This standard was enacted to replace its predecessor, GB 6944-1986. It specifies the classification and code of dangerous goods and shall apply to the transportation, storage, production, operation, use and handling of dangerous substances and articles. Major content in the standard are aligned with Section 2 of the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (UN RTDG) (13th revised edition).

GB 6944-2005 defines nine main categories for dangerous goods on transport in China. Certain categories are divided into divisions, but sequencing in category number or division number does not suggest any hazard severity.

The coding of dangerous goods identified in this standard adopts UN number, each dangerous article corresponding to a specific UN number. Different dangerous goods may use the same UN number if the following conditions are met:

• Share almost the same properties; and

• Share the same conditions of transportation and storage; and

• Share the same measures for fire fighting, emergency rescue, and handling/ disposal.