Before shipping dangerous goods, which statement best describes packaging requirements?

• A. Packaging must be color-coded for hazard classes regardless of integrity.
• B. Packaging must be UN specification or equivalent, intact, and free from damage; confirm inner packaging is leakproof and labeled correctly.
• C. Packaging must be recyclable.
• D. Packaging must be under 1 kg in weight.

Answer: (B)

Before shipping dangerous goods, the key idea is that packaging must be UN specification (or an equivalent standard) and must remain intact and free from damage, with the inner packaging leakproof and properly labeled. This combination ensures the container has been tested for the stresses of transport and that any liquid or contents won’t leak or escape. The UN packaging mark shows it has passed specific performance tests for containment, protection during handling and stacking, and compatibility with the contents. If the outer packaging or any inner container is damaged, or if seals aren’t secure, the shipment isn’t compliant and should be repacked.

Color-coding, while helpful for quick identification, does not guarantee integrity or regulatory compliance. Being recyclable or weighing under a certain amount aren’t regulatory packaging requirements for dangerous goods. The essential requirement is the packaging’s UN specification status, its intact condition, and leakproof, properly labeled inner packaging.