- 1 - ICS 13.300 
A 80 
 
  
 
National Standard  
of the People's Republic of China 
 
 
GB12463-XXXX 
 Replaces GB 12463-1990 
 
 
General specifications for tran sport packages of dangerous goods 
     
Draft for approval 
 
  Issue Date: XX – XX – XXXX Impl ementation Date: XX – XX – XXXX
 
 
 
Issued by the General Administration of Qual ity Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of 
the People's Republic of China  
 
Standardisation Administration of th e People's Republic of China (SAC) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 2 - Foreword 
 
Clause 5 and Clause 8 of this Standard ar e mandatory, whilst the rest are recommended. 
 This Standard replaces GB 12463-1990, “General specifications for transport packages of 
dangerous goods”.  The main differences between this Standard when compared to GB 12463-1990: 
− some of the terms removed, directly adopted relevant Standards; 
− the maximum volume of drum packaging has been modified from 450L to 250L; 
− in Clause 4, division of the transport packag ing as groups, changed Cl ass to Group, the content 
of the general requirements are combined into Clause 8; 
− Merging of the contents of general requirements in Article 4.2 and Clause 5 to the Clause 5 of 
this Standard as Packaging requirements; 
− Removal of “textile woven bags ” (Article 5.14 of Edition 1990); 
− Removal of “plastic bags” (Article 5.16 of Edition 1990); 
− Modification of the pressure for airti ghtness test and hydraulic pressure test; 
− Removal of “Marking dimensions and Marking application methods mu st conform to the 
relevant provisions in GB/T 191” (Section 7.2.6.2 of Edition 1990); 
− Removal of the application range of the packag ing characteristics test s (Article 8.1 of Edition 
1990); 
− In Table 4, addition of the hydrau lic pressure test value for “acid proof jerrycans, porcelain 
jerrycans, and large glass bottle with a wall thickness of at least 3mm”; 
− Removal of “packaging inspecti on” (Clause 9 of Edition 1990); 
− Added “the basic structures of packaging must conform to the pr ovisions set out in GB/T 9174” 
(Section 4.3.11 of this Edition). 
 
 Appendix A to this Standard is an informative annex.  This Standard is proposed and is under the jurisd iction of the Dangerous Ch emicals Management of 
Standardisation Administrati on of China (SAC/TC251).  
 The organisations responsible for drafting this Standard:  Standards and Metrology Research Institute of MOR; Shenzhen Baixing Industry Co.,ltd   The main drafter of this Standard: Zhang Jin,  Lan Shumei, Lei Jie, Zhao Jingyu, Bai Zhigang. 
 
This standard replaces the previously issued Standard: 
GB 12463-1990            
General specifications for tran sport packages of dangerous goods 
 
1 Scope 
This Standard specifies the gr oups, general requirements, charac teristics tests and inspection 
methods, technical requirements, types and marking identification codes of transport packaging for 
dangerous goods (hereinaft er referred to as the transport packaging).  
 This Standard applies to transport pa ckaging that contains dangerous goods. 
 This Standard does not apply to: a) transport packaging which is intend ed to contain radioactive materials; 
b) transport packaging which is intended to cont ain pressurised receptacles with compressed gases 
and liquefied gases; c) transport packaging which is intended  to contain goods with a net mass over 400kg; 
d) transport packaging with a volume in excess of 450L. 
2 Normative References 
The provisions of the following documents become  provisions of this Standard after being 
referenced. For dated reference documents, a ll later amendments (excluding corrigenda) and 
versions do not apply to this Standard; however, the parties to the agreem ent are encouraged to 
study whether the latest versions of these doc uments are applicable. For undated reference 
documents, the latest versions apply to this Standard.  GB 190 Labels for packages of dangerous goods  GB/T 191 Packaging – Pictorial markings for handling of goods (HB 191-2000, ISO780:1997, 
EQV) 
 GB/T 4857.2 Packaging – Transport packages – Temperature and humidity conditioning (GB/T 4857.2-2005, MOD ISO2233:2000)  GB/T 4857.3 Packaging – Complete, filled transport packages – Stacking tests using static load 
(GB/T 4857.3-200X, IDT ISO2234:2000)  GB/T 4857.5 Packaging – Transport packages – Ve rtical impact test method by dropping (GB/T 
4857.5-1992, MOD ISO2248: 1985)  GB/T 9174 General specifications for tr ansport packages of general cargo 
 GB/T 13040 Packaging terms – metal containers 
3 Terms and definitions 
The terms and definitions set out in GB/T 13040 a nd the terms and definitions listed below apply to 
this Standard. 
3.1 Transport packaging for dangerous goods 
According to the characteristics of dangerous go ods, the transport packag ing which is specially  designed and constructed in accordance with relevant Standards and regulations. 
3.2 Composite packaging 
The integrated single unit packaging that consis ts of outer packaging an d inner packaging (or a 
composite layer), is called composite packaging. 
 
4 Transport packaging groups 
According to the degree of dange r presented by the substances c ontained in the packaging, the 
transport packaging is di vided into three groups: 
Packaging group I: suitable for containing high risk substances; 
Packaging group II: suitable for cont aining medium risk substances; 
Packaging group III: suitable for containing lower risk substances. 
 
