- 1 - ICS 13.300 
A 80 
 
 
 
 
National Standard  
of the People's Republic of China 
  
GB190-XXXX 
 Replaces GB 190-1990 
 
 
Packing symbol of dangerous goods 
 
      
Draft for approval 
 
 
 Issue Date: XX – XX - 20XX  Im plementation Date: XX – XX - 20XX 
 
 
 
Issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and 
Quarantine of the People 's Republic of China  
 
Standardisation Administration of the  People's Republic of China (SAC) 
 
 
  
- 2 - Foreword 
 
Clause 3 and Clause 4 of this Standard ar e mandatory, whilst the rest are recommended 
 This Standard is an adoption and modifica tion of the United Nations' Model Regulations 
“Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods” (15
th Edition, Part 5: Consignment 
Procedures, Chapter 5.2 Mark ings and Labelling).  
 The main technical differences between this Standard when compared to the said Regulations: 
− the pictorial symbols are described in table format; 
− content that does not concern symbol  application has been deleted.  
 The main differences between this Standard when compared to GB 190-1990: 
− the number of symbols for Explosive Substances  has increased from the original 3 to 4; 
− the number of symbols for Gaseous Substances has increased from the original 3 to 5; 
− the number of symbols for Flammable Liquids ha s increased from the original 1  to 2; 
− the number of symbols for Class 4 substances has increased from the original 3 to 4; 
− the symbols for Class 5 substances, major change s to Organic Peroxide Oxidising Substances; 
− the number of symbols for Toxic Substances has decreased from the original 3 to 1; 
− Fissionable Substances has been added to  the symbols for Class 7 substances; 
4, Marks has been added; 
− requirements for the applications of marking and labelling have been added (Appendix A) 
 Appendix A of this Standard is a normative annex.  This Standard is proposed by and is under the juri sdiction of the Dangerous Chemicals Management 
of the Standardisation Administration of China.  
 The organisation responsible for th e drafting of this Standard:  
Standards and Metrology Research Institute of MOR  The main authors of this Standard are: Zh ang Jin, Zhao Jingyu, Zhao Hua, Lan Shumei, Su 
Xuefeng. 
 
This standard replaces the pr eviously issued Standards: 
GB 190-1990.  This Standard was first issued in 1985, firs t revised in 1990, this is  the second revision. 
  - 3 -            
Packing symbol of dangerous goods 
 
1 Scope 
This Standard specifies the classified pictures , dimensions, colours and application methods for 
pictorial packing symbols for dangerous goods (hereinafter referred to as the symbols). 
 This Standard applies to the transport packaging of dangerous goods. 
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 docum ents apply. For undated reference documents, the 
latest versions appl y to this Standard. 
 GB 6944 Classification and c ode of dangerous goods 
 GB 11806 Regulations for the safe tr ansport of radioactive material 
 GB 12268 List of dangerous goods 
3 Symbol classifications  
The symbols are divided into Marks (see Table 1)  and Labels (see Table 2). There are 4 Marks and 
26 Labels, their pictures indica te the main characters of the 9 Classes dangerous goods. 
 
 
- 4 -  
 
          
- 5 -  
  
Table 2 Labels 
 
 
 
- 6 -  
    
 
 
  
- 7 -  
    
 
 
- 8 -  
      
 
        
- 9 -  
      
- 10 -  
    
 
     
- 11 -  
   
 
 
- 12 -  
 
 
 
4 Dimensions and colours of symbols 
4.1 Symbol dimension 
The dimensions of the symbols generally  divide into 4 types, see Table 3. 
Table 3  Unit mm 
Dimension 
Sequence Length Width 
1 50 50 
2 100 100 
3 150 150 
4 250 250 
Note: in the case of transport pa ckages which are extra large or 
extremely small, the dimension of the symbol can be appropriately enlarged or reduced in accordance with provisions. 
 
