Hazardous materials archivos - Fenix https://fenixgc.com/en/tag/hazardous-materials/ Agente de carga internacional Fri, 09 Jan 2026 22:34:27 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://fenixgc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/cropped-favicon-32x32.png Hazardous materials archivos - Fenix https://fenixgc.com/en/tag/hazardous-materials/ 32 32 Classification of Dangerous Goods According to the UN: Complete Guide with Examples and Codes https://fenixgc.com/en/logistics-guides/classification-of-dangerous-goods-according-to-the-un-complete-guide-with-examples-and-codes/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 17:56:23 +0000 https://fenixgc.com/?p=5861 Dangerous goods are materials, substances, or products that, during transport, handling, or storage, may pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. These risks include explosions, fires, poisoning, corrosion, or biological contamination. To ensure safe and consistent management worldwide, the United Nations (UN) has established a system of...

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Dangerous goods are materials, substances, or products that, during transport, handling, or storage, may pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. These risks include explosions, fires, poisoning, corrosion, or biological contamination.

To ensure safe and consistent management worldwide, the United Nations (UN) has established a system of nine classes that groups these materials according to the type of hazard. Some classes are divided into subcategories that further specify the risk.

Explanation of the Classes with Examples

Class 1 – Explosives:

Substances or articles designed to release energy suddenly and violently through detonation or a pyrotechnic reaction. They can cause damage through pressure, heat, or fragmentation.
Examples: dynamite, black powder, fireworks

Clase 2 – Class 2 – Gases:Gases:

Includes compressed, liquefied, or dissolved gases under pressure. They may pose risks due to flammability, toxicity, or asphyxiation, and some may react dangerously with other materials.
Examples: propane (flammable), nitrogen (non-flammable), chlorine (toxic)

Class 3 – Flammable Liquids:

These are liquids that emit vapors capable of igniting easily in the presence of a heat source or spark. Their flash point is low, which makes them especially dangerous in enclosed environments.
Examples: gasoline, ethanol, acetone.

Class 4 – Flammable and Reactive Solids:

Solid materials that can ignite rapidly or react violently, even upon contact with air or water. Some may cause spontaneous fires or explosions.
Examples: white phosphorus (spontaneous combustion), metallic sodium (reacts with water), matches.

Class 5 – Oxidizing Agents and Organic Peroxides:

Substances that are not flammable by themselves but promote the combustion of other materials. Organic peroxides are highly reactive and may decompose explosively under certain conditions.
Examples: ammonium nitrate (oxidizing agent), concentrated hydrogen peroxide (organic peroxide).

Class 6 – Toxic and Infectious Substances:

These are products that can cause serious harm to human health through inhalation, ingestion, or contact. Infectious substances contain microorganisms capable of causing diseases.
Examples: sodium cyanide (toxic), samples of pathogenic viruses or bacteria (infectious).

Class 7 – Radioactive Materials:

They emit ionizing radiation, which can alter living cells and cause serious biological effects. Specialized handling and protection against exposure are required.
Examples: enriched uranium, cobalt-60.

Class 8 – Corrosive Substances:

Compounds that can destroy living tissues or damage materials such as metals and plastics. They pose a risk through both direct contact and vapors.
Examples: sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide.

Class 9 – Miscellaneous:

Includes hazardous materials that do not fit into the previous classes but still pose significant risks, such as environmental contamination, chemical reactions, or physical damage.
Examples: lithium batteries, dry ice, substances harmful to the marine environment.

Person walking between orange metal shelves in warehouse with boxes and containers.

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Marking and Labeling

View of intermodal shipping containers arranged in grid with visible markings.
UN Number:

It is a four-digit numerical code assigned by the United Nations that uniquely identifies each hazardous substance or group of substances with similar characteristics. This number facilitates handling, transport, and emergency response.
Example: UN1203 corresponds to gasoline.

Hazard Label:

It is a colored diamond containing a graphic symbol and the corresponding class number. These labels allow for visual identification of the type of risk the substance represents (such as flammability, toxicity, explosiveness, etc.). Each class has a specific design that must be placed on the packaging, container, or transport vehicle.

Additional Marking
  • Orientation arrows: Indicate the correct position of the packaging (for example, “This side up”).
  • Secondary risk labels: Used when a substance presents more than one type of hazard (for example, flammable and toxic)
  • Symbol for “dangerous to the environment”: Applied when the material may cause ecological harm, especially in aquatic environments.

Packaging Specifications

Packaging is classified into three groups according to the level of risk, as defined by the United Nations:

Group I – High Risk

Examples: 70% hydrogen peroxide, highly concentrated hydrofluoric acid.
Typical packaging: Reinforced metal drums, welded metal containers, plywood boxes.

Group II – Medium Risk

Examples: Flammable paint, acetic acid, toluene.
Typical packaging: High-density plastic drums, corrugated cardboard containers, stainless steel boxes.

Group III – Low Risk

Examples: Industrial detergents, 30% ethyl alcohol, low-concentration acetic acid.
Typical packaging: Plastic jugs, single-wall cardboard boxes, glass containers, lightweight drums.

General Requirements

  • Compatibility: The packaging material must be chemically compatible with the substance.
  • Resistance Testing: Drop tests, internal pressure, stacking, and leakproofness must be verified.
  • UN Packaging Code: A marking that indicates the type of container, material, packaging group, and year of manufacture.
Rusty metal barrels on wooden pallet next to concrete wall.
UASC cargo ship docked at port with CHARDOKAI cranes and containers on deck.

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UN Packaging Codes and Other Systems

Packaging codes are a standardized way to identify the type of container, its material, the level of risk it can withstand, and its technical specifications. When a package carries the prefix UN, it means it has been certified according to the United Nations Recommendations for the transport of dangerous goods.

Structure of a UN Code

Example: UN 1A1/X1.5/250/25

  1. 1A1 → Type and material of the container:
  2. X → Risk level supported:
    • X = Group I (high risk)
    • Y = Group II (medium risk)
    • Z = Group III (low risk)
  3. 1.5 → Maximum content density (g/cm³).
  4. 250 → Maximum allowable weight (in kg).
  5. 25 → Year of manufacture (2025 in this case).
  6. 25 → Year of manufacture (2025 in this case).

Other Types of Codes

In addition to the UN code, there are other systems that describe the type of packaging:

Type of CodeMeaningExample
IP (Inner Packaging)Inner packaging placed inside a UN-certified outer containerIP2 (plastic)
CombinedOnly the outer packaging is coded4G (cardboard box)
CompositeInner container + outer packaging, both coded6HA1 (plastic inner with steel outer)
RIG / IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container)Large containers for bulk liquids or solids31HA1 (plastic with metal cage)
Goods PackagingLarge containers for specific goods50H (large plastic packaging)

Key Difference Between “UN” and Other Codes

  • Other codes — Describe the type and material of the container, but do not necessarily imply UN certification on their own.
  • In practice, the full code combines both elements: certification + type/material.
  • If you’d like, I can help you build a visual comparison chart or signage layout that makes this distinction crystal clear for training or compliance use.

Official Reference: UN Model Regulations – Volume II (Part 4: Packaging and Codes, in English)

Importance of Complying with UN Classification

  • Protects lives, property, and the environment
  • Prevents fines and customs delays
  • Facilitates international logistics and transport
  • Enables fast and effective emergency respons
Warehouse worker scanning blue industrial drum with tablet and handheld scanner.

Do you need reliable logistics for your imports or exports? At Fenix Global Cargo we offer maritime, air, and land transportation, plus cargo insurance and customs operations.

Complete Table of UN Classes and Subdivisions

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