How to Spec UN Dangerous Goods Cartons from China

Quick answer

Specify UN dangerous-goods cartons by the required packaging instruction, packing group, material code, performance tests, markings, and inner-packaging fit—not by a photo of a printed box. A carton that looks sturdy is not automatically UN-approved for your substance and packing method.

Start from the shipping rule

Identify the UN number, packing group, and applicable packaging instruction before contacting factories. The carton is only one component of a packaging system that may include inner receptacles, cushions, closures, and orientation marks.

Lock the packaging type code

State the required UN packaging code, such as a fibreboard box designation, and whether combination packaging is intended. Ask the supplier which tested design type they propose and which test report covers that design.

Define performance evidence

Request the design-type test summary covering drop, stacking, and any other required tests for the packing group. Confirm whether the report matches the board construction, closure method, and inner packaging arrangement you will actually ship.

Control markings and print

UN marks must match the approved design type. Specify mark placement, size expectations, language of handling marks, and whether barcodes or brand print may coexist without covering required marks.

Fit the inner packaging

Provide inner receptacle dimensions, weight, cushioning method, and orientation. A carton tested with one inner arrangement may fail or lose validity when the fill pattern changes significantly.

RFQ

UN number; packing group; packaging instruction

Packaging type code; combination vs single packaging

Gross mass; inner packaging details; closure method

Design-type test report; marking artwork; sample retention

Related PackTrades Knowledge

How to Spec ECT and Board Grade for Export Cartons, Export Carton Packaging Requirements, How to Plan Packaging Sample Rounds Before China PO, How to Freeze Packaging Specs Before Mass Production in China.