5 Packaging requirements 
5.1 General requirements  
5.1.1  Transport packaging must be reasonably constructed and must be suffic iently strong, with 
good protective characteristics. The material qualities, types, sp ecifications, methods, and the 
content mass must correspond to the characters and the applications of the dangerous goods 
which are contained, must be convenient for handling, transporting and storage. 
5.1.2  The quality of transport packaging must be good, its construction and closure must be able 
to withstand any operational risks encountered during normal transport conditions, must prevent 
any loss (leakages) of content that could be caused by changes of temp erature, humidity or 
pressure, the surface must be clean, and no dangerous  residue must adhere to the outside of the 
packaging. 
5.1.3  The parts of transport packagin g which are in direct contact with the substances contained 
therein must, where necessary, be provided with a suitable inner coating or  protective treatment, 
the materials of the transport packaging and the contents must not cause a reaction and must not 
generate a dangerous product, and the transport p ackaging must not be af fected or significantly 
weakened by those dangerous goods. 
5.1.4  The inner packaging must be fixed. If the inne r packaging is liable to break or to be 
punctured easily and contains loose goods, then th e packaging must be secured with cushioning 
materials or absorbent materials in order to sufficiently fill the empty spaces. 
5.1.5  Packaging which is used to contain liquids mu st be able to bear the internal pressure 
which is produced under normal transport conditions. When fill ing the contents, sufficient 
expansion ullage (outage) must be left, unless ot herwise specified; and must be maintained at 
the stable temperature of 55oC. Any liquids must not completely fill the packaging. 
5.1.6  The closing parts of transpor t packaging must have  tight hermetic or  liquid sealing in 
accordance with the characteristics of the contents. 
5.1.7  When transport packaging containing wette d substances or subs tances with added 
stabilisers, the closure of the packaging must effectively ensure that the percentage of the liquid therein (water, solvent or stabilisers) remains w ithin the prescribed limit range during transport 
and storage. 
5.1.8  If transport packaging is equi pped with a pressure drop device,  its vent must be designed  and installed in a manner that prevents its conten ts from leaking and prevents foreign substances 
from entering the product; the vent must ensure that the quantity of gas emitted will not cause 
any danger or environmental pollution. 
5.1.9  The inner packaging and outer packaging of  composite packaging must be compactly 
attached. There must not be any protruding ar ticles on the outer packaging which may cause 
abrasion to the inner packaging. 
5.1.10  Additional requirements for packagi ng containing explosive substances: 
a) The closing parts of packaging containing liquid explosive substances must have double 
protection to prevent contents leakage; 
b) The inner packaging must sufficiently preven t contact between the explosive substances and 
any metal articles. Any metal nails  or any other metal parts without  protective coatings must not 
break through the outer packaging; 
c)  For steel drums which have dual crimped e dges, metal drums or tr ansport packaging which 
uses metal as a liner, must be able to prevent any explosive substances from entering any gaps. 
The closing parts of steel drums or aluminium drums must be fitted with suitable gaskets; 
d) The explosive substances and articles contai ned inside of the packaging, including the inner 
packaging, must have sufficient cushioning to prevent any dangerous movement during 
transportation; 
e) Transport packaging containing explosive ar ticles equipped with an electrical initiation 
device and which is sensitive to exterior electromagnetic sources must prevent the contents being affected by outside electromagnetic sources. 
5.1.11  The basic structures of the packaging must be  conform to the provisions set out in GB/T 
9174. 
5.1.12  See Appendix A for the combination models , marking identification codes, and mass 
limits of transport packaging for general dangerous goods. 
 
