Ask X3What does 49 CFR 178.503 (Marking of packagings) require?
Generated guidance. Confirm the source and its applicability before you act. How we check sources.
According to 49 CFR 178.503, a manufacturer must mark every packaging represented as meeting a UN standard with specific required marks.
Here are the practical requirements for these markings:
* Visibility and Durability: The marks must be durable, legible, and placed in a location and size relative to the packaging so they are readily visible. Reusable packagings that may undergo reconditioning must have specific marks applied in a permanent form (such as embossed) that can withstand the reconditioning process.
* Sequence and Separation: Information must be presented in the correct sequence, separated by slash marks, and can be applied in a single line or multiple lines.
* Required Information: Packagings must include:
1. The United Nations symbol (or "UN" for embossed metal receptacles).
2. A packaging identification code for the type, material, and category, followed by a "V" or "W" when applicable.
3. A letter identifying the performance standard (X for Packing Groups I, II, and III; Y for Packing Groups II and III; Z for Packing Group III only).
4. The specific gravity (rounded down to the first decimal) for liquid packagings without inner packagings, or the maximum gross mass in kilograms for solids or inner packagings.
5. The hydrostatic pressure test pressure in kPa for liquids, or the letter "S" for solids and inner packagings.
6. The last two digits of the year of manufacture (types 1H and 3H must also include the month).
7. The state authorizing the mark ("USA" for the United States).
8. The manufacturer's or approval agency's name, address, or registered symbol.
9. The thickness of the packaging material in mm for metal or plastic drums or jerricans intended for reuse or reconditioning.
10. For new metal drums over 100 liters, permanent marks on the bottom matching specific manufacturing characteristics.
11. The optional rated capacity in liters.
Additional rules apply for removable heads, reconditioned packagings, and remanufactured packagings.