Dissecting a UN Box

You know how sometimes, when you have filled up a cardboard box with goods, then there is vacant space on the top, so it’s acceptable to cut the box and fold it over to make that box steady. Well, that works for every cardboard package except UN-rated packaging. It’s an absolute DO NOT when using a UN-rated fibreboard box.

I recently had a client contact me to get some help with which package he can use to ship out lithium-ion batteries via air transport. The batteries were classified as Section 1A, so it would need to go in UN-rated packaging. Based on the number of batteries and net weight he was shipping, I suggested using ICC’s PK-15SPA packages. He also purchased all the components that would also go with the package. A copy of the manufacturer’s packing instructions did accompany the boxes.

He has taken the air DG training with us, but he rarely ships DG, so I walked him through the steps to prepare the shipment and also told him to send me a picture of the marks/labels on the package so that I can review it for him along with the shipper’s declaration before he sends it to the airline.

He emailed me some pictures and asked if it’s good to go. Well, it was not. He has cut the box down, which is a big “no-no.” I called him and explained to him that besides taping the box with the correct tape, he can’t do anything to that box. I advised him UN packaging are tested to meet a standard, and altering them in any way makes these packaging no longer compliant. I advised him to use the packing peanuts to fill the vacant space. Thankfully out of the five boxes he needed to send, he had just prepared one box. I told him to remove the DG marks/labels and that he can still use the box to ship our non-DG material.

His second set of pictures that he emailed to me was much better. I also helped him correct his shipper’s declaration. He jokingly said if the shipment gets rejected, it would be my fault. I told him, fine, I will accept that, but only for DG issues. Customs is his problem with a smiley face emoji.

He sent me an email two days later to tell me the shipment went through fine. I said to him, “and you doubted me.” He came back with “never” with a big smiley face emoji.

Let us know if we can help you with your shipment. Regulatory support is always available to our clients.

Contact ICC at 1-888-442-9628 (U.S.) or 1-888-977-4834 (Canada), and ask for one of our Regulatory Experts.

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