A UN-rated FIBC bag is a flexible intermediate bulk container also known as a bulk bag or big bag. It has been tested, certified, and approved by the United Nations to transport and store hazardous materials. These materials generally include flammable, combustible, toxic, and environmentally harmful chemicals. UN-certified FIBCs must undergo a comprehensive series of FIBC tests to earn their certification, distinguishing them from standard bulk bags used for non-hazardous goods.
To qualify for UN certification, an FIBC must undergo a series of rigorous performance tests and adhere to strict labeling and marking requirements. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent or minimize the risk of dangerous goods causing serious harm to the public and the environment.
Specific regulations related to UN-rated bulk bags can be found in the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods.
Request a QuoteAll bulk bags and FIBCs must undergo performance testing. However, UN-approved bulk bags must meet significantly higher performance standards than standard bulk bags. These FIBC tests are intended to validate the bag’s safety for storing and transporting dangerous goods.
The industry standard Safety Factor (SF) for a regular FIBC bulk bag is 5:1. UN-certified bulk bags must carry a 6:1 SF. This means the bag must survive testing at six times its Safe Working Load – a critical distinction that affects fabric weight, construction quality, and overall FIBC bag cost.
For consistency purposes, proper bag testing controls are as follows:
UN bulk bags undergo a series of rigorous performance tests before they can be certified and approved. If a bag fails any one of these tests, it will not be certified and cannot bear UN markings.
UN bags must be certified each year they are produced. The cost to certify a UN package typically ranges from $500 to $1,000.
The FIBC is filled with material to SWL capacity and suspended by its lift loops. A hydraulic cylinder is positioned over the material. The cylinder forces the material downward into the bulk bag. The bulk bag must maintain a total load of six times the SWL for five minutes.
The FIBC is filled to SWL capacity on a flat surface. Pressure is applied to the top of the bag to simulate two bags stacked on top of the bag being tested. The bulk bag must survive for 24 hours to pass.
The drop test is one of the most critical FIBC testing procedures. The FIBC bag is evenly filled with material to Safe Working Load (SWL) capacity. The bulk bag is then dropped from specified heights based on the testing requirements of the packing group. The bulk bag cannot burst or allow the product to escape at any drop height. This drop test simulates the real-world impact forces that bulk bags and FIBCs may encounter during loading, unloading, and transit.
The FIBC is placed on a platform filled at maximum SWL capacity. The platform is raised and forced to topple over from a specific height. The height varies based on the packing group. The bulk bag cannot burst or leak.
The FIBC is filled to maximum SWL capacity and knocked onto its side. The bulk bag is then righted into the proper position by only two lift loops. The bag and loops should not show any sign of damage once righted.
The FIBC is filled to maximum SWL capacity and cut by a knife. The cut must be at least 100 mm long at a 45-degree angle. The tear cannot expand in size more than 25% when a load equal to two times the SWL is applied for five minutes.
The FIBC is placed on a platform. Vibration is set to a frequency that causes the bag to rise from the platform for 60 minutes. The bag cannot rupture or leak during that time.
Download Our UN Packaging Brochure
Not all UN FIBC bags are created equal. Like standard bulk bags, UN-rated bulk bags come in various sizes and styles. Customer or product-specific requirements dictate what type of UN bulk bag is needed. Basic bag parameters can be identified by the bag’s UN marking.
Code designating the type of FIBC:
A capital letter designating the packing group(s) for which the design type has been approved:
Before you package anything dangerous or potentially dangerous, consult your bulk bag supplier. Make sure your supplier has been properly trained and certified to provide UN-certified packaging. The potential financial and operational liability associated with using improper packaging can be extremely high.
A common question from manufacturers exploring UN-certified bulk bags is how much FIBC testing costs. The typical cost to certify a UN-rated FIBC bag ranges from $500 to $1,000 per design, depending on the testing laboratory and the number of tests required for your packing group.
It is important to note that UN-certified FIBCs must be recertified each year they are produced. This annual recertification ensures that production quality remains consistent and that bulk bag FIBC specifications continue to meet international safety standards. Working with an experienced supplier like Southern Packaging can help streamline the certification process and ensure your big bags and bulk bags remain compliant year after year.
Southern Packaging is one of the leading FIBC UN bulk bags manufacturers and distributes UN-certified bulk bags, multi-wall paper bags, and poly packaging to a broad range of customers.
For more information regarding on-demand or custom UN-rated packaging, contact us today.
Contact Us