5.2 Packaging 
5.2.1 Steel drums 
5.2.1.1  Drum ends must be welded or dual mechanic ally crimped; the inside of the crimps must 
be evenly filled with seam sealants. The joints  of the drum body (except those containing solids 
or liquids of 40L and under) can use welding or  mechanical seaming. In all other cases, the 
drum ends must be welded. 
5.2.1.2  The chimes on both ends of the drum mu st be mechanically seamed or welded. 
Reinforced hoops may also be used. 
5.2.1.3  The drum body must be sufficiently rigid. Fo r drums with a volume of more than 60L, 
the drum body must be provided with two moulde d ring ribs, or two detached st eel rolling 
hoops, in order to keep the body of  the drum steady. If the ro lling hoops are welded onto the 
drum body, spot welding is not permitted. There must be no overlaps between the welded seam of the rolling hoops and the we lded seam of the drum body. 
5.2.1.4  Maximum volume is 250L. 
5.2.1.5  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.2 Aluminium drums  5.2.2.1  The material for the drum must be alumin ium with a purity of at least 99%, or an 
aluminium alloy which is corrosion resistan t and the correct mechanical strength. 
5.2.2.2  The entire seams of the drum must be weld ed. In the case of chime seams, reinforced 
hoops which are independent from the drum mu st be used to strengthen the drum.  
5.2.2.3  For drums with a volume greater than 60L, there must be two inde pendent metal rolling 
hoops around the drum body, to keep the drum stead y. If the rolling hoops are welded onto the 
drum body, then spot welding is not permitted. There must be no overlaps between the welded 
seam of the rolling hoops and the welded seam of the drum body. 
5.2.2.4  Maximum volume is 250L. 
5.2.2.5  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.3 Steel jerry cans 
5.2.3.1  The joint seams of both ends of steel jerry cans must be welded or dual mechanically 
crimped. For jerry cans with a volume of more than 40L, the seams of the jerry can body must 
be welded; for jerry cans with volume of 40L and under, the seams of the jerry can body must be welded or dual mechanical crimped. 
5.2.3.2  Maximum volume is 60L. 
5.2.3.4  Maximum net mass is 120kg. 
5.2.4 Plywood drums 
5.2.4.1  The plywood material for the drums must be  of good quality. Waterproof adhesive must 
be used between the board layers to glue along the crossbar. Afte r dry treatment, there must not 
be any faults which could reduce the prescribed efficiency. 
5.2.4.2  The drum body must be made of at least three-ply board. In the case that any other 
materials are selected to make the drum ends, the quality of the selected material must be equivalent to the quality of the plywood. 
5.2.4.3  The inner drum body must be lined. The liner of  the drum lid must be firmly fixed on the 
drum lid, and effectively prevent any leakage of the content thereof. 
5.2.4.4  Both ends of the drum body must be strengt hened with steel strips. Where necessary, it 
is permitted to use wooden cross supports to strengthen the drum ends.   
5.2.4.5  Maximum volume is 250L. 
5.2.4.6  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.5 Wooden barrels 
5.2.5.1  The wooden material used must be of good quality, with no knots, cracks, rot, sapwood 
or any other faults which may reduce the pres cribed purpose and efficiency of the drums. 
5.2.5.2  The barrel body must be strengthened with a number of reinforced hoops. Good quality 
materials must be selected to make the reinfo rced hoops, and the drum ends must be tightly 
mounted into the drum body slot. 
5.2.5.3 Maximum volume is 250L. 5.2.5.4 Maximum net mass is 400kg. 5.2.6 Rigid fibreboard drums 5.2.6.1 Good quality rigid fibreboard which has good waterproofing must be selected to make 
the drums. Other equivalent materials can be selected to make the drum ends.  5.2.6.2  The joint seams of the drums must have additio nal firmly integrated nails, and must have 
the same strength as the drum body. The drum en ds must have steel strips for extra strength. 
5.2.6.3  The inner drum body must be lined; wooden cr oss supports must be used to strengthen 
the drum bottom and drum lids, and must be integrated firmly. 
5.2.6.4  Maximum volume is 250L. 
5.2.6.4  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.7 Hardboard drums 
5.2.7.1  The drum body must be made of hardboard, bound and pressed from multiple layers of 
Kraft paper. The outer surface of the drum body mu st be coated with protective layers which 
have good waterproofing. 
5.2.7.2  If the material for the drum ends is the same  as the material for the drum body, then this 
material must conform to the provisions set out in 5.6.2 and 5.6.3. Other equivalent materials 
can also be selected. 
5.2.7.3  The joint locations between the drum body a nd drum ends must be  joined by pressing 
with steel strips. 
5.2.7.4  Maximum volume is 250L. 
5.2.7.5  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.8 Plastic drums and plastic jerry cans 
5.2.8.1  The material used must be able to bear  the effect of any abrasions, temperatures, 
illumination and ageing action under normal transport conditions. 
5.2.8.2  Appropriate ultraviolet protection must be a dded into the materials, but must also be 
compatible with the contents of the drum (jerry  can), and its efficiency maintained within the 
period of use. Additives for any other purpose must not cause any negative reactions to the chemical properties and physical proper ties of the packaging materials. 
5.2.8.3  The thickness of any part of the (jer ry can) body must correspond to the volume, 
application and the pressure endured everywhere on the drum (jerry can). 
5.2.8.4  Maximum volume: 250L for plastic dr ums; 60L for plastic jerry cans. 
5.2.8.5  Maximum net mass: 250kg for plastic drums; 120kg for plastic jerry cans. 
5.2.9 Wooden boxes 
5.2.9.1  The box bodies must be strengthened with rein forced strips and reinforced belts which 
correspond to the volume and applic ation thereof. The tops and bottoms of the boxes must be 
made of waterproof reconsti tuted wooden board, rigid fibre board, plastic board or other 
appropriate materials. 
5.2.9.2  Each part of a whole board box must be made of a whole piece board or materials 
equivalent to a whole piece board. The slab joint, lap joints, rabbet joints or the butt joints which 
have at least two corrugated metal fasteners at each joint, must be considered as equivalent 
materials to a whole piece board. 
5.2.9.3  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.10  Plywood boxes  
5.2.10.1  The materials used must conform to the provisions set out in 5.4.1. 
5.2.10.2  The corner posts and apexes of the plywood box must be fitted firmly.  5.2.10.3  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.11 Reconstituted wooden boxes 
5.2.11.1  The body of the boxes must be made of wa terproof reconstituted wooden board, rigid 
