UN marking decoder for drums, jerricans and IBCs
Paste the mark printed on the container and see what each part means: type, material, packing group, density, test pressure and date.
- UN
- UN symbolPackaging is made to a UN-tested design type.
- 1A1
- Packaging codeDrum, steel, non-removable head (tight head)
- Y
- Performance levelPacking groups II and III
- 1.4
- Maximum relative density (liquids)1.4
- 150
- Hydraulic test pressure, kPa150 kPa
- 26
- Year of manufacture2026
- USA
- State authorising the markUSA
- M1234
- Manufacturer or approval codeM1234
How to read it
X, Y and Z show which packing groups the design passed testing for. For liquids, the maximum relative density follows (left off up to 1.2), then the hydraulic test pressure in kPa. For solids, the maximum gross mass in kg follows, then the letter S. IBCs also carry the stacking test load and maximum gross mass.
More context in the glossary and the plant checklists.
Based on the marking structure in the UN Model Regulations. Educational reference, not engineering or regulatory advice. Certification belongs to the tested design type; confirm against the maker's specification and the rules that apply to you.
Rules last verified: