What does 49 CFR 178.502 (Identification codes for packagings) require?

Based on 49 CFR 178.502, identification codes for designating kinds of packagings must consist of the following parts:

1. A numeral at the beginning indicating the kind of packaging:

• "1" = Drum
• "2" = Wooden barrel
• "3" = Jerrican
• "4" = Box
• "5" = Bag
• "6" = Composite packaging
• "7" = Pressure receptacle

2. A capital letter following the first numeral to indicate the material of construction:

• "A" = Steel (all types and surface treatments)
• "B" = Aluminum
• "C" = Natural wood
• "D" = Plywood
• "F" = Reconstituted wood
• "G" = Fiberboard
• "H" = Plastic (including other polymeric materials like rubber)
• "L" = Textile
• "M" = Paper, multi-wall
• "N" = Metal (other than steel or aluminum)
• "P" = Glass, porcelain, or stoneware

3. A second numeral indicating the category of packaging within that specific kind (for example, "1" for a non-removable head drum like "1A1", or "2" for a removable head drum like "1A2").

Special rules for specific packaging types under 49 CFR 178.502:

* Composite packagings: Use two capital letters in sequence for the second position—the first letter shows the material of the inner receptacle, and the second letter shows the material of the outer packaging (e.g., a plastic receptacle in a steel drum is coded as "6HA1").

* Combination packagings: Use only the code number for the outer packaging.