4.2 Symbol colour 
The colours of the symbols must comply with the provisions set out in  Table 1 and Table 2. 
5 Symbol application methods  
5.1 Each type of dangerous goods must be differen tiated and required symbol s must be applied in 
accordance with the relevant provisions as spec ified in GB 6944, GB 12268 and as prescribed by 
the national competent authority for transport. Th e symbols used for export goods must be used in 
accordance with the internati onal conventions (regulations) implemented by China. 
- 13 - Appendix A 
(Normative Annex) 
Application Requirements for Marking and Labelling 
A.1 Marking 
A.1.1  Unless otherwise specified, th e proper shipping name for the dangerous goods as determined 
in accordance with GB 12286 and the corresponding number, must be displayed on each package. In the case of unpackaged articles the marking must be displayed on the article, on its cradle or on 
its handling, storage or launching device. 
A.1.2 All package markings required by A.1.1: 
a) must be readily visible and legible; 
b) must be able to withsta nd open weather exposur e without a substantial reduction in 
effectiveness; 
c) must be displayed on a background of contras ting colour on the external surface of the 
package; 
d) must not be located with other package mark ings that could substantially reduce their 
effectiveness. 
 A.1.3  Salvage packaging must also be marked with the word “SALV AGE”. 
 A.1.4  Intermediate bulk containers of more than 450 litres capacity and large packaging must be 
marked on two opposing sides.  A.1.5  Special marking provisions for Class 7 
a) Special markings, transport units  and packaging forms for Class 7 must be in accordance 
with the provisions set out in GB 11806; 
b) Each package must be legibly and durably mark ed on the outside of the packaging with an 
identification of either the cons ignor or consignee, or both; 
c) For every package (with the excep tion of packages specified in  GB 11806 that are excluded) 
must be legibly and durably marked on the outside of the packaging with the number GB 12286 and the correct shipping name. In the cas e of excepted packag es, only the GB 12286 
number is required. 
d) Each package of gross mass exceeding 50 kg must  have its permissible gross mass legibly 
and durably marked on the outside of the packaging; 
e) A package which conforms to: 
- A Type IP-1 package, a Type IP-2 package or a Type IP-3 package design must be 
legibly and durably marked on the outside  of the packaging with “TYPE IP-1”, 
“TYPE IP-2” OR “TYPE IP-3” as appropriate; 
- A Type A package design must be legibly and durably marked on the outside of the 
packaging with “TYPE A”; 
-A Type IP-2 package, a Type IP-3 or a Type A package design must be legibly and 
durably marked on the outside of the p ackaging with the International Vehicle 
Registration Code (VRI Code) of the country of origin of design and either the name 
of the manufacturer or ot her identification of the packaging specified by the 
competent authority for transport of the country of origin of design; 
f) Each package which conforms to a design appr oved by the competent authority for transport 
must be legibly and durably marked on the outside of the packaging with: - 14 - - The identification mark allocated to th at design by the competent authority for 
transport; 
- A serial number to uniquely identify each packaging which conforms to that design; 
- In the case of a Type B(U) or Type B(M) package design, with “TYPE B(U)” or 
“TYPE B(M)”; 
- In the case of a Type C package design, with “TYPE C”. 
g) Each package which conforms to a Type B(U), Type B(M) or Type C package design must 
have the outside of the outermost receptacle which is resistant to the effects of fire and water plainly marked by embossing, stamping or other m eans resistant to the effects of fire and 
water with the trefoil symbol  shown in the figure below: 
 
h) Where LSA-I or SCO-I material is contained in receptacles or wrapping materials and is 
transported under exclusive use as permitted by the competent authority for transport, the 
outer surface of these recep tacles or wrapping materi als may bear the marking 
“RADIOACTIVE LSA-I” or “RADIOAC TIVE SCO-I” as  appropriate; 
i) In case of international transport of packag es requiring the design or shipment approval 
from the competent authority for transport, fo r which different approval types apply in the 
different countries concerned, marking must be in accordance with the certificate of the 
country of origin of the design; 
 
