ISO 16104:2003

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 16104
First edition
2003-05-15
Packaging — Transport packaging for
dangerous goods — Test methods
Emballage — Emballage de transport pour marchandises
dangereuses — Méthodes d'essai

Reference number
©
ISO 2003
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.

©  ISO 2003
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 16104 was prepared by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with
Technical Committee ISO/TC 122, Packaging, Subcommittee SC 3, Performance requirements and tests for
means of packaging, packages and unit loads (as required by ISO/TC 122), in accordance with the
Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Throughout the text of this document, read ".this European Standard." to mean ".this International
Standard.".
Contents
Page
Foreword .v
Introduction.vi
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references.1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Test requirements.3
5 Selection and preparation of test packagings.9
6 Facilities for testing.13
7 Test procedures.14
Annex A (informative) Light gauge metal packagings .24
Annex B (informative) Packaging types, codes and references .25
Annex C (normative) Special packagings .30
Annex D (informative) Special test requirements .33
Annex E (normative) Test report and specifications.34
Annex F (informative) Selective testing.36
Annex G (normative) Packaging specifications .38
Bibliography.47
iv © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 16104:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 261,
"Packaging", the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR, in collaboration with Technical Committee
ISO/TC 122 "Packaging".
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2003, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by November 2003.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United
Kingdom.
This European Standard has been submitted for reference into the RID and/or in the technical
annexes of the ADR. Therefore in this context the standards listed in the normative references and
covering basic requirements of the RID/ADR not addressed within the present standard are normative
only when the standards themselves are referred to in the RID and/or in the technical annexes of the
ADR.
Annexes A, B, D and F are informative.
Annexes C, E and G are normative.
This standard includes a Bibliography.
Introduction
This Standard was developed to provide requirements and test procedures to meet the multi-modal
United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods [1] and successful passing
of the tests may lead to the allocation of an appropriate packaging mark (e.g. UN, RID/ADR). The UN
Recommendations have been developed by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the
Transport of Dangerous Goods as a "model regulation" (referred to in this document as the UN
Recommendations) in the light of technical progress, the advent of new substances and materials, the
exigencies of modern transport systems and, above all, the need to ensure the safety of people,
property and the environment. Amongst other aspects, the UN Recommendations cover principles of
classification and definition of classes, listing of the principal dangerous goods, general packing
requirements, testing procedures, marking, labelling or placarding, and shipping documents. There are
in addition special recommendations related to particular classes of goods.
The UN Recommendations are given legal entity by the provisions of a series of international modal
agreements and national legislation for the transport of dangerous goods. The international
agreements include:
– The European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road
(ADR) (covering most of Europe). [2]
– Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) (covering
most of Europe, parts of North Africa and the Middle East). [3]
– The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code) (worldwide). [4]
– The International Civil Aviation Organization’s Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of
Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO TIs) (worldwide). [5]
The application of this Standard will need to take account of the requirements of these international
agreements and the relevant national regulations for domestic transport of dangerous goods.
Occasionally during adoption as a modal regulation the text has been modified; RID/ADR permit some
variations to tests for light gauge metal packagings and these are included in annex A.
The cross references between this Standard, the UN Recommendations and the International
Agreements are summarized in annex B.
It is important to note that there will be certain modal differences from the UN Recommendations and
that the schedule for revision of the Recommendations and modal provisions may lead to temporary
inconsistencies with this Standard, which is regularly updated to the latest version of the UN
Recommendations.
It is noted that success in the tests and the allocation of an official UN mark do not on their own
authorize the use of a packaging for any dangerous goods, which are subject to the packing
instructions published in the various modal regulations.
This Standard is based on Revision 12 of the UN Recommendations.
vi © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

1 Scope
This Standard specifies the design type test requirements for packagings as described in 3.6 of this
standard and intended for use in the transport of dangerous goods.
NOTE This Standard should be used in conjunction with one or more of the international regulations set out
in the Bibliography.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any
of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or
revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including
amendments).
EN 22206, Packaging — Complete filled transport packages — Identification of parts when testing
(ISO 2206:1987)
ISO 2137, Petroleum products — Lubricating grease and petroleum — Determination of cone
penetration
ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
EN ISO 2431, Paints and varnishes - Determination of flow time by use of flow caps (ISO 2431:1993,
including Technical Corrigendum 1:1994)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
competent authority
any national regulatory body or authority designated or otherwise recognized as such for any purpose
in connection with the regulations specified in the Bibliography
3.2
packaging design type
packaging of one design, size, material and thickness, manner of construction and packing, but may
include various surface treatments together with packagings which differ from the design type only in
their lesser design height
3.3
liquids and solids
(see annex B)
3.4
capacity
3.4.1
brimful (overflow, maximum) capacity
maximum volume of water in litres held by the packaging when filled through the designed filling orifice
to the point of overflowing in its normal position of filling
3.4.2
nominal capacity
capacity in litres which, by convention, is used to represent a class of packagings of similar brimful
capacities
3.5
packing group
group to which substances and articles of most classes of dangerous goods are assigned according to
the degree of danger presented:
Packing group I Packing group II Packing group III
High danger medium danger low danger
NOTE The severity of a packaging test (e.g. the drop height) varies with the packing group of the substance
or article. The allocation of packing groups to substances and articles may be found in the dangerous goods list
of the UN Recommendations.
3.6
packaging
receptacle and any other components or materials necessary for the receptacle to perform its
containment function and are:
 designed to contain a net mass not exceeding 400 kg;
 designed with a capacity not exceeding 450 l;
 not intended to transport most gases;
 not intended to transport most infectious substances;
 not intended to transport most radioactive materials;
 not Intermediate Bulk Containers as defined in the UN Recommendations 6.5.
NOTE 1 Other definitions relevant to this standard may be found in 1.2.1 of the UN Recommendations.
NOTE 2 Annex B contains useful data on packaging types and other identifying codes with references to the
regulations.
NOTE 3 Unless otherwise stated both the 400kg and 450 litre limits apply to all packages irrespective of the
contents.
3.7
"V"-marked packaging
outer packaging conforming to the appropriate requirements from the UN Recommendations 6.1.5.1.7
(see annex C)
3.8
special packagings
collective term for V-marked packaging and salvage packagings (defined in the UN Recommendations
1.2.1)(see annex C)
2 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

