Transporting hazardous goods requires more than just tough boxes, it demands certified, tested, and compliant packaging.

That’s where UN Approved Packaging comes in. It’s not about a specific box style, but a certification process ensuring packaging meets global standards for safety in handling and transport.

In this article, we’ll break down what UN Approved packaging really means, how it’s tested, and why choosing the right supplier like Sandland Packaging helps you meet both safety and sustainability goals.

UN Approved Packaging refers to packaging that has passed rigorous performance testing in line with United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It is required by international transport regulations including those from IATA and IMO, when shipping hazardous materials by air, sea, road, or rail. Packaging is tested and certified as a whole system, including:

1. The box or container
2. Internal packaging (bottles, absorbents, dividers)
3. Closure method (tape, strapping, staples)
4. The contents

Only when the full assembly passes tests like drop, stacking and pressure tests does it receive a UN mark.

A certified un box might carry a mark like: “4G/X20/S/25/GB/SP123456” which breaks down into the following acronyms

4G = Fibreboard box
X = Packing Group I (highest hazard)
20 = Max gross weight (kg)
S = Solids or inner packaging
25 = Year of manufacture
GB = Country of certification
SP123456 = Sandland Packaging’s certifier code

UN approval isn’t tied to a single box style. It’s about the entire packaging system undergoing certified testing. That said, certain FEFCO box styles are commonly used and well-suited for this process.

Most Common Box Styles for UN Approval:

0201 Regular Slotted Case: Industry standard box, easy to reinforce, ideal with inner packaging.
0203 Full Overlap Case: Stronger base and top flaps for heavier or sharp contents.
0300 Telescope Boxes: Two-part design adds stack strength, useful for fragile or bulk items.
0422 Folder-Type Box: Wrap-around style offers a snug fit and protection for bottles or kits.

These boxes when combined with compliant materials, correct packing, and tested as a complete system can be United Nations / UN Approved.

Using UN Approved packaging isn’t optional, it’s legally required for dangerous goods. Failure to comply can result in:

– Shipment delays or rejections
– Fines and regulatory action
– Health and environmental risks
– Damaged brand trust
– Danger to Human life

UN Approved packaging keeps people, products, and ecosystems safe.

All Sandland Packaging products are certified Carbon Neutral, meaning you can:

1. Offset your carbon emissions
2. Mark your packaging as ZERO on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) scale
3. Meet sustainability goals while staying compliant with dangerous goods transport regulations
4. We’re proud to offer carbon neutral boxes that can be part of your UN Approved packaging system – helping you protect both your cargo and the planet.

Did you Know? All our packaging is certified Carbon Neutral meaning when you purchase our products you can report your Carbon Emissions for packaging as ZERO on the GHG Chart and further your business’s commitment to becoming NET ZERO.

If you’re transporting hazardous materials, UN Approved packaging is essential — and it’s about the process, not just the packaging. At Sandland, we offer box styles ready for testing, expert advice on compliance, and a commitment to carbon neutrality across all products.

Want to simplify compliance and sustainability in one go?

Get in touch with Sandland Packaging — we’ll help you get it right, responsibly.