A.1.6 Special marking provisions for en vironmentally hazardous substances 
 
a) Packages containing environmentally hazardous s ubstances meeting the criteria of Standards 
GB 12268 and GB 6944 (UN 3077 and UN 3082) must be durably marked with the environmentally hazardous substance mark w ith the exception of single packaging and 
combination packaging contai ning inner packaging with: 
- 15 - content of 5 L or less for liquids; 
content of 5 kg or less for solids. 
b) The environmentally hazardous substance mark mu st be located adjace nt to the markings 
required by A.1.1. The requirements of A.1.2 and A.1.4 must be met; 
c) The environmentally hazardous substance mark must be as shown in serial number 1 of 
Table 1. The marking dimensions of the pack aging must conform to the requirements of 
Table 3, except in the case of packages of su ch dimensions that they can only bear smaller 
marks. For transport units, the minimum dimensions must be 250mm x 250mm; 
   
A.1.7 Application requirements of orientation arrows 
 
a) a) Except as provided in b): 
- combination packaging having inner p ackaging containing liquid dangerous goods; 
- single packaging f itted with vents; 
- cryogenic receptacles intended for the tran sport of refrigerated liquefied gases; 
must be legibly marked with package orientation arrows which are similar to the illustration shown 
in serial number 2 of Table 1, or with those mee ting the specifications of  GB/T 191. The orientation 
arrows must appear on two opposite vertical sides of the package with the arrows pointing in the correct upright direc tion. They must be rectangular and of a size that is cl early visible, proportionate 
to the size of the package. Depicting a rect angular border around the arrows is optional. 
 
b) Orientation arrows are not required on the packages below: 
- Pressure receptacles; - Dangerous goods in inner packaging of not mo re than 120 ml which are prepared with 
sufficient absorbent material between the inner and outer packag ing to completely 
absorb the liquid contents; 
- Division 6.2 infectious substances in pr imary receptacles of not more than 50 ml; 
- Class 7 radioactive material in type B(U), type B(M) or type C packages; 
- Articles which are leak-tight in all or ientations (e.g. alcohol or mercury in 
thermometers, aerosols, etc.). 
 
c) Arrows for purposes other than indicating proper  package orientation must not be displayed 
on a package marked in accordance with this Standard. 
 A.1.8  Marking application for transport at an elevated temperature 
 When transport units are offered for transport, if  it contains a liquid substance at a temperature 
equal to or exceeding 100 °C, or a solid state s ubstance at a temperature equal to or exceeding 
240
oc, must apply the mark shown in serial number 3 of Table 1 on each side and on each end. The 
mark must be a triangular shape, must have side s of at least 250mm, and must be shown in red. 
 
A.2 Labelling 
 
A.2.1 Labelling provisions 
 
A.2.1.1  These provisions relate essentially to classi fied labels of contents (shown in Table 2). 
However, additional markings or symbols indicating precautions to be taken in handling or storing a 
package (e.g. A symbol representing an umbrella i ndicating that a package must be kept dry) may - 16 - be appropriately displayed on a package. 
 A.2.1.2  Labels identifying primary and subsidiary risks must conform to models Nos 1 to 9 
illustrated in Table 2. The “EXPLOSIVE” subsidiary risk label is model No 1.  A.2.1.3  Where articles or substances are specifically liste d in the Dangerous Goods List, a danger 
class label must be affixed for the hazard shown in  Column 4 of GB 12268. A subsidiary risk label 
must also be affixed for any risk indicated by a class or division number in the Column 5 of the 
Dangerous Goods List. However, sp ecial provisions may also require a subsidiary risk label where 
no subsidiary risk is indicated in  Column 5 or may be exempt from  the requirement for a subsidiary 
risk label where such a risk is i ndicated in the Dangerous Goods List. 
 A.2.1.4  If a substance which meets the definition of mo re than one class is not specifically listed by 
name in the Dangerous Goods List in GB 12268, the provisions in GB 6944 must be used to 
determine the primary risk class of  the goods. In addition to the label required for that primary risk 
class, subsidiary risk labels must also be a pplied as specified in the Dangerous Goods List. 
 Packages containing substances of Class 8 need not bear the subsid iary risk label model No 6.1 if 
the toxicity arises solely from the destructive ef fect on tissue. Packages containing substances of 
Division 4.2 need not bear the su bsidiary risk label model No 4.1. 
 A.2.1.5  See Table A1 for the labels for Class 2 gases with subsidiary risk(s) 
 
