What Is a UN Number and Why Does It Matter?

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Summary:

• UN numbers are globally recognized classifications that identify hazardous substances in international shipping. 
• UN numbers range from 0004 to 3548, with each number identifying hazardous substances and dangerous goods like explosives, toxic chemicals, and flammable liquids. 
• UN numbers protect transport workers, goods, and the environment by allowing shippers to properly package and transport hazardous materials.

When shipping materials internationally, it is crucial to follow the recommendations put forth by the United Nations (UN) on labeling and identifying dangerous and hazardous substances. Doing so ensures proper use of specially designed hazmat boxes and shipping procedures, protects transport workers, and prevents mishandling of items. 

Learn more about what a UN number is and why it matters for international shipping to keep your goods and crew safe during transport and beyond. 

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What Is a UN Number?

A UN number is a four-digit number used to identify hazardous substances and articles and dangerous goods. These include flammable liquids, explosives, and toxic substances. 

UN numbers and their classifications are set by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Each number identifies a hazard by associating the substance with a hazard class and subdivision. This helps those who package and transport these goods to handle them appropriately. 

In addition to identifying hazards, UN numbers identify the compatibility group of explosive substances. They also provide additional subsidiary risk identifiers for substances that pose multiple dangers. 

UN numbers are placed on the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for all items on international shipments. This helps workers easily identify the substance and handle it appropriately. 

What Do Different UN Numbers Mean?

Ranging from UN 0004 to UN 3548, UN numbers span a wide range of classifications. Regulatory organizations adopt them for land, air, and sea international shipping. These organizations include the International Civil Aviation Organization, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the International Maritime Organization. 

Details on the meaning of UN numbers are published in the Orange Book, otherwise known by its official name: Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. This document was first published in 1956 and undergoes continual evaluation and updates as technologies progress. 

A few examples of UN numbers used are:

• 0009 - Ammunition, incendiary
• 0082 - Type B blasting explosives
• 3090 - Lithium batteries
• 3245 - Genetically modified organisms
• 1267 - Petroleum, crude oil

There are over 3,500 UN numbers that detail specific variances in these substances. So, it is essential to check on the UN number that matches the substance or article you are transporting in UN-certified shipping barrels or drums. 

Why Are UN Numbers Important?

UN numbers are important for a variety of reasons, including safety and consistency when transporting international goods. 

By establishing a regulatory set of identification numbers, the UN promotes consistency among international shipping organizations. This means that when you ship hazardous material from country to country, every entity involved in the process is aware of what is inside the containers. This allows them to determine how to safely package and handle the substance and receive the items at the destination location. 

The safe transport of hazardous materials is the motivating factor behind the UN numbers system. It is essential for humanistic and environmental reasons that hazardous chemicals are handled with care to not harm people or the world’s ecosystem in the event of spills or accidents. Identifying dangerous materials allows shippers to use hazmat-approved custom shipping boxes, barrels, lithium packaging, and other UN-certified methods for transport. 

How to Use UN Numbers on Your Packages

In the United States, the process for marking your hazardous or dangerous packages is outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). According to these organizations, a basic safe shipping procedure requires marking and labeling your cargo properly. Marking includes a descriptive name of the substance, its identification number (including UN number), specialized markings, cautions, instructions, and weight. 

Labeling includes using labels with specific colors and pictograms to identify hazardous materials. These labels must be applied to the sides or top of the package and be located near the marking, which includes the UN number. 

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Safely Transport Your Goods 

In addition to marking your international shipments with the appropriate UN number, it is essential to use high-quality, UN-certified packing materials to transport your goods. 

Air Sea Containers provides a wide selection of hazmat boxes, barrels, and crates for all your shipping needs. Shop our selection of shipping containers online or contact us with questions about how best to ship hazardous materials.