China Consults on New Mandatory Standards for Dangerous Goods Packaging

Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is soliciting public comments on two new standards regarding packaging for dangerous goods. These two standards have been under formulation for years since December 2014 when the MIIT published a plan to initialize the project, which are devised to be in line with the UN Recommendation on the Transport of Dangerous Goods – Model Regulations (Rev. 22nd) and certain domestic standards (e.g., GB 28644.1 and GB 28644.2). On June 16, 2023, the authority publicized these two drafts to solicit public comments due by August 16, 2023. Once approved, they will be implemented as mandatory national standards. As planned, they are expected to take effect 12 months later after their official publication.

1. Packaging for dangerous goods - Safety technical code for packaging containing a variety of dangerous goods (Draft)

This draft standard specifies the requirements for the packaging containing various dangerous goods, in regard to marking, labeling, special provisions for limited quantity packaging, special provisions for excepted quantity packaging, inspection, etc. More specifically,

The packaging group level of combination packaging shall be determined based on the highest packaging requirement of the dangerous goods being packaged.
If the hazard is already reflected on the primary hazard label, then there is no need to affix a subsidiary hazard label.
Specific dangerous goods should be affixed with specific labels, such as "Environmentally Hazardous Substance" label (features a fish and a tree), "Orientation Arrows" labels, and "Lithium Battery" label.

Notably, this draft standard does not apply to the followings:

Packaging with a net weight exceeding 400kg;
Packaging containing liquids with a capacity greater than 450L, but excluding combination packaging;
Packaging containing dangerous goods classified as Division 6.2 Infectious Substances;
Packaging containing dangerous goods classified as radioactive materials;
Gas spray equipment, gas containers, pressure vessels, cryogenic vessels.

2. Packaging for dangerous goods - Safety technical code for salvage packaging (Draft)

This draft standard provides detailed guidance on the design, testing, marking, and labeling requirements for salvage packaging. It applies to salvage packaging and large salvage packaging for dangerous goods, excluding dangerous goods that are classified as Class 2 Gases, Division 6.2 Infectious Substances, and Class 7 Radioactive Materials.

*Salvage packaging refers to packaging that is used to transport damaged, defective, or leaking packages or containers of dangerous goods, in order to prevent further release of the contents and to facilitate their safe transport for disposal or other appropriate handling.