fibreboard or other suitable  types of board materials. 
5.2.11.2  The body of the boxes must be strengthened with a wooden frame, the body of the box 
and the frame must be fitted firmly; joint seams must be tight. 
5.2.11.3  Maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.12 Cardboard boxes, corrugated boxes, calcium plastic boxes 
5.2.12.1  Cardboard boxes and calcium plastic boxes mu st be waterproof to a certain extent. 
Cardboard boxes, calcium plastic boxes and corr ugated boxes must have a certain flexibility, 
and there must be no cracks when cutting, or hemming stitch, and no surface split or over bending when assembling; the between boa rd layers must be adhered firmly. 
5.2.12.2  The joints of the body of the box must use a dhesive tape or be lap jointed, or use both 
steel pins and staples to be lap jointed, and there must be suitable overlaps at the joints. If any 
adhesive or adhesive tapes are selected for the cl osures, then waterproof adhesive must be used. 
5.2.12.3  The outer surfaces of the calcium  plastic boxes must be slip-proof. 
5.2.12.4  Maximum net mass is 60kg. 
5.2.13 Metal boxes 
5.2.13.1  The body of the box is normally welded or riveted. If dual crimping is used for the 
joints of lattice boxes, this must prevent any co ntents from entering the sunken slot of the joint 
seams. 
5.2.13.2  The closing parts of the box must be of a suitable type and must remain tight under 
normal transport conditions. 
5.2.13.3  The maximum net mass is 400kg. 
5.2.14 Plastic woven bags 
5.2.14.1  The bags must be sewn, wove n or of equivalent strength. 
5.2.14.2  The inner surface of sift-p roof bags must be glued with paper or plastic film. 
5.2.14.3  The inner surface of waterproof bags must  be glued with plastic film or other 
equivalent materials. 
5.2.14.4  Maximum net mass is 50kg. 
5.2.15 Paper bags 
5.2.15.1  The materials for the bags must be good quali ty multiple layers of Kraft paper or other 
paper equivalent to Kraft paper, and sufficiently strong and sturdy. 
5.2.15.2  The closures of the bag joints must be fi rm, airtight, and must be able to remain 
efficient under normal transport conditions. 
5.2.15.3  The sift-proof bags must be provided with a damp-proof layer. 
5.2.15.4  The maximum net mass is 50kg. 
5.2.16 Jars 
5.2.16.1  Jars must be sufficiently thick and even, with no bubbles or sand holes. The outer  surfaces of pottery and porcelain must have no notic eable peeling or faults that might affect the 
efficiency of the containers. 
5.2.16.2  Maximum volume is 32L. 
5.2.16.3  Maximum net mass is 50kg. 
5.2.17 Baskets and hampers 
5.2.17.1  Must be woven with good quality materials in the correct shapes, must be equipped 
with protective lids, and must ha ve a certain level of rigidity. 
5.2.17.2  Maximum net mass is 50kg. 
6 Protective materials 
6.1 Protective materials, including materials used for supporting, strengthening, cushioning, 
lining and adsorption. 
6.2 The protective materials and protective methods for transport packaging must be compatible 
with the characteristics of the contents therein, must conform to the requirements of integral performance of transport packagi ng, must be able to withstand any impact and vibrations during 
transport, and must protect the contents and outer  packaging. If the inner packaging is damaged 
and the contents leak, the outer pack aging must remain safe and undamaged. 
7 Packaging symbols and marking identification codes 
7.1 Symbols 
The correct symbols and dimensions, colours and application methods which are set out in GB 
190 and GB/T 191 must be selected according to  the characteristics of the dangerous goods. 
7.2 Marking identification codes 
7.2.1  The marking identification codes of packing groups 
Represented by the following lower case English letters: x – Meets the requirements of packing group I, packing group II and packing group III; 
y – Meets the requirements of pack ing group II and packing group III; 
z – Meets the requirement s of packing group III. 
7.2.2 Marking identification codes of packaging 
Represented by the following Arabic numerals: 
1 – Drums; 2 – Wooden barrels; 3 – Jerry cans; 4 – Boxes, cases; 5 – Bags, hoses; 6 – Composite packaging;  7 – Pressure vessels; 8 – Baskets, hampers; 9 – Bottles, jars. 7.2.3 Material marking identification codes of packaging  Represented by the following capital English letters: 
A – Steel; B – Aluminium; C – Natural wood; D – Plywood; F – Reconstituted wood (wood particle board); G – Rigid fibreboard, ca rdboard, corrugated board, calcium plastic board; 
H – Plastic materials; L – Woven materials; M – Multiple layer papers; N – Metals (excluding steel and aluminium); P – Glass, porcelain; K – Wicker, chaste tree twig, rattan and bamboo strips. 
7.2.4 Representation methods of marking identi fication code of combination packaging 
7.2.4.1  Single packaging  
A single packaging consists of Arabic numerals and an English letter; the English letter 
represents the material of the packaging, and th e Arabic numeral which is parallel, on the left-
hand side of the English letter, represents the t ype of packaging. The Arabic numerals located in 
the right-hand lower corner of the English letter are the mode l numbers, which represent the 
same type of packaging with different openings. 
Example: 1A – Represents a steel drum; 1A
1 – Represents a steel drum with closed opening; 
1A2 – Represents a steel drum with medium-sized opening; 
1A3 – Represents a steel drum  with fall-sized opening. 
See Appendix A for the representation methods of opening model numbers for other packaging. 
7.2.4.2 Composite packaging 
The model number of a composite packaging consis ts of the Arabic numeral “6” to represent the 
composite packaging, a group of characters to  represent the packag ing materials and the 
packaging model. This group of characters consis t of two capital English letters and one Arabic 
numeral. The first English letter represents th e material of the inne r packaging, the second 
English letter represents the material of the outer packaging, the Arabic numeral on the right-
hand side represents the packaging model. 
Example: 6HA1 represents a composite packag ing with a plastic packaging as the inner 
packaging and a steel drum  as the outer packaging. 
7.2.5 Other marking identification codes 
Represented by the following English letters: 
S – Marking to represent packag ing intended to contain solids; 
L – Marking to represent packag ing intended to contain liquids;  R – Marking to represent repaired packaging. 
– Represents conformance with the requirements of national standards; 
– Represents conformance to the requirements specified by the United Nations; 
Example: the marking identification code of a steel drum and the marking identification code 
after an item of packaging is repaired. 
 
