DGR 7.1 — Package Marking Requirements

Package Marking Requirements (DGR Section 7.1)

Numbering note. Marking and labelling are Section 7 of the IATA DGR; documentation is Section 8; handling is Section 9. Section 6 is Packaging Specifications and Performance Tests. Because this study guide numbers its own chapters, the chapter number you see here is not a DGR reference — always quote the DGR paragraph (7.1, 7.2, 8.1 …) shown in the text.

Marking is the application of specific text, codes, and numerical data onto the outer packaging of a dangerous goods shipment. Under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 7.1, marking provides essential identification to flight crews, air cargo handlers, emergency responders, and carrier acceptance staff. The shipper is legally responsible for ensuring that all package markings are accurate, complete, durable, and fully compliant with air transport standards before offering any consignment to an air carrier.

Unlike surface transportation, air transport subjects packages to extreme pressure differentials, vibration, temperature fluctuations, and rapid handling transfers. Consequently, package markings under the IATA DGR must adhere to strict formatting, sizing, and contrast specifications to remain legible throughout the entire logistics chain.

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Mandatory Standard Package Markings

Every package containing dangerous goods prepared for air shipment must display standard operational markings directly on the outer surface. These markings fall into two primary categories: standard hazard identification markings and consignor/consignee administrative markings.

+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                         |
|  PROPER SHIPPING NAME: Acetone                                          |
|  UN NUMBER: UN 1090                                                     |
|                                                                         |
|  SHIPPER:                                CONSIGNEE:                     |
|  Global Chemical Labs                    Apex Aviation Services         |
|  100 Industrial Parkway                  500 Hangar Way                 |
|  Chicago, IL 60666, USA                  London Heathrow, TW6 2GW, UK   |
|                                                                         |
|  NET QUANTITY: 5 L                                                      |
|                                                                         |
|  UN SPECIFICATION MARK:                                                 |
|  [u/n] 4G/Y10/S/24/USA/+AA1234                                          |
|                                                                         |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+

1. Proper Shipping Name (PSN) & UN/ID Number

• Proper Shipping Name: The official designation listed in DGR Column B (Table 4.2). Technical names must be added in parentheses when indicated by a star symbol ($\star$) in Table 4.2 (e.g., Flammable liquid, n.o.s. (contains Acetone and Ethanol)).
• UN / ID Number Prefix: The four-digit numerical code must always be prefixed by the letters "UN" (for United Nations recognized substances) or "ID" (for temporary or consumer commodity designations such as ID 8000 Consumer Commodity).
• Lettering Size Rules: For packages with a net mass or capacity exceeding 30 kg or 30 L, the PSN and UN number markings must be at least 12 mm high. For packages between 5 kg/L and 30 kg/L, markings must be at least 6 mm high. For packages of 5 kg or 5 L or less, markings must be of an appropriate size relative to the package dimensions.

2. Shipper and Consignee Contact Details

• The full name and physical address of both the shipper (consignor) and the consignee (recipient) must be durably marked on every package.
• A full physical address is required. A post office box alone does not satisfy the requirement, because emergency responders and acceptance staff must be able to identify a real location.
• For specific shipments (such as infectious substances under Division 6.2), a 24-hour emergency telephone contact number and responsible person's name must be included on the package marking.

3. Net Quantity & Gross Mass Markings

• Dry Ice (UN 1845): Packages containing solid carbon dioxide (dry ice) must be explicitly marked with the net mass of dry ice in kilograms (e.g., Dry Ice, UN 1845, Net Qty: 15 kg).
• Class 1 Explosives: The net explosive mass (NEM) or net explosive quantity (NEQ) must be marked on the outer packaging.
• Gross Mass: When a package exceeds standard quantity thresholds or when required by specific packing instructions, the total gross mass of the package (e.g., Gross Mass: 28 kg) must be clearly displayed.

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UN Specification Packaging Markings

Dangerous goods shipped in specification packagings must display the official UN Packaging Symbol and associated performance codes embossed, printed, or stamped onto the outer package surface during manufacturing.

$\text{UN Mark Format: } \text{u/n } 4G / Y 15 / S / 26 / USA / +AA9876$

Breakdown of UN Specification Mark Elements

Packing Group Performance Codes

• Code X: Tested and approved for Packing Group I (high danger), II (medium danger), and III (low danger) substances.
• Code Y: Tested and approved for Packing Group II and Packing Group III substances. Cannot be used for Packing Group I.
• Code Z: Tested and approved for Packing Group III substances only.

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Overpack Markings & Special Rules

An overpack is an enclosure used by a single shipper to combine one or more packages into a single handling unit (e.g., shrink-wrapped pallet, wooden crate).

1. Duplication of Markings: Unless all mandatory package markings and labels on the inner packages are clearly visible from the outside, the shipper must duplicate all PSNs, UN numbers, shipper/consignee addresses, and special markings onto the exterior of the overpack.
2. Mandatory "OVERPACK" Mark: The word "OVERPACK" must be printed on the outer surface in lettering at least 12 mm high.
3. Language Requirements: All markings must be printed in English for international air transport. The state of origin may also require its official national language.
4. Durability and Contrast: Markings must be printed, stamped, or adhesively attached so that they withstand weather exposure without a substantial reduction in legibility. Markings must be applied against a background of contrasting color (e.g., dark lettering on light cardstock or corrugated board).

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Summary of Package Marking Specifications