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Regulations changed, did you update? UN1169 or UN 1197?

Written by Serpac | Mar 22, 2023 8:30:00 AM

How to avoid mistakes

Being up-to-date about regulations to prepare and ship dangerous goods is fundamental to be sure that your goods will reach its destination without being stopped or sanctioned or, in the worst cases, provoking any incident.

We already talked about that when introducing the most important news of the addendum to the 64th edition of the IATA DGR manual. The products once classified as UN 1196 have been classified as UN 1197, and the new PSN (Proper Shipping name) has been changed into “EXTRACTS, LIQUID” since 1st January 2023.

Air shipments, new rules from 31 March

To ship by air, there is a transitional period of three months until 31st March 2023. Within this date, both UN1169 and UN1197 will be accepted for deliveries, while UN 1197 shipments only will be accepted starting from 1st April 2023.

If you still want to use UN 1169 for your shipments before March, you must make sure that all information on the package (markings) and overpacks match with the Shippers’ Declaration. 

What about the other transport modalities?

In this case, too, you must use the “new” UN1197: the difference is in the date of implementation of different Regulations. 

Actually, for ADR by road, RID by railroad, and ADN by inner waterways, the new UN will come into force on 1st July 2023. IMDG will implement it on 1st January 2024. (Click here to download the Validity calendar of regulations for the transport of dangerous goods)

Therefore the marking of packages, containers, and vehicles must be reviewed, always in compliance with the different Regulations.

How can this new classification UN number influence the approved packaging used by a Company? 

To transport hazardous material, it is necessary to use UN-approved packaging, with just a few exceptions.

Very often, because it is more convenient, most companies use custom-printed packages with shipping details, as well as other information such as the Company logo, etc.

Customized packaging is a quicker alternative to the “hand-made” labeling and marking of packages, in case you ship the same goods regularly.

Are you using custom-printed packages with transport details, including danger labels, UN number, and PSN, to ship your UN1169 or UN1197? It is now necessary to verify if you must update the print, or cover it with customized matte paper labels to hide the “old” information; when you finish using these boxes, start a new production with the updated print layout.

Always rely on specialized companies to avoid mishaps, sanctions, or incidents.

It is important to always ask for the support of an advisor when shipping dangerous goods. The aid of a counselor guarantees a constant alignment of habits to norms. Also, it is fundamental to call companies like Serpac, 100% compliant with Regulations and constantly up-to-date with the latest news of the valid Regulations (ADR, RID, ADN, IMDG, ICAO-TI / IATA).

SHIP SAFE, THINK SERPAC!