 
 
  
7.2.6 Manufacturing and application methods of the markings 
The background colour of the markings must be white (or the background colour of the 
packaging should be adopted), with black as the text colour. The font must be clear and eye-
catching. The marking can be prin ted, pasted, rendered or nailed. 
8 Characteristic tests of transport packaging 
8.1 Test preparation 
8.1.1  Transport packaging prepared for testing mu st be ready to be transported. For any 
packaging which is intended to contain solids, other articles which have the similar physical 
characteristics (such as mass, particle size) as  the solid goods can be used to replace the 
goods during testing; for any packaging which is  intended to contain liquids, other articles 
which have the similar physical characteristic s (such as density, viscosity) as the liquid 
goods can be used to replace the goods during tests. Water is usually used as the 
replacement. 
8.1.2  Packaging containing solids must be fill ed up to 95% of the volume thereof, and 
packaging containing liquids must be filled up to 98% of its volume. 
8.1.3  According to the condition requirements of circulation and environment, any paper-
based packaging and rigid fibreboard packag ing must undergo temperature and humidity 
pre-treatment in accordance with the provisions set out in GB/T 4857.2. 
 8.1.4  Prior to plastic packaging undergoing the dr op test, the temperatur e of the sample and 
its content must be decreased to -18oC or under. If the content is liquid, it must remain liquid 
after its temperature has been decreased. Wh ere necessary, antifreeze must be added. 
8.1.5  The air vent of the ventilati on device on the sample packagi ng must be sealed up or the 
ventilation device must be replaced with a cl osure device which is similar to the vent. 
8.1.6  Prior to the characteristics test for pack aging which is intended to directly contain 
dangerous goods, protective materials such as closures, absorption and liners must withstand 
a compatibility test where the packaging contains th e intended goods for a certain period of 
time (example for 6 months). 
8.2 Main test items an d conformity criteria 
The test items, quantitative value and conform ity criteria of each type packaging must 
conform to the relevant provisi ons set out in Tables 1 to 4. 
Table 1  
Stacking test  
Type of transport packaging Quantity Test 
method Stacking height 
and test 
duration Conformity 
criteria Remarks 
 
              Drums: Steel (iron) drum (jerry can); Aluminium drum; Wooden barrel; Plywood drum; Cardboard drum; Rigid fibreboard drum;  Boxes: Steel box; Natural wooden box; Plywood box; Reconstituted wooden box; Cardboard box; Rigid fibreboard box; Corrugated paper box; Acid-proof jar, porcelain jar, large glass bottle with thickness more than 3mm; 
 
 Plastic drum (jerry can); Plastic box; Calcium plastic box;  Drum composite packaging (inner packaging are plastic materials); Box-shaped composite 3 
samples See 8.2.1 1) Stacking 
height: land transport is 3m; ocean transport is 8m; if containers transport or on deck transport are adopted, the stacking height is 3m. 2) Test duration: 24 hours – 1 week      
 
 1) Stacking height: 3m. 2) Test duration: 28 days (at a temperature of 40 
oC). 
 Test samples 
must not show any distortion or deterioration which might cause instability in stacks of packages. 
Use on 
packing group I is not permitted.   
       Baskets, hampers  
      1) Stacking height: 3m 2) Test duration: 24 hours 
 
Table 2 
Drop test Packaging type 
Quantity Test method Drop height Conformity 
criteria Remarks 
Drums: 
Steel (iron) drum (jerry can); Aluminium drum; Wooden barrel; Plywood drum; Cardboard drum; Rigid fibreboard drum; Plastic drum (jerry can); Drum-shaped composite packaging 6 samples 
(drop 3 samples each time) See 8.2.2 
First time drop: diagonally of the drum chime (for example angle 1-2-6) on to the impact face, if there is no chime on the packaging, then the weld seam position or the edge of the packaging must be dropped onto the impact face. Second time drop: the 
weakest 
position of the drum which was not tested in the first drop must be When the 
content of the test sample is solids or liquids, or other liquids which have the similar proportion as the  liquids which are intended to contain are selected for the test: for packing group I packaging must be 1.80m; for packing group II packaging 
must be 
1.20m; for packing group III packaging must be 0.80m. Any 
damage to the inner packaging or outer packaging that might cause its contents to leak is not permitted.   impacted onto 
the impact face, for example the drum closure, or the vertical weld seam position (5-6 line) of a cylinder shaped drum. 
Boxes: Natural wooden box; Plywood box; Reconstituted wooden box; Rigid fibreboard box; Cardboard box; Corrugated box; Calcium plastic box; Plastic box; Steel box; Box-shaped composite packaging 5 samples 
(drop one sample each time) First time 
drop: flat on the base (3); second time drop: flat on the top (1); third time drop: flat on the longest side (2 or 4); fourth time drop: flat on the shortest side (5 or 6); fifth time drop: on a corner (such as 1-2-5)    
Paper bags; 
Plastic woven bags 3 samples 
(drop each sample  3 times) First drop: 
flat on the wide face of the bag (1 or 3); Second drop: flat on the narrow face of the bag (2 or 4); Third drop: flat on the end of the bag (6 or 6). According to 
the danger level of the contents: packing group II: 1.2m packing group III: 0.8m There must 
be no leakage or damage to the bag. This type of 
packaging is not permitted for use in packing group I. 
 