3.9
single packaging
means of packaging that does not require an inner packaging to be capable of performing its
containment function and it includes composite packaging
3.10
light gauge metal packaging - (see annex A)
NOTE Other definitions that may be relevant to this standard may be found in the UN Recommendations.
4 Test requirements
4.1 General
Before the packaging is used for dangerous goods, tests shall be carried out successfully on each
packaging design type (see 3.2), which may lead to the issuing of a UN packaging mark. The tests
shall be successfully repeated after any modification which alters the packaging design type. With the
exception of special packagings (see 3.8), all packagings for dangerous goods shall be tested in
accordance with Table 1 and shall meet the requirements contained in 4.2 to 4.6. Special packagings
shall meet the requirements set out in annex C.
Where an inner treatment or coating is applied for safety reasons it shall retain its protective properties
even after tests.
NOTE Provided the validity of the test results is not affected and with the approval of the competent
authority, several tests may be made on one packaging. This may be necessary, for example, with very costly or
scarce packagings. This may be accomplished by:
a) using one set of packagings for more than one of the tests. For example five tests are required on a drum for
liquids, each requiring a set of three packagings, namely first drop, second drop, leakproofness, internal
pressure and stack. Subjecting one set to more than one of the five tests is considered equivalent;
b) using one packaging for the tests. For example using one fibreboard box for all five drops is considered
equivalent to carrying out 1 drop on each of five boxes.
Approval should be sought from the competent authority before employing method a) or when subjecting any
one packaging to more than two tests (including investigatory drops) under method b).
The use of smaller numbers should be indicated in the test report. This is normally apparent from the
serial numbers of the packagings used for the various tests but explanatory text is also desirable.
.
4 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

Table 1 — Allocation of test conditions to packaging types
Drop test Stacking test (see annex D for variations) Leakproofness Hydraulic
test pressure test
Contents Inner packaging Temperature Temperature
Table 1
Liquid/ Plastics Other or No. of Ambient 23°C / -18 °C No. of Time Ambient 23°C / 40° C No. of Time No. of Time Total no. of
Packaging type
none packagings packagings packagings packagings packagings
Other 50 % rh 50 % rh
hh a be d a c d d
Table footnotes
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) (K) (L) (M) (N) (O) (P) (Q) (R)
1. Metal Liquid 6 Y 3 24 h Y 3 5m 3 5m 15
k
packagings
2. Metal Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 9
k
packagings
3. Metal Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 9
k
packagings
g
4. Plastics Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 9
k
packagings
g
5. Plastics Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 9
k
packagings
g
6. Plastics Liquid 6 Y 3 28 d Y 3 5m 3 30m 15
k
packagings
i l g
7. Composite Solid Y Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0009
packagings —
m
plastics
i l j g
8. Composite Liquid 6 Y 3 24 h Y 35m 3 30m 15
packagings
m
plastics
l i l
9. Composite Liquid 6 Y Y 3 24 h Y 3535 15
packagings —
glass, stoneware
m
and porcelain
Drop test Stacking test (see annex D for variations) Leakproofness Hydraulic
test pressure test
Contents Inner packaging Temperature Temperature
Table 1
Liquid/ Plastics Other or No. of Ambient 23°C / -18 °C No. of Time Ambient 23°C / 40° C No. of Time No. of Time Total no. of
Packaging type
none packagings packagings packagings packagings packagings
Other 50 % rh 50 % rh
hh a be d a c d d
Table footnotes
(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F) (G) (H) (I) (J) (K) (L) (M) (N) (O) (P) (Q) (R)
i l
9a. Composite Solid Y 6 3 24 h Y 009
packagings –
glass, stoneware
m
and porcelain
i l
9b. Composite Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 009
packagings –
glass, stoneware
m
and porcelain
l l
10. Fibre/ Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 009
plywood drums
l
11. Fibre/ Solid Y 6 Y 3 24 h Y 0 009
plywood drums
f g
12. Plastics Solid Y Y 5 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 8
boxes
13. Fibreboard Solid Y 5 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 8
boxes
14. Fibreboard Solid Y 5 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 8
boxes
15. Other boxes Solid Y 5 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 8
16. Other boxes Solid Y 5 Y 3 24 h Y 0 0 0 8
17. Bags (paper) Solid Y 3 Y 0 0 0 0 0 3
18. Bags (other) Solid Y 3 Y 0 0 0 0 0 3

