product in our UN packaging range is built and tested to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations, and meets IATA, DOT (49 CFR) and IMDG requirements.
Our catalog includes 700+ dangerous goods packaging solutions across:
- Boxes
- Drums
- Jerricans
- Bottles
- Specialist packaging (for lithium batteries, infectious substances and limited quantities)
Why UN Certification Is Required for Dangerous Goods
Shipping dangerous goods without the correct UN approved packaging is a regulatory and safety risk. Improper packaging can lead to:
- Spills
- Combustion
- Leaks
- Accidents during transit
These can all be a risk to transport staff, the public and the environment. UN certification exists to ensure packaging has been thoroughly tested and proven capable of safely containing hazardous materials under the potential stresses of transportation, including rough handling, stacking and exposure to different conditions.
Using UN packaging is a legal requirement for many dangerous goods classifications, and non-compliance can mean fines, shipment delays and also refusal by carriers. All packaging displaying a UN mark sold by Air Sea USA is UN approved and tested to meet requirements.
Why Choose Air Sea USA for UN Packaging?
Backed by over 45 years in dangerous goods packaging, Air Sea USA is trusted by businesses across the US and internationally as a specialist supplier of UN packaging.
Over 700 Packaging Solutions in Stock
Our range spans UN fiberboard and plywood boxes, steel drums, jerricans and specialist kits. We also have a broad, ready-to-ship inventory that covers most UN packaging shipments without a custom lead time.
Custom Made Packaging
We understand not every shipment fits in standardized products, which is why we also design and manufacture custom dangerous goods packaging solutions for businesses with unique dimensions, volumes or regulatory requirements.
Not Sure Which UN Packaging Is Needed?
Whether you need guidance on the right box type, drum size or a custom-made solution, we are always here to help.
Contact us on 001 412 308 5888 or fill out our inquiry form and a member of our team will be in touch.
UN Packaging FAQs
UN approved packaging means the packaging has been tested and certified to meet the performance standards set out in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It confirms the packaging is suitable for the safe transport of hazardous materials and carries a UN mark to indicate this.
For many types of hazardous goods, using UN packaging is a legal requirement. Whether you need it depends on the classification of your goods, the quantity being shipped and the mode of transport.
We stock a wide range of UN packaging, including:
- 4G boxes
- 4GV boxes
- 4DV boxes
- Steel, plastic, tinplate, composite and fibreboard drums
- Plastic and tin jerricans
- Aluminium and plastic bottles
- Specialist packaging for lithium batteries, infectious substances and limited quantities.
- Custom made UN packaging
Standard packaging is not tested or certified to any dangerous goods standard. UN approved packaging has passed a series of performance tests, such as drop and stack testing, and has been certified by a regulatory body to confirm it can safely contain hazardous materials during transport. Only UN approved packaging carries the UN mark.
Dangerous goods are assigned a Packing Group (I, II or III) based on the degree of danger they present, with Group I (X) being the highest risk. This is determined by the classification of your specific material under the UN Recommendations regulations.
If you’re unsure which packing group applies to your shipment, our team can help you.
Yes. Where our standard sizes, materials or configurations aren’t suitable, we can design and manufacture custom UN certified packaging to your specifications, so you still get fully compliant packaging for your exact shipment.
Yes, we offer quick turnaround on our stocked UN packaging range, shipped directly from our US facility in Cleveland.
