Chapter 6.3
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Maritime Safety Committee - Resolution MSC.262(84) – Adoption of Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code – (Adopted on 16 May 2008) - Annex – Amendments to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code - Part 6 - Chapter 6.3

Chapter 6.3

  Title Replace “substances” with “infectious substances of category A”

  6.3.1.1 Replace paragraph with “The provisions of this chapter apply to packagings intended for the transport of infectious substances of Category A.”

  6.3.1.2 Delete

  6.3.1.3 Delete

  6.3.2 Replace section with:

  6.3.2 Provisions for packagings

  6.3.2.1 The provisions for packagings in this section are based on packagings, as specified in 6.1.4, currently used. In order to take into account progress in science and technology, there is no objection to the use of packagings having specifications different from those in this chapter provided that they are equally effective, acceptable to the competent authority and able successfully to withstand the tests described in 6.3.5. Methods of testing other than those described in the provisions of this Code are acceptable provided they are equivalent.

  6.3.2.2 Packagings shall be manufactured and tested under a quality assurance programme which satisfies the competent authority in order to ensure that each packaging meets the provisions of this chapter.

  Note: ISO 16106:2006 “Packaging – Transport packages for dangerous goods – Dangerous goods packagings, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packagings – Guidelines for the application of ISO 9001” provides acceptable guidance on procedures which may be followed.”

  6.3.2.3 Insert text of existing 6.3.1.3

  6.3.3 Replace section with:

  6.3.3 Code for designating types of packagings

  6.3.3.1 The codes for designating types of packagings are set out in 6.1.2.7.

  6.3.3.2 The letters “U” or “W” may follow the packaging code. The letter “U” signifies a special packaging conforming to the provisions of 6.3.5.1.6. The letter “W” signifies that the packaging, although, of the same type indicated by the code is manufactured to a specification different from that in 6.1.4 and is considered equivalent under the provisions of 6.3.2.1.”

 Insert new sections 6.3.4 and 6.3.5:

  6.3.4 Marking

  Note 1: The marking indicates that the packaging which bears it corresponds to a successfully tested design type and that it complies with the provisions of this chapter which are related to the manufacture, but not to the use, of the packaging.

  Note 2: The marking is intended to be of assistance to packaging manufacturers, reconditioners, packaging users, carriers and regulatory authorities.

  Note 3: The marking does not always provide full details of the test levels, etc., and these may need to be taken further into account, e.g., by reference to a test certificate, to test reports or to a register of successfully tested packagings.

  6.3.4.1 Each packaging intended for use according to the provisions of this Code shall bear markings which are durable, legible and placed in a location and of such a size relative to the packaging as to be readily visible. For packages with a gross mass of more than 30 kg, the markings or a duplicate thereof shall appear on the top or on a side of the packaging. Letters, numerals and symbols shall be at least 12 mm high, except for packagings of 30 litres or 30 kg capacity or less, when they shall be at least 6 mm in height and for packagings of 5 litres or 5 kg or less when they shall be of an appropriate size.

  6.3.4.2 Insert text of existing 6.3.1.1 with the following modifications:

 Replace “6.3.2” with “6.3.5”

  6.3.4.2(a) Replace “the United Nations Packaging symbol;” with “the United Nations Packaging symbol. This symbol shall not be used for any purpose other than certifying that a packaging complies with the relevant provisions in chapter 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.5 or 6.6;”

  6.3.4.2(g) Replace “6.3.2.9” with “6.3.5.1.6”

  6.3.4.2(h) Delete “shall be clearly separated, such as by a slash or space, so as to be easily identifiable” after “with subparagraphs (a) to (g)”

  6.3.4.3 Marking shall be applied in the sequence shown in 6.3.4.2 (a) to (g); each element of the marking required in these sub-paragraphs shall be clearly separated, e.g., by a slash or space, so as to be easily identifiable. For examples, see 6.3.4.4

 Any additional markings authorized by a competent authority shall still enable the parts of the mark to be correctly identified with reference to 6.3.4.1

  6.3.4.4 Insert text of existing 6.3.1.2 with the following modifications:

 Replace “4G/CLASS 6.2/01” with “4G/CLASS 6.2/06”

 Replace “6.3.1.1” with “6.3.4.2” (twice)

  6.3.5 Insert heading of existing 6.3.2

  6.3.5.1 Performance and frequency of tests

  6.3.5.1.1 The design type of each packaging shall be tested as provided in this section in accordance with procedures established by the competent authority.