    Table 3 
Leak-proof test Packaging 
type Quantity Test method Test pressure Conformity 
criteria Remarks 
Steel drums; 
Aluminium drums; Steel jerry cans; Steel and plastic composite drums (boxes); Plastic drums; Plastic jerry cans 3 samples Soak the 
samples completely into water, then pressurise the samples by air inflation, check if any bubbles are produced. The water soaking method must not affect the test result. Or spread soap solution or other suitable liquids at the joint seam position of the drum (jerry can) or other positions where the leakage is easily to happen, then pressurise the drum (jerry can) by air inflation, check for any 
bubbles, other 
equivalent methods can also be used. Packing group 
I: not less than 30kPa; Packing group II and packing group III: not less than 20kPa. If there is no 
air-leakage on the packaging, then it is considered to have qualified. All packaging 
which are intended to contain liquids, must undergo the leak-proof test. 
 
      Table 4 
Hydraulic pressure test Packaging 
type Quantit
y  Test method Test pressure Conformity 
criteria Remarks 
steel (iron) 
drums(jerry cans ); Aluminium drums (jerry cans); Drum-shaped composite packaging (inner packaging are plastic materials) 3 
samplesInstall pressure gauges 
onto the sample packaging, connect the hydraulic pump, pressurise by adding water into the packaging, when the pointers of the pressure gauges point to the required pressure, then the plastic packaging and the composite packaging which have plastic as the materials of the inner packaging, must undergo a pressure test for 30 minutes; other material packaging or composite packaging must undergo a pressure test for 5 minutes. The test pressure must be applied continuously, and keep stable. If the samples are supported by other support equipment, then the support must not affect the test results. Packing group 
I: 250kPa; Packing group II and packing group III: not smaller than the value from the vapour pressure at a temperature of 50oC multiple 1.75, and then take away 100kPa. The minimum test pressure is 100kPa. If the 
packaging does not leak, then it is considered to have qualified. All 
packaging which is intended to contain liquids must undergo the hydraulic pressure test. 
Acid proof jars, ceramics jars and large glass with thickness above 3mm 3 
samplesInstall  pressure gauges 
onto the sample packaging, connect the hydraulic pump, pressurise by adding water into the packaging, when the pointers of the pressure gauges point to the required pressure, begin the constant pressure test for 5 minutes.    
 
    8.2.1  Stacking test  
8.2.1.1  The test method must conform to the provisions set out in GB/T 4857.3. 
8.2.1.2  See Table 1 for the stacking test and c onformity criteria of each type transport 
packaging. 
8.2.2 Drop test 
8.2.2.1  Test methods must conform to th e provisions set out in GB/T 4857.5. 
8.2.2.2  When using water as a replacement when test ing, this must be accor ding to the density p 
of contained liquid, in accordance with the following formula: 
Packaging group I:  If density p ≤ 1.2, then the drop height = 1.2 x 1.5 = 1.8 (m); 
If density p > 1.2, then the drop height = p x 1.5 (m) Packaging group II: If density p ≤ 1.2, then the drop height must be 1.2 (m); 
If density p > 1.2, then the drop height = p x 1.0 (m). Packaging group III: If density p ≤ 1.2, then the drop height must be 1.2/1.5=0.8 (m); 
If density p > 1.2, then the drop height = p /1.5 (m). Where, p – the density of the liquid, unit is gram per cubic centimetre (g/m
3) 
1.0 and 1.5 are the coefficient. 8.2.2.3  See Table 2 for the drop test and conformity criteria for each type of transport 
packaging. 
8.2.3 leak-proof test 
See Table 3 for the leak-proof test and conformity  criteria of each type of transport packaging. 
8.2.4 Hydraulic pressure test 
See Table 4 for the hydraulic pressure test and c onformity criteria or e ach type of transport 
packaging. 
8.2.5 Other tests 
Where necessary, test items such as weathering conditions and mechanical strength can be 
added in accordance with the requirements of  environment, circulation or the packaging. 
  Appendix A 
(Informative Annex) 
Transport packages of common dangerous goods list 
  
