Identification, Packing, Marking, and Labelling
What this domain covers
This domain links the proper shipping name (PSN) and UN number to correct packing, marking, and labelling. It is the most detail-heavy area and rewards systematic checking.
Concepts to master
- Proper shipping name and UN number. The PSN must be used as listed; the UN number accompanies it. Traps include using a trade name instead of the PSN, or omitting the technical name where required.
- Packing instructions and packing performance. Each entry references packing instructions; the packaging must meet the required packing group performance. Inner and outer packaging must be compatible and correctly closed.
- Marking. Includes the UN number and PSN, shipper/consignee information, orientation arrows where required, and the environmentally hazardous substance mark where applicable.
- Labelling. Hazard labels correspond to the class/division; subsidiary risk labels are added where required. Labels must be correctly placed and not obscured.
- Overpack and salvage packaging rules. Overpacks require specific marks and labels; salvage packagings have their own conditions.
Traps and a rule of thumb
Common traps: mixing up primary and subsidiary labels; forgetting that some entries require a technical name in parentheses; assuming any strong box satisfies a packing instruction; and misplacing labels (they belong on the package, not the overpack alone). Rule of thumb: verify PSN → UN number → packing instruction → marks → labels, in that order, against the entry.
Worked example: A package shows the correct hazard label but the UN number is missing from the mark. Even with correct labelling, the missing UN number makes the package non-compliant and it should not be accepted until corrected.