Basic labelling of IBCs
Every IBC intended for the transport of dangerous goods in accordance with ADR or RID must bear comprehensive basic markings. ADR stands for ‘Accord européen relatif au transport international des marchandises Dangereuses par Route’ (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). These markings must be permanently visible and clearly legible and include various information:
- the United Nations packaging symbol or the letters ‘UN’ on metal IBCs
- the code for the type of IBC in accordance with subsection 6.5.1.4 ADR/RID
- a capital letter for the packaging group for which the design has been approved
- the month and year of manufacture.
- the sign of the country of approval, indicated by international country codes
- the name or mark of the manufacturer and any other identification of the IBC specified by the competent authority
- the test load of the stacking pressure test in kg (if not stackable, ‘0’ must be indicated)
- the maximum gross mass in kg
The order of these markings and the prescribed character height of at least 12 mm must be strictly observed.
Metal plate and pictogram
In addition to the basic labelling, each IBC must be fitted with a plate made of corrosion-resistant material. This plate must contain specific information such as the capacity and test pressure. An additional pictogram indicates the maximum stacking load or indicates that an IBC must not be stacked.
Multiple labelling of IBCs
Multiple labelling of IBCs that are approved both as steel boxes (4A) and as metal IBCs (11A) is not permitted under current ADR/RID regulations. Each package may only bear one type approval mark.
However, a change in ADR and RID 2021 will allow multiple markings if the packaging complies with several approved designs. Germany has initiated the multilateral agreement M319 and the multilateral special agreement RID 1/2019 for this purpose, which can already be applied by the signatory member states.
The RID approval thus ensures safety and compliance with international transport standards for dangerous goods by requiring clear and comprehensive labelling of IBCs.