A.1 See Table 1 for the transport pa ckages of common dangerous goods list 
Combination packaging 
Packagin
g No Outer packaging Inner 
packaging Combination 
packaging  identification code  Applicable 
goods type Limit mass 
of package Remarks 
1 Closed top steel 
drums Net mass per drum  must not exceed: 
A: 250kg A Steel plate 
thickness is 1.50mm 
B: 200kg 
B Steel plate 
thickness is 1.25mm C: 100kg 
C Steel plate 
thickness is 1.00mm 
D Steel plate 
thickness is more than 0.50mm ~ 0.75mm  1A
1 Liquids 
D: 200kg 
(disposable packaging) If the steel 
drum is filled with corrosive substances, then the inner wall of the drum must be coated with an anti-corrosion layer 
Net mass per drum must not exceed: 2 Medium-sized 
opening steel drums 
250kg A Steel plate 
thickness is 1.25mm 150kg 
100kg B Steel plate 
thickness is 1.00mm 
50kg or 20kg 
C Steel plate 
thickness is 0.75mm Plastic 
bags or multi-layer Kraft paper1A
25H4 
1A25M 1 
1A25M 2 
 
 
 
         1A
2 
1N2Solids, powders and crystal goods  
 
         Glue and 
colloidal50kg or   D Steel plate 
thickness is 0.50mm 
E Steel drums or 
tin-plated thin steel drums (jerry cans) 
3 Full-sized 
opening steel drums Net mass per drum must not exceed:  
A Steel plate 
thickness is 1.25mm 250kg  
150kg  B Steel plate 
thickness is 1.00mm 100kg  
C Steel plate 
thickness is 0.75mm 
D Steel plate 
thickness is 0.50mm Plastic 
bags or multi-layer Kraft paper1A
35H4 
1A35M 1 
1A35M 3 
1A3 Solids, 
powders and crystal goods 
50kg  
Net mass per 
drum must not exceed:  
4 Composite steel 
plastic drums 
200kg  A Steel plate 
thickness is 1.25mm 
B Steel plate 
thickness is 1.00mm   
6HA1  
Corrosive liquids 
50kg or 
100kg  
5 Opening closed 
aluminium drums: aluminium plate thickness must be greater than 2mm  1B
1 Liquids Net mass per 
drum must not exceed 200kg  
6 Fibreboard 
drums; Plywood drums; Plastic 
bags or multi-layer 1F5H
4 
1F5M 1 
1D5H 4 Solids, 
powders and crystal Net mass per 
drum must not exceeds   Cardboard drums Kraft paper 1D5M 1 
1G5H4 
1G5M 1 goods 30kg 
7 Opening closed 
plastic drums  1H 1 Corrosive 
liquids Net mass per 
drum must not exceed 35kg  
8 Full-sized 
opening plastic drums Plastic 
bags or multi-layer Kraft paper1H
35H4 
1H35M 1 Solids, 
powders and crystal goods Net mass per 
drum must not exceed 50kg  
9 Whole-board 
wooden boxes Plastic 
bags or multi-layer Kraft paper4C
15H4 
4C15M 1 Solids, 
powders and crystal goods Net mass per 
drum must not exceed 50kg  
10 Whole-board 
wooden boxes  1. Inside of 
the middle layer of the metal drum: a threaded closure glass bottle, plastic bottle, plastic bag 2. Inside of the middle layer of metal jerry can: a threaded closure glass bottle, plastic bottle, plastic bag 3. Inside of the middle layer of plastic drum: a threaded closure glass bottle, 4C
11N39P1 
4C11N39H 
4C11N35H4 
  4C
13N39P1 
4C13N39H 
4C13N35H4 
 4C
11H39P1 
4C11H39H 
4C11H35H4 
 4C
13H39P1 
4C13H39H 
4C13H35H4  Strong oxidant,  Peroxides  Sodium chloride,  Potassium chloride Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg.  Inside of the case: net mass per bottle must not exceed 1kg, net mass per bag must not exceed 2kg.   plastic 
bottle, plastic bag 4. Inside of the middle layer of plastic jerry can: a threaded closure glass bottle, plastic bottle, plastic bag 
11 Whole-board 
wooden boxes Threaded 
closure glass bottles, or grounding closure glass bottles 4C
19P1 Strong acid 
liquids Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg.  Inside of the case: net mass per box must not exceed 0.5kg ~5kg.  
12 Whole-board 
wooden boxes 1. 
Threaded closure glass bottles; 2. Glass bottles with metal lids; 3. Plastic bottles; 4. Metal drums (jerry cans)4C
19P1 
4C19P1 
4C19H 
4C11N 
4C13N Liquids, 
solid powders and crystal goods Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg.  Inside of the case: net mass per bottle/drum (jerry can) must not exceed 1kg.  
13 Whole-board 
wooden boxes Wrap the 
ampoule bottle with corrugated paper cover or plastic bubble cover, then put into the 4C
1G9P 3 
4C1H9P 3 Gases, 
Liquids Net mass per 
box must not exceed 10kg.  Inside of the case: net mass per bottle must not exceed 0.25kg.   paper box 
14 Whole-board 
wooden boxes or semi-lattice wooden boxes Acid proof 
jars or ceramics jars 4C
19P2 
4C39P2 Strong acid 
liquids 1. jar 
contained net mass per box must not exceed 50kg 2. bottle contained net mass per 
box must not 
exceed 30kg  
15 Wooden boxes  
or semi-lattice wooden boxes Glass 
bottles or plastic drums 4C
11H2 
4C19P1 
4C31H1 
4C39P1 Acid liquids 1. bottle 
contained net mass per box must not exceed 30kg, each bottle must not exceed 25kg; 2. drum contained net mass per box must not exceed 40kg, each drum must not exceed 20kg;    
16 Lattice wooden 
boxes Thin steel 
plate drums or tin-plated thin steel plate drums (jerry cans)4C41A2 
4C41N 4C43N gluey and 
colloidal goods, such as paints 1. net mass 
per box must not exceed 50kg; 2. net mass per drum (jerry can) must not exceed 20kg;  
17  Lattice wooden 
boxes Metal 
drums (jerry cans) or plastic drums, plastic bag liners inside of drums 4C
41N5H 4 
4C43N5H 4 
4C41H25H4 Solids, 
powders and crystal goods Net mass per 
box does not exceed 20kg   18 Bottom board 
lattice wooden boxes Threaded 
closure glass bottles, plastic bottles or tin-plated thin steel drums (jerry cans)4C
29P1 
4C29P 
4C21N 
4C23N gluey and 
colloidal, powder goods Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside of boxes: net mass per bottle/ drum (jerry can) must not exceed 1kg  
19 Fibreboard 
boxes; wood particle board boxes; chipboard boxes Threaded 
closure glass bottles, plastic bottles or tin-plated thin steel plate drums (jerry cans)4F9P
1 
4F9H 
4F1N 4F3N Solids, 
powders and crystal goods, gluey and colloidal,  goods Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside of boxes: net mass per bottle must not exceed 1kg;  net mass per each drum (jerry can) must not exceed 4kg  
20 Calcium plastic 
boxes Threaded 
closure glass bottles, plastic bottles, composite plastic bottles, metal drums(jerry cans),  tin-plated thin steel plate drums, metal hose fitted inside paper 
boxes 4G
39P1 
4G39H 
4G33N 
4G35N4M Liquid 
pesticides, gluey and colloidal,  goods Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside of boxes: net mass per bottle/ drum (jerry can)/tube must not exceed 1kg  
21 Calcium plastic 
boxes Double-
layer of plastic bags or 4G
35H4 
4G35M 1 Solid, 
powder pesticides Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside of   multi-
layers of Kraft paperboxes: net 
mass per bag must not exceed 5kg 
22 Corrugated paper 
boxes Metal 
drums (jerry cans),  tin-plated thin 
steel plate 
drums,  metal hose 4G
13N 
4G13N 
4G15N gluey and 
colloidal,  goods Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside of   boxes: net 
mass per 
tube/ drum (jerry can) must not exceed 1kg  
23 Corrugated 
board boxes Plastic 
bottles, composite plastic bottles, double-layer plastic bags, multi-layer Kraft papers 4G
19H 
4G16H9 
4G15H4 
4G15M 1 powder pesticides Net mass per 
box must not exceed 20kg. Inside boxes: net mass per bottle must not exceed 1kg, each bag must not exceed 5kg  
24 Baskets, 
hampers, or 
cages woven with  materials such as wicker, chaste tree twig, rattan or bamboo strips Threaded 
closure 
glass bottles, plastic bottles or tin-plated thin steel plate drums (jerry cans)8K9P
1 
8K9P 
8K3N 8K1N Low-
poisonous 
liquid or powder pesticides, gluey and colloidal,  goods, oil-paper products and flax fibre Net mass per 
basket/ 
hamper/ cage must not exceed 20kg; net mass for paint type per drum (jerry can) must not exceed 5kg; per bottle must not exceed 1kg.  
25 Plastic woven 
bags Plastic 
bags 5H15H4 Powder, 
lamp goods Net mass per 
bag must not exceed 50kg  
26 Composite 
plastic woven bags  6HL5 Lamp, 
powder and crystal goods Net mass per  
bag is within the range of 25 ~50kg   27 Gunnysacks Plastic 
bags 5L15H4 Solid goods Net mass per  
bag must not exceed 100kg  
 