  6.3.5.1.2 Each packaging design type shall successfully pass the tests prescribed in this chapter before being used. A packaging design type is defined by the design, size, material and thickness, manner of construction and packing, but may include various surface treatments. It also includes packagings which differ from the design type only in their lesser design height.

  6.3.5.1.3 Tests shall be repeated on production samples at intervals established by the competent authority.

  6.3.5.1.4 Tests shall also be repeated after each modification which alters the design, material or manner of construction of a packaging.

  6.3.5.1.5 Insert text of existing 6.3.2.7 with the following modifications:

 Replace “of inner packagings or inner packagings of lower net mass” with “or lower net mass of primary receptacles”

 Delete “, bags” after “such as drums”

  6.3.5.1.6 Insert text of existing 6.3.2.9 with the following modifications:

 Replace “Inner” with “Primary”

 Replace “intermediate (secondary)” with “secondary”

 Replace “outer” with “rigid outer”

  6.3.5.1.6.1 Replace “intermediate/outer packaging combination” with “rigid outer packaging”

 Replace “6.3.2.3” with “6.3.5.2.2”

 Replace “inner” with “primary”

  6.3.5.1.6.2 Replace “inner” with “primary” (twice)

  6.3.5.1.6.3 Replace “inner” with “primary” (seven times)

 Replace “intermediate” with “secondary” (twice)

 Insert “spaces” after “to take up the void”

  6.3.5.1.6.4 Replace “outer” with “rigid outer”

 Replace “inner receptacles” with “packagings”

  6.3.5.1.6.5 Replace “inner” with “primary” (twice)

  6.3.5.1.6.6 Replace “outer” with “rigid outer”

 Replace “inner” with “primary” (twice)

  6.3.5.1.6.7 Replace “6.3.1.1” with “6.3.4.2” (twice)

  6.3.5.1.7 The competent authority may at any time require proof, by tests in accordance with this section, that serially-produced packagings meet the provisions of the design type tests.

  6.3.5.1.8 Provided the validity of the test results is not affected and with the approval of the competent authority, several tests may be made on one sample.

  6.3.5.2 Preparation of packagings for testing

  6.3.5.2.1 Insert text of existing 6.3.2.2 with the following modifications:

  Replace “98% capacity” with “not less than 98% of its capacity

 Insert “Note: The term water includes water/antifreeze solution with a minimum specific gravity of 0.95 for testing at -18°C.” after “98% of its capacity.”

  6.3.5.2.2 Tests and number of samples required

Type of packaging a Tests required
Rigid outer packaging Primary receptacle Water spray 6.3.5.3.6. 1 Cold conditioning 6.3.5.3.6.2 Drop 6.3.5.3 Additional drop 6.3.5.3.6.3 Puncture 6.3.5.4 Stack 6.1.5.6
Plastics Other
No. of samples No. of samples No. of samples No. of samples No. of samples  
Fibreboard box X   5 5 10 Required on one sample when the packaging is intended to contain dry ice. 2 Required on three samples when testing a “U”– marked packaging as defined in 6.3.5.1.6 for specific provisions.
  X 5 0 5 2
Fibreboard drum X   3 3 6 2
  X 3 0 3 2
Plastics box X   0 5 5 2
  X 0 5 5 2
Plastics drum/jerrican X   0 3 3 2
  X 0 3 3 2
Boxes of other material X   0 5 5 2
  X 0 0 5 2
Drums/jerricans of other material X   0 3 3 2
  X 0 0 3 2
a “Type of packaging” categorizes packagings for test purposes according to the kind of packaging and its material characteristics.

  Note 1: In instances where a primary receptacle is made of two or more materials, the material most liable to damage determines the appropriate test.

  Note 2: The material of the secondary packagings are not taken into consideration when selecting the test or conditioning for the test.

  Explanation for use of the table:

 If the packaging to be tested consists of a fibreboard outer box with a plastics primary receptacle, five samples must undergo the water spray test (see 6.3.5.3.6.1) prior to dropping and another five must be conditioned to -18°C (see 6.3.5.3.6.2) prior to dropping. If the packaging is to contain dry ice then one further single sample shall be dropped five times after conditioning in accordance with 6.3.5.3.6.3.

