UN-Certified FIBC Bags: Requirements & Testing

Instead of a logistics priority, transporting hazardous materials is both a safety and legal responsibility. The potential hazards of housing chemicals, toxic powders or hazardous solids in inadequate packaging are everything from product loss to significant environmental and human damage. That is precisely why there are UN certified FIBC bags. FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container), bulk bag, ton bag or jumbo bag are an industrial container made of flexible fabric that is designed for storing and transporting dry, flowable products, such as sand, fertilizer and granules of plastic. However, only FIBC bags that are UN approved can be used for hazardous materials in accordance with international transportation regulations. The use of conventional bulk bags with respect to UN conformity risks shipment refusal and penalties as well as accidents. This guide covers the basics of what UN-certified FIBC bags are, when you need them, how the UN testing process works and what your business should do to ensure it stays compliant.

What Are UN-Certified FIBC Bags?

UN-Certified FIBC bags are bulk packaging containers that have been tested and approved according to the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.

These bags are designed specifically to:

• Safely contain hazardous or dangerous materials
• Withstand mechanical stress during handling and transport
• Prevent leakage, tearing, or sudden failure
• Meet international regulatory requirements

Once approved, these bags carry official UN markings, confirming they meet global safety standards.

Unlike regular FIBC bags used for non-hazardous goods, UN-certified FIBCs are performance-tested, not just manufactured to specification.

When Is UN Certification Mandatory for FIBC Bags?

UN certification becomes mandatory whenever FIBC bags are used to transport dangerous goods, especially during export or regulated transport.

This includes materials that are:

• Toxic or harmful
• Flammable solids
• Corrosive substances
• Environmentally hazardous
• Reactive or unstable

UN-certified FIBC bags are commonly required for:

• International exports
• Road, rail, and sea transport
• Compliance with ADR, IMDG, RID, and similar regulations

Using non-certified packaging in these cases can result in:

• Cargo rejection at ports
• Regulatory fines
• Legal liability
• Serious safety and environmental risks

In short, UN certification is not optional when hazardous materials are involved.

UN Codes for FIBC Bags (13H3 & 13H4 Explained)

UN-certified FIBC bags are identified using specific UN packaging codes. These codes describe the bag’s construction and material type.

13H3 – Woven Plastic, Coated FIBC Bags

• Made from woven polypropylene fabric
• Includes an internal coating or liner
• Offers enhanced protection against leakage
• Commonly used for fine powders and hazardous chemicals

13H4 – Woven Plastic, Uncoated FIBC Bags

• Made from uncoated woven polypropylene fabric
• Suitable for certain solid hazardous materials
• Use when additional barrier protection is not required

Each UN-certified FIBC bag is marked with:

• UN packaging code
• Packing group classification
• Year of manufacture
• Country code
• Manufacturer identification

Correct interpretation of these markings is essential for compliance during inspections and audits.

UN Testing Requirements for FIBC Bags

To qualify for UN certification, FIBC bags must pass strict performance tests conducted by approved testing authorities. These tests simulate real-world transport and handling conditions.

Drop Test

The filled bag is dropped from a specified height to simulate accidental falls.

The bag must not rupture or leak.

Topple Test

The bag is tipped over to assess stability and resistance to damage when overturned during transport.

Stacking Test

Filled bags are stacked under load for a defined period to ensure they can withstand storage and transit pressures.

Tear and Strength Tests

These tests evaluate:

• Fabric tensile strength
• Seam durability
• Resistance to tearing under load

Only bags that pass all required tests are approved and certified for hazardous material transport.

Packing Groups and Their Impact on FIBC Design

Hazardous materials are categorized into packing groups based on the level of danger they pose.

• Packing Group I – High danger
• Packing Group II – Medium danger
• Packing Group III – Low danger

The assigned packing group determines:

• Testing severity
• Bag construction strength
• Allowable load limits
• Safety factors

UN-certified FIBC bags must be specifically designed and tested for the intended packing group. A bag approved for one group cannot automatically be used for another.

UN-Certified vs Standard FIBC Bags

Understanding the difference between UN-certified and standard FIBC bags is critical.

UN-Certified FIBC Bags

• Approved for hazardous materials
• Tested under international standards
• Legally compliant for regulated transport
• Carry official UN markings

Standard FIBC Bags

• Designed for non-hazardous materials
• Not tested for dangerous goods
• Not legally acceptable for hazardous transport

Choosing the wrong type can result in serious operational and legal consequences.

UN Certification Process for FIBC Bags

The UN certification process typically involves:

1. Design approval of the FIBC bag
2. Prototype testing by an authorized laboratory
3. Performance evaluation under UN test conditions
4. Certification issuance upon successful results
5. Proper UN marking on every approved bag

Certification remains valid only as long as:

• Design remains unchanged
• Materials remain consistent
• Manufacturing controls are maintained

Any design or material change requires re-certification.

Conclusion

UN-FIBC Certified bags are an integral part in the safe, compliant and responsible transportation of hazardous substances. In doing so, they protect people, products and environment while helping make sure that businesses comply with international regulations.

Companies can minimize transport risks, avoid legal fines and penalties and keep business flowing when they know UN codes, testing standards, packing groups and compliance mandates.

Selecting the correct UN-certified FIBC bag supplier isn’t just a matter of compliance, it’s also about long-term safety, reliability and trust.

FAQ's

Q.1. What is UN Certified FIBC bags and Non-UN Certified FIBC bags?

Ans. UN certified FIBC bags are tested and approved to carry hazardous materials, while non-UN bags are designed for non-hazardous uses.

Q.2. Can UN Certified FIBC Bags Be Reused?

Ans. Reuse varies by the type of certification. Most UN FIBC bags are intended for one-time transport use unless specifically authorized to be used in multiple trips.

Q.3. Is use of UN certified FIBC bags compulsory for exports?

Ans. Yes, you generally need UN certified packaging when shipping dangerous goods per international transport regulations.

Q.4. For how long time is UN certification?

Ans. Certification lasts for as long as the design, materials and manufacture is identical and conforms to regulations.

Q.5. Are food grade FIBC bags certified by UN?

Ans. Yes, as long as they adhere to food safety guidelines and UN dangerous goods standards.