Dangerous Goods Package Testing
What Is Dangerous Goods Package Testing?
Dangerous goods package testing certifies that packaging designed to transport hazardous materials meets the regulatory requirements and performs safely through distribution and handling. The regulatory framework that governs these requirements: Title 49 CFR in the U.S., ICAO/IATA for air and IMDG Code for sea.
The regulatory framework for packaging performance and certification are based on the UN Model Regulations as the international foundation. The UN Model Regulations are the United Nations’ globally harmonized rules for the transport of dangerous good. TEN-E certifies both non-bulk and bulk packaging, covering the full range of dangerous goods packaging configurations from boxes and jerricans to composite and rigid IBCs and large packaging. We also have the capability to conduct package testing on Infectious Substance and Radioactive Type A packaging designs.
Why Does Dangerous Goods Package Testing Matter?
Packaging failures in dangerous goods shipments carry both regulatory and safety consequences. A packaging design that ships without proper regulatory certification is non-compliant before it reaches the loading dock. Enforcement agencies inspect shipments and can issue fines, reject shipments, or require repackaging.
TEN-E’s DOT Competent Authority approval means certification from our labs carries regulatory standing with the U.S. Department of Transportation directly. Test reports from a DOT Competent Authority approval agency are accepted by carriers, customs, and enforcement agencies across transport modes.
Who Is Dangerous Goods Package Testing For?
Chemical / Industrial
Chemical and industrial manufacturers ship corrosives, flammables, oxidizers, and reactive materials that require UN-certified packaging tested to Title 49 CFR and the international regulations.
Military / Aerospace
Military and aerospace suppliers ship lithium batteries, fuels, ordnance, and pressurized components that require UN-certified packaging.
Automotive
Automotive manufacturers ship batteries, airbag inflators, paints, and adhesives classified as dangerous goods that require UN-certified packaging.
Accreditations That Apply
Every dangerous goods testing program is built from recognized procedures, run on calibrated equipment, and backed by laboratory accreditation.
Our Accreditations
DOT Third Party Lab Competent Authority Approval
Lighter Certification Agency
Dangerous Goods Testing Methods & Standards
Testing Standards
DOT / UN / ICAO & IATA / IMDG Regulatory Testing
ASTM Package Testing
Testing Methods
Frequently Asked Questions
DOT Third Party Lab Competent Authority approval is a formal designation issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation to agencies it authorizes to test and certify dangerous goods packaging. The designation is held by a limited number of testing agencies in the United States. When TEN-E certifies a packaging design under Competent Authority approval, the resulting documentation carries direct regulatory standing with the DOT and is accepted by carriers and enforcement agencies for compliance purposes. TEN-E has held DOT Third Party Lab Competent Authority approval since the designation was first issued, at three U.S. locations: Newport, MN, High Point, NC, and Ontario, CA.
The distinction is defined by container size thresholds. Non-bulk packaging covers containers with a liquid capacity under 450 liters (119 gallons), a solid net mass under 400 kg (882 lbs), or a solid capacity under 450 liters. Bulk packaging covers configurations above those thresholds, including intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packagings. Regulatory requirements, performance tests, and marking requirements differ between the two categories, and TEN-E certifies packaging in both.
Yes. TEN-E certifies dangerous goods packaging to Title 49 CFR for ground transport, ICAO/IATA for air, and IMDG Code for sea transport.. A packaging design can be certified across multiple transport modes when the applicable requirements are met. For international shipments requiring compliance with Mexican, Transport Canada or European requirements, contact us to confirm scope.
A Lighter Authorization Approval (LAA) number is a DOT-issued identifier required for lighter packaging certified under 49 CFR 173.308(b). TEN-E holds Lighter Certification Agency status, a DOT-authorized designation that allows the lab to test the lighter and packaging to the Part 178 performance standards and support clients through the process of obtaining an LAA number. Lighters intended for commercial transport require this certification before they can legally ship as dangerous goods.
Each packaging design type may require a different number of samples to complete the certification tests. Our knowledgeable staff will walk you through the required samples and explain how the test will be performed.
To assist you with determining the proper UN certification, we will need to know the following: Packaging Design Type, Packing Group of products to be shipped, Mode of Transport and Package Assembly and Closing Instructions. Our knowledgeable staff will walk you through the process.
POP stands for Performance Oriented Packaging. Often used in reference to military related packaging designs. The packaging design type must pass the performance tests to be certified. POP packaging is the same as UN certified packaging.
If the product is considered a Dangerous Good in transport, the packaging used to transport the material must be UN approved and in most situations have the outer packaging display a UN certification marking. DOT Title 49, part 178 of the regulations outlines the UN performance tests required to certify the packaging. UN certified and DOT certified mean the same.
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