 Packagings prepared as for transport shall be subjected to the tests in 6.3.5.3 and 6.3.5.4. For outer packagings, the headings in the table relate to fibreboard or similar materials whose performance may be rapidly affected by moisture; plastics which may embrittle at low temperature; and other materials such as metal whose performance is not affected by moisture or temperature.

  6.3.5.3 Drop test

  6.3.5.3.1 Samples shall be subjected to free-fall drops from a height of 9 m onto a non-resilient, horizontal, flat, massive and rigid surface in conformity with 6.1.5.3.4.

  6.3.5.3.2 Where the samples are in the shape of a box; five shall be dropped one in each of the following orientations:

  • .1 flat on the base;

  • .2 flat on the top;

  • .3 flat on the longest side;

  • .4 flat on the shortest side; and

  • .5 on a corner.

  6.3.5.3.3 Where the samples are in the shape of a drum, three shall be dropped one in each of the following orientations:

  • .1 diagonally on the top chime, with the centre of gravity directly above the point of impact;

  • .2 diagonally on the base chime; and

  • .3 flat on the side.

  6.3.5.3.4 While the sample shall be released in the required orientation, it is accepted that for aerodynamic reasons the impact may not take place in that orientation.

  6.3.5.3.5 Following the appropriate drop sequence, there shall be no leakage from the primary receptacle(s) which shall remain protected by cushioning/absorbent material in the secondary packaging.

  6.3.5.3.6 Special preparation of test sample for the drop test

  6.3.5.3.6.1 Fibreboard – Water spray test

 Fibreboard outer packagings: The sample shall be subjected to a water spray that simulates exposure to rainfall of approximately 5 cm per hour for at least one hour. It shall then be subjected to the test described in 6.3.5.3.1.

  6.3.5.3.6.2 Plastics material – Cold conditioning

 Plastics primary receptacles or outer packagings: The temperature of the test sample and its contents shall be reduced to -18°C or lower for a period of at least 24 hours and within 15 minutes of removal from that atmosphere the test sample shall be subjected to the test described in 6.3.5.3.1. Where the sample contains dry ice, the conditioning period shall be reduced to 4 hours.

  6.3.5.3.6.3 Packagings intended to contain dry ice – Additional drop test

 Where the packaging is intended to contain dry ice, a test additional to that specified in 6.3.5.3.1 and, when appropriate, in 6.3.5.3.6.1 or 6.3.5.3.6.2 shall be carried out. One sample shall be stored so that all the dry ice dissipates and then that sample shall be dropped in one of the orientations described in 6.3.5.3.2 which shall be that most likely to result in failure of the packaging.

  6.3.5.4 Puncture test

  6.3.5.4.1 Packagings with a gross mass of 7 kg or less

 Insert text of existing 6.3.2.6.1 with the following modification:

 Replace “not exceeding 38 mm” with “of 38 mm”

  6.3.5.4.2 Packagings with a gross mass exceeding 7 kg

 Insert text of existing 6.3.2.6.2 with the following modifications:

 Replace “the primary receptacle(s) and the outer surface” with “the centre of the primary receptacle(s) and the outer surface”

 Insert “with its top face lowermost” before “in a vertical free fall”

 Replace “the steel rod would penetrate” with “the steel rod would be capable of penetrating”

 Replace “there shall be no leakage” with “penetration of the secondary packaging is acceptable provided that there is no leakage”

  6.3.5.5 Insert heading of existing 6.3.3

  6.3.5.5.1 Insert text of existing 6.3.3.1 with the following modifications:

 Insert “written” before “test report”

  6.3.5.5.1.4 Replace “the test report” with “the test and of the report”

  6.3.5.5.1.8 Replace “Characteristics of test contents, e.g., viscosity and relative density for liquids and particle size for solids;” with “Test contents;”

  6.3.5.5.2 Insert text of existing 6.3.3.2”

  Consequential amendments:

  Contents page:

  Chapter 6.3 Replace “substances” with “infectious substances of category A”

  6.3.2 Replace “Test p” with “P”

  6.3.3 Replace “Test report” with “Code for designating types of packagings”

  6.3.4 Insert “6.3.4 Marking”

  6.3.5 Insert “6.3.5 Test provisions for packagings”


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.