Table A1 
 
A.2.1.6  Three separate labels have been provided fo r Class 2, one for flammable gases of Division 
2.1 (red), one for non-flammable, non- toxic gases of Division 2.2 (gr een) and one for toxic gases of 
Division 2.3 (white). Where the Dangerous Goods List in GB 12268 indicates that a Class 2 gas 
possesses single or multiple subsidiary risks, labels  must be used in acco rdance with the table in 
A.2.1.5.  A.2.1.7  Except as provided in A.2.2.1.2, each label must: 
a) be located on the same surface of the package near the proper shipping name marking, if the 
package dimensions are adequate; 
b) be placed on the packaging so as not to be c overed or obscured by any part or attachment to 
the packaging or any other label or marking;  
- 17 - c) Where primary and subsidiary risk labels are required, they must be displayed next to each 
other. 
 Where a package is of such an irregular shape or  small size that a labe l cannot be satisfactorily 
affixed, the label may be attached to the package by a securely affixed tag or other suitable means. 
 A.2.1.8  Intermediate bulk containers of more than 450 litres capacity and large packaging must be 
labelled on two opposing sides.  A.2.1.9  Labels must be affixed on a surface of contrasting colour. 
 A.2.1.10  Special provisions for the labell ing of self-reactive substances 
 An “EXPLOSIVE” subsidiary risk label (Model No 1) must be applied for type B self-reactive substances, unless the competent authority for tran sport has permitted this label to be dispensed 
with for specific packaging because test data ha ve proved that the self-reactive substance in such 
packaging does not exhibit explosive behaviour.  
A.2.1.11 Special provisions for the labelling of organic peroxides 
 
The Division 5.2 label in Table 2 (model No 5.2) mu st be affixed to packages containing organic 
peroxides classified as types B, C, D, E or F. This label also implies that the product may be 
flammable and hence no “FLAMMABLE LIQUID” subsid iary risk label (model No 3) is required. 
In addition, the following subsidiary  risk labels must be applied: 
 
a) An “EXPLOSIVE” subsidiary risk label (model No 1) for organic peroxides type B, unless 
the competent authority for transport has perm itted this label to be dispensed with for 
specific packaging because test data have proved that the organic peroxide in such 
packaging does not exhibit explosive behaviour; 
b) A “CORROSIVE” subsidiary risk label (model No 8) is required when packing group I or II 
criteria of Class 8 are met. 
 A.2.1.12  Special provisions for the labelling of infectious substances packages 
In addition to the primary risk label (model No 6.2) , infectious substances packages must bear any 
other label required by the nature of the contents. 
 
