Understanding IBC UN Ratings and Certifications

UN Performance Ratings for IBC Totes

If you have ever looked at the markings on an IBC tote, you have seen a string of numbers and letters that looks like code. These markings are actually a standardized system established by the United Nations to communicate essential information about the container's capabilities, construction, and certification.

Reading the UN Marking

A typical IBC marking looks like this: **31HA1/Y/0520/USA/+AA1234**

Let us decode each element:

Container Type Code (31HA1)

31: = Rigid IBC (as opposed to flexible)

H: = Plastic (HDPE) — alternatives: A = Steel, B = Aluminum, N = Metal other than steel/aluminum

A: = Fitted with structural equipment (the cage) — B = Self-supporting

1: = Bottom discharge fitted

Performance Level (Y)

X: = Packing Group I, II, and III (highest — for dangerous goods of all hazard levels)

Y: = Packing Group II and III (medium)

Z: = Packing Group III only (lowest — for minor hazard goods)

Date of Manufacture (0520)

05: = Month (May)

20: = Year (2020)

Country of Manufacture (USA)

The country where the IBC was manufactured and tested.

Manufacturer Code (+AA1234)

A unique identifier assigned to the manufacturer by the certifying authority.

What the Performance Levels Mean

Packing Group I (X-rated)

Containers rated for the most dangerous goods. These IBCs undergo the most rigorous testing, including higher drop test heights and greater hydraulic pressure tests. Required for materials like strong acids, toxic substances, and highly reactive chemicals.

Packing Group II (Y-rated)

The most common rating for industrial IBCs. Suitable for medium-hazard goods and all standard industrial chemicals. Most reconditioned IBCs carry a Y rating.

Packing Group III (Z-rated)

Suitable only for low-hazard materials. Adequate for many consumer and agricultural products but not sufficient for industrial chemicals.

Testing Requirements

To earn UN certification, IBCs must pass these tests:

1. **Bottom lift test**: The filled IBC is lifted from beneath and held for 5 minutes. No leakage or structural failure.

2. **Top lift test**: The IBC is lifted from the top lifting points with 2x its maximum gross mass. Must hold for 5 minutes.

3. **Stacking test**: A load equal to the maximum stacking weight is applied for 28 days. No leakage or deformation.

4. **Leak test**: Air pressure applied to the sealed IBC to detect any leaks.

5. **Hydraulic pressure test**: Internal water pressure applied to test structural integrity.

6. **Drop test**: The filled IBC is dropped from a specified height onto a hard surface.

Reconditioning and UN Ratings

When an IBC is reconditioned, its UN rating can be maintained or re-established only if:

• The reconditioning is performed by a UN-certified reconditioner

• The new bottle meets the same material specifications as the original

• All testing is repeated and passed

• New UN markings are applied to reflect the reconditioning date and facility

Rochester IBC is a certified reconditioning facility. Every reconditioned tote we produce carries valid, current UN markings appropriate to its intended use.

Why UN Ratings Matter

Using an IBC without proper UN ratings for your application exposes your business to:

Regulatory fines: from DOT, EPA, or OSHA

Liability risk: if a container fails and causes injury or environmental damage

Rejected shipments: if carriers or receivers verify markings

Insurance complications: if an incident involves non-compliant containers

Always verify that your IBCs carry the appropriate UN rating for your specific product and application.