A2  See A.2 for the identification co des of common composite packaging  
Serial number Packaging 
name Identification 
code Serial number Packaging 
name Identification 
code 
1 Opening 
closed steel 
drums 1A1 16 Corrugated 
boxes  
2 Medium-sized 
opening steel drums 1A2 17 Cardboard 
boxes  
3 Full-sized 
opening steel drums 1A3 18 Calcium 
plastic boxes  
4 Opening 
closed metal drums 1N1 19 General woven 
bags  
5 Full-sized 
opening metal jerry cans 3B3 20 Composite 
plastic woven bags  
6 Opening 
closed aluminium drums 1B1 21 General plastic 
woven bags  
7 Medium-sized 
opening aluminium drums 3B2 22 Sift-proof 
plastic woven bags  
8 Opening 
closed plastic drums 1H1 23 Waterproof 
plastic woven bags  
9 Full-sized 
opening plastic drums 1H3 24 Plastic bags  
10 Opening 
closed plastic jerry cans 3H1 25 General paper 
bags  
11 Full-sized 
opening plastic jerry cans 3H3 26 Waterproof 
paper bags  
12 Whole-plate 4C1 27 Glass bottles   wooden boxes 
13 Wooden-base 
lattice wooden 
boxes 4C2 28 Ceramic jars  
14 Semi-lattice 
wooden boxes 4C3 29 Ampoule 
bottles  
15 Lattice wooden 
boxes 4C4 30