A.2.1.13 Special provisions for the labe lling of radioactive material 
 
a) Except the circumstances which are for large fre ight containers and tanks specified in GB 
11806, each package, overpack and freight cont ainer containing radioactive material must 
bear at least two labels which conform to the models No 7A, No 7B and No 7C as 
appropriate according to the category (see Table 7 in GB 11806) of that package, overpack 
or freight container. Labels must be affi xed to two opposite sides on the outside of the 
package or on the outside of all four sides of the freight container. Each overpack containing 
radioactive material must bear  at least two labels on opposite sides of the outside of the 
overpack. In addition, each package, overpack and freight container containing fissile 
material must bear labels which conform to model No 7E; such labels, where applicable 
must be affixed adjacent to the labels for ra dioactive material. Labels must not cover the 
specified markings. Any labels which do not re late to the contents must be removed or 
covered.   - 18 - b) Must conform to conform to the provisions sp ecified in GB 11806, each label conforming to 
models numbers 7A, 7B, and 7C must be completed with the following information: 
- Contents: - Except for LSA-I material, the name(s) of th e radionuclide(s) as taken from Table 1 in 
Section 5.3.1.1 of GB 11086, using the symbol s prescribed therein. For mixtures of 
radionuclides, the most restrictive nuclides mu st be listed to the extent the space on 
the line permits. The group of LSA or SCO must be shown following the name(s) of 
the radionuclide(s). The terms “LSA-II”, “L SA-III”, “SCO-I” and “SCO-II” must be 
used for this purpose; 
- For LSA-I material, the term “LSA-I” is all that is necessary, the name of the 
radionuclide is not necessary; 
- Activity: The maximum activity of the radioactive contents during transport expressed 
in units of becquerels (Bq) with the appropriate SI prefix  symbol. For fissile material, 
the mass of fissile material in units of gram  (g), or multiples thereof, may be used in 
place of activity; 
- For overpacks and freight containers the “contents” and “activity” entries on the label 
must bear the information required in  A.2.1.12.2(a) and A.2.1.12.2(b), respectively, 
totalled together for the entire contents of  the overpack or freight container except 
that on labels for overpacks or freight cont ainers containing mixed loads of packages 
containing different radionuclides, such  entries may read “See Transport 
Documents”. 
- Transport index: See Chapter 6.8 of GB 1 1806. (no transport index entry is required for 
category I-WHITE). 
c) Each label conforming to the model No 7E mu st be completed with the criticality safety 
index (CSI) as stated in the certificate of approval for special  arrangement or the certificate 
of approval for the package design issued by the competent authority for transport. 
d) For overpacks and freight containers, the criticality safety index (CSI) on the label must bear 
the information required in c) of A.2.1.12 totalled together for the fissile contents of the 
overpack or freight container. 
e) In the case of international transport of p ackages requiring design or shipment approval 
from the competent authority for transport, fo r which different approval types apply in the 
different countries concerned, labelling must be in accordance with the certificate of the 
country of origin of design. 
 
A.2.2 Provisions for labels 
 
Labels must satisfy the provisions of this sectio n and conform, in terms of colour, symbols and 
general format, to the specimen labels shown in Ta ble 2 where appropriate, la bels in Table 2 can be 
shown with a dotted outer boundary in accordance with  the provisions in a) below. This is not 
required when the label is applied on  a background of contrasting colour. 
 
a) Labels must be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45
o (diamond-shaped), the 
dimensions must conform to conform to the pr ovisions set out in 4.1, except in the case of 
packages of such dimensions that they can onl y bear smaller labels and as provided in b). 
There must be a line which has the same colour as the symbol, and is running parallel with the edge, the distance from the line to the edge is 5mm. Label must be displayed on a background of contrasting colour, or must have either a dotte d or solid outer boundary line. 
b) Cylinders for Class 2 may, on account of their shapes, orientation and securing mechanisms 
for transport, bear labels representative of  those specified in Cl ass 2 of Table 2, the 
dimensions must conform to the provisions se t out in 4.1., however, in  all cases, the labels - 19 - representing the primary hazard and the numbers  appearing on any label must remain fully 
visible and the symbols recognisable. 
c) The label is divided into two halves – upper a nd lower – with the exception of Division 1.4, 
1.5 and 1.6, where the upper half of the label mu st contain the pictorial symbol and the 
lower half must contain the text, the clas s or division number of the goods and the 
compatibility group letter as appropriate. 
d) Except for Division 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6, the lower ha lf of the labels for Class 1 shows the 
division number and compatibility  group letter for the substance or article. The upper half of 
the labels for Divisions 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 shows the division num ber and in the lower half 
show the compatibility  group letter. For Division 1.4, Co mpatibility Group S, no label is 
generally required. However, in cases where a label is considered necessary for such goods, 
it must be based on model No 1.4. 
e) On labels other than those for material of Cla ss 7, the insertion of any text (other than the 
class or division number) in the space below the symbol must be confined to particulars 
indicating the nature of the risk a nd precautions to be taken in handling. 
f) The symbols, text and numbers must be s hown in black on all labels except for: 
- the Class 8 label, where the text and class number must appear in white; - labels with entirely green, red or blue b ackgrounds where they may be shown in white; 
- the Division 2.1 label displa yed on cylinders and gas cartri dges for liquefied petroleum 
gases, where they may be shown in th e background colour of the receptacle if 
adequate contrast is provided. 
g) All labels must be able to withstand open w eather exposure without a substantial reduction 
in effectiveness.