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UN approved plastic jerricans are widely used to transport hazardous materials (HazMat) where single packaging made from plastic is permitted by the applicable modal dangerous goods transport regulations.
Unlike combination packaging, a UN approved plastic jerrican is designed to contain the hazardous material directly, without requiring an additional outer packaging. Depending on the material and the applicable packing instructions, plastic jerricans can be used for a wide range of liquids and, in some cases, solids.
Air Sea USA supplies a range of UN approved plastic jerricans in different capacities, specifications and colors for transporting hazardous materials.
Still not sure whether you need single or combination packaging? Understanding the difference can help you identify the appropriate packaging configuration for your shipment.
What Is a UN Plastic Jerrican?
A UN approved plastic jerrican is a jerrican that has undergone and passed the applicable packaging performance tests outlined in the relevant hazardous materials transportation regulations, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR), the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations and the IMDG Code.
Plastic jerricans are identified as:
- 3H1 – Plastic jerrican, non-removable head
- 3H2 – Plastic jerrican, removable head (IATA considers openings exceeding 7 cm in diameter to be removable-head type).
Hazardous materials regulations specify that a jerrican must be made from suitable plastic material and have adequate strength for its capacity and intended use. It must also resist aging and degradation caused by the contents or ultraviolet radiation, with closures that remain secure and leakproof under normal conditions of transportation.
What Does the UN Mark on a Plastic Jerrican Mean?
A UN specification mark contains important information about the packaging.
For example:
3H1/Y1.9/200/
The individual elements identify characteristics of the packaging, including:
- 3 – Jerrican
- H – Plastics
- 1 – Non-removable head
- Y – Packing Group performance level
- 1.9 – Relevant liquid density
- 200 – Hydrostatic pressure test capability, expressed in kPa
Understanding the UN mark helps shippers identify the packaging type and performance parameters. However, the mark alone does not establish suitability for every hazardous material. The packaging must meet the requirements applicable to the specific shipment.
What Are UN Plastic Jerricans Used For?
UN approved plastic jerricans can be used when the applicable packing instruction for the material being transported permits single packaging in the form of a plastic jerrican. Shippers are also responsible for checking that the contents are compatible with the packaging material before use.
Potential applications include:
- Chemicals
- Industrial liquids
- Laboratory chemicals
- Cleaning products
- Corrosive substances
- Flammable liquids
- Hazardous waste
- Other compatible hazardous materials
The suitability of a particular jerrican depends on the material being transported, Packing Group, relative density, capacity and all other packaging requirements specified in the applicable packing instruction. Chemical compatibility must also be checked.
Why Use HDPE Plastic Jerricans?
Many UN plastic jerricans are manufactured from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). When appropriately selected for the application, HDPE packaging can provide a combination of:
- Chemical resistance
- Strength
- Durability
- Relatively low weight
- Resistance to corrosion
However, plastic should not automatically be assumed to be compatible with every hazardous substance. Chemical compatibility must be assessed for the specific contents.
What Size UN Plastic Jerrican Do I Need?
The required capacity depends on the quantity being transported and the applicable packing instruction requirements.
Air Sea USA supplies plastic jerricans in different capacities, allowing customers to select suitable packaging for their application.
The largest practical container is not necessarily the best choice. Consider:
- Quantity of product
- Maximum permitted capacity
- Packing Group
- Product density
- Handling requirements
- Mode of transportation
- Applicable packing instruction
The selected jerrican must meet all relevant requirements for the material and shipment.
Are Regulations for Shipping UN Plastic Jerricans by Road, Sea and Air the Same?
No. Requirements can differ depending on the mode of transportation.
In the United States, the DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations in 49 CFR apply to regulated hazardous materials transportation. International sea transport is subject to the IMDG Code, while international air transport is subject to the applicable ICAO Technical Instructions and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
These requirements are not necessarily identical. Air transportation can impose additional requirements, including airline or operator variations.
Always check the regulations applicable to the actual mode of transportation before selecting or using packaging.
What Information Do I Need When Ordering a UN Plastic Jerrican?
To identify a suitable jerrican, it is useful to know:
- UN number
- Proper shipping name
- Packing Group
- Whether the material is a liquid or solid
- Quantity or volume of the material
- Product density, where relevant
- Mode of transportation
- Any specific packaging requirements
Providing this information allows the packaging to be assessed against the applicable requirements rather than selecting a container based on capacity alone.
Explore Our UN Plastic Jerrican Range
Air Sea USA supplies UN-approved plastic jerricans in a range of capacities and specifications for compatible hazardous materials.
For applications where plastic is not the preferred packaging material, we also supply UN tinplate jerricans.
Contact our team if you need assistance identifying suitable packaging for your hazardous materials shipment.
