Exporting Chemicals, Flammable Liquids, or Explosives? Your packaging must carry the **UN Mark**. We manage the testing and certification process through the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP).
Find the required Packaging Group for your product.
The United Nations (UN) has established global standards for the safe transport of Dangerous Goods (DG). These standards are enforced worldwide through regulations such as IMDG (Sea), IATA DGR (Air), and ADR (Road). The UN Mark on packaging confirms that the container complies with these safety requirements.
In India, the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, is the authorized body responsible for testing and certifying packaging as per UN specifications. Without a valid UN Mark and supporting test certificate, carriers such as airlines and shipping lines will refuse to accept the cargo.
Your packaging must successfully pass these rigorous physical tests.
Simulates accidental drops. Height varies based on Packaging Group I, II, or III.
Confirms resistance to crushing from the weight of identical packages stacked above.
Mandatory for liquid packaging. Verifies seals and closures under internal pressure.
Ensures stability of packaging under varying atmospheric pressure conditions.
The UN Marking (for example UN 4G/Y145/S/99/IND/B9000) contains critical information about the packaging’s suitability, strength, and compliance level.
We advise on the minimum packaging group required for your specific UN Number.
Packaging manufacturer prepares the prototype strictly as per UN specifications.
IIP (Mumbai / Chennai) conducts mandatory drop, leak, and stacking tests.
IIP issues the UN Certificate and authorizes use of the UN Mark.
Manufacturer prints the UN Mark on every unit for carrier acceptance.
Full Filing & Testing Liaison
Based on Packaging Type & Group
*IIP charges (Testing fees) are separate and vary widely.
UN Certification is a 'Destructive Test.' If your packaging fails the drop test, your production stops.
The IIP is the only body authorized by DG Shipping and DGCA to issue these certificates. CloudDesk manages the entire workflow on the IIP Online Portal, from technical application to securing the final digital certificate.
Before you send 24 samples to the lab for "Destructive Testing" (Drop, Stack, Hydraulic Pressure), CloudDesk reviews your packaging specifications. If your 5-ply box or HDPE drum isn't up to the IMDG/ICAO severity standards for your specific chemical (Class 1–9), we tell you before you waste money on lab fees.
Every application requires a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). We map your product to the correct UN Number and Packing Group (I, II, or III). Mismatching a "High Danger" chemical with "Low Danger" packaging is the #1 reason for certification rejection.
In 2026, your certificate's lifespan depends on your quality status. CloudDesk ensures your ISO 9001 certificate is correctly linked to your IIP profile to secure the 18-month validity, rather than the standard 9 months for non-ISO units.
It is a unique code (e.g., 4G/X15/S/26/IND/IIP-1234) printed on the package. It tells port authorities that this specific design has passed the UN's rigorous safety tests for dangerous goods.
Any item classified under the 9 Classes of Dangerous Goods, including:
• Chemicals & Flammable Liquids (Paints, Solvents).
• Lithium Batteries & Lead-Acid Batteries.
• Pesticides & Pharmaceuticals.
• Aerosols & Compressed Gases.
The certificate is issued to the Packaging Manufacturer for a specific Package Design. However, it also lists the Exporter's Name who will be using that specific packaging.
Depending on the package type (Drums, Boxes, Bags), you typically need to send 18 to 24 empty samples to the nearest IIP lab (Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, or Ahmedabad).
• ISO-Certified Manufacturers: 18 Months.
• Non-ISO Manufacturers: 9 Months.
• Note: No extensions are granted. You must re-test fresh samples before expiry.
• X: Packing Group I (High Danger).
• Y: Packing Group II (Medium Danger).
• Z: Packing Group III (Low Danger).
Pro-Tip: An 'X' certified box can carry Y and Z goods, but a 'Z' box cannot carry X goods.
From sample submission to certificate issuance, it takes 7 to 10 working days (Normal) or 3 to 5 days (Tatkal/Express).
Yes. You can apply for a Combined Certificate that complies with both IMDG (Sea) and IATA/ICAO (Air) regulations. CloudDesk always recommends the combined route to give you logistics flexibility.