Air Sea Containers

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Oil Drums

At Air Sea Containers, we have a comprehensive range of UN approved oil drum options, including durable plastic, steel, composite, and tinplate drums with fast delivery and suitable for a wide variety of industrial, automotive and commercial oil applications.

All of our UN certified oil drum options are compliant with UN dangerous goods regulations.

Explore our full range of oil drums below.


Why Use UN Certified Oil Drums?

The use of UN approved oil drums is essential for the safe transportation of hazardous oils. Many oils, including lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and petroleum based products, present risks if packaged incorrectly during transport.

Using the correct UN approved oil drum helps to prevent:

  • Leaks and spills
  • Environmental contamination
  • Handling and transport hazards
  • Non compliance with transport regulations

UN approved plastic, composite, aluminium and steel oil drums are designed to provide secure containment and reliable performance during handling, and transport.

Choosing the Right Oil Drum

Choosing the right oil drum is essential for protecting your product, meeting transport regulations, and ensuring smooth movement through the supply chain. At Air Sea Containers, we make that choice simple. Our comprehensive range of UN approved oil drums is suitable for a wide variety of oils, including those classified as dangerous goods.

Available in durable plastic, steel, fibreboard, composite, and tinplate, each option is designed to meet the demands of handling and transport by road, sea, or air.

All drums are manufactured and tested to comply with UN Dangerous Goods Transport Regulations requirements, giving you confidence that your packaging is approved for your chosen mode of transport.

Our oil drums ensure long-term performance and integrity across a wide range of oil types, helping reduce the risk of leaks, contamination, or product failure during transit. Whether you need a lightweight plastic drum or a heavy-duty steel solution, we provide reliable, compliant oil drum packaging you can trust, with expert support and advice on hand when you need it.

What to Check When Purchasing UN Approved Oil Drums

Consider the following before purchasing:

  • What type of oil are you transporting? Correctly identify the substance. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
  • What is your mode of transport? ADR, IMDG or IATA requirements may differ for each mode of transport.
  • Which packaging is permitted? Check the relevant Packing Instruction for approved packaging types and capacity limits.
  • Are there any special provisions? Certain oils may be subject to additional conditions.
  • Is Limited Quantity or Excepted Quantity permitted? Alternative packaging rules may apply.
  • Is the packaging material compatible? Shippers must ensure the oil is compatible with the drum material used.

Shop Durable Oil Drums Today

With over 40 years of experience supplying UN approved drums and hazardous goods packaging, we provide reliable, compliant oil drum solutions for a wide range of industries.

Next day delivery for UK customers and world-wide delivery available. View our products online today or speak to our expert team for guidance on selecting the correct oil drum for your application.

Oil Drums FAQs

UN approved oil drums are containers that have been tested and certified in accordance with UN recommendations for the transport of hazardous materials.

They undergo strict performance testing, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements under ADR, IMDG and IATA.

Using UN approved oil drums reduces the risk of spills, environmental damage and non compliance.

UN approved oil drums are available in several materials to suit different applications and oil types. Common options include plastic (HDPE), steel, composite and tinplate. Each material offers different benefits in terms of chemical resistance, strength, weight, and handling, allowing you to select the most appropriate solution for your operational needs.

Unsure which type of oil drum you need? Get in touch with our team today.

The right oil drum will depend on what type of oil, mode of transport and the packing instruction. Plastic drums are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and steel and composite drums provide added strength for demanding industrial or export applications. Compatibility between the oil and the drum material should always be checked prior to use.

The UN specification mark confirms that the drum has passed the required performance tests. For example, 1H1 identifies a plastic drum with a non removable head.

The marking also provides information on the packaging type, material, packing group and year of manufacture.

No. Some oils may be shipped without UN approved packaging if they are not classified as dangerous goods or if they qualify for Limited Quantities (LQ) or Excepted Quantities (EQ).

Shippers must refer to the relevant Packing Instructions and regulations to confirm when UN approved packaging is required.

UN approved oil drums are suitable for a wide range of oils, subject to correct classification and compatibility. Common examples include:

  • Lubricating oils
  • Hydraulic oils
  • Mineral oils
  • Petroleum-based oils
  • Engine oils, case oils
  • Essential oils

Always verify the substance classification and packaging requirements before shipping.

Yes. UN approved oil drums are designed for transport when used correctly. They are tested for leakproofness and durability to withstand handling, stacking, and movement during transit, making them suitable for road, sea, and air freight transport.

Yes. UN approved oil drums are manufactured and tested in accordance with UN packaging performance standards. This includes testing for drop resistance, leakproofness and stacking strength, ensuring each drum design meets the required specifications before it is UN approved and given a UN specification mark.

Our oil drums are available in a wide range of capacities to suit different uses.

Sizes range from small 125ml and 11L drums, ideal for oil samples and laboratory use, through to large 210L drums commonly used in industrial and bulk storage environments.

Yes. Many UN approved oil drums are suitable for other hazardous substances, provided the substance is compatible with the drum material and permitted under the relevant Packing Instructions.

Compatibility checks remain the responsibility of the shipper.

Yes. UN approved oil drums comply with international transport regulations and are suitable for road, sea and air freight from the UK.

Always check destination specific requirements and mode of transport regulations before shipping.

Most UN approved oil drums are designed to be stackable. Drums must be stacked correctly, within recommended weight limits, and secured to prevent movement or collapse during storage or transport.

Yes, we can offer expert guidance to help you select the most suitable UN approved oil drum based on your product, transport method, and regulatory requirements. Simply get in touch with us directly for support.

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