–
6 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

NOTE 1 Annex B Table B.2 shows the relationship between this table and UN packaging codes.
NOTE 2 Y indicates a requirement
a
Column (G) and (L): Paper or fibreboard packagings shall be conditioned for at least 24 h in an atmosphere having a controlled temperature and relative humidity (r.h.) unless -18
o o
°C conditioning for plastics inner packagings or receptacles takes precedence. The preferred atmosphere is 23 C ± 2 C and 50 % ± 2 % r.h.
NOTE 1 The two other options are 20 °C ± 2 °C and 65 % ± 2 % r.h. or 27 °C ± 2 °C and 65 % ± 2 % r.h
NOTE 2 Average values should fall within these limits. Short term fluctuations and measurement limitations may cause individual measurements to vary by up to 5 % relative
humidity without significant impairment of test reproducibility.
NOTE 3 Conditioning may be carried out immediately before, or after filling the package with the test contents provided such a procedure would not affect the test results.
b
Column (H):
1) The following plastics packagings shall undergo the cold drop test:
 -plastics drums and jerricans;
 -plastics boxes other than expanded polystyrene boxes;
 -composite packagings (plastics materials);
 -combination packagings with plastics inner packagings other than plastics bags intended to contain solids or articles;
2) The temperature shall be -18 °C or lower as measured immediately after the drop test;
3) Test liquids shall be kept in the liquid state by the addition of antifreeze if necessary;
NOTE Temperatures outside the range -18° to -22 °C should be pre-arranged and recorded in the test report;
c
Column (M): The temperature shall be at least 40ºC.
NOTE Temperatures outside the range 40ºC to 44 °C should be pre-arranged and recorded in the test report.
d
h = hours  d = days m = minutes
e
Column (H): Metal packagings with plastics closures not exceeding 7 cm shall not undergo the drop test at -18 °C as required for plastics packagings.
f
Column (H): Expanded polystyrene boxes, unless inner packagings are of plastics material, shall not undergo a drop test at -18 °C; the drop shall be at ambient.
g
Column (R): Packagings shall be at least 48 h old.
h
Contents of inner packagings can be solid or liquid.

i
Column (J):
o
 Composites with plastics outers shall be tested for 28 days at 40 C;
 Composites with outers other than plastics shall be tested for 24 h at ambient temperature.
j
Column (Q): Plastics packagings and Composite packagings (plastics materials) shall be tested for 30 min. Other composites shall be tested for 5 min.
k
Column (A): Other than boxes.
l o o
Column (G) and (K):  where the outer is fibre/fibreboard the drop and stacking test shall be undertaken following conditioning at 23 C ± 2 C and 50 % ± 2 % r.h.
m
Column (A): where a composite packaging (plastics materials) is in the shape of a box only 5 samples are required for the drop test which shall be carried out in accordance with
the procedures for boxes see Table 2.

4.2 Drop test
When tested in accordance with 7.1:
a) the packaging shall be leakproof subsequent to any slight discharge from the closure(s) that may be
apparent at the moment of impact and, in the case of packaging containing liquids, subsequent to
the equalization of internal and external pressures (except for inner packagings of combination
packagings when it is not necessary for the pressure to be equalized);
b) the packaging shall not exhibit any damage liable to affect safety during transport, for example the
package cannot be moved without leaking;
c) the packagings that are to be tested for use with goods of Class 1 (explosives) shall be identified as
such in the test report. When tested, they shall not display any rupture that would permit the spillage
of loose explosive substances or articles from the outer packaging;
d) the outer ply of a bag shall not exhibit damage liable to affect safety during transport;
e) the outer of a combination packaging shall not exhibit damage liable to affect safety during transport.
4.3 Stacking test
When tested in accordance with 7.2 the packaging shall not:
a) show any sign of leakage (this includes inner packaging and any inner receptacle);
b) show any deterioration which could adversely affect transport safety nor any distortion liable to
reduce its strength or reduce stability in stacks of packages.
4.4 Leakproofness test
When tested in accordance with 7.3, packagings intended to contain liquids (except inner packagings of
combination packagings) shall be leakproof.
4.5 Hydraulic pressure test
When tested in accordance with 7.4, packagings intended to contain liquids (except inner packagings of
combination packagings) shall not leak.
Inner packagings of combination packagings containing liquids, which are likely to be shipped by air, shall
be capable of withstanding an internal pressure without leakage (see UN Recommendations 4.1.1.4.1.)
4.6 Test report
All packaging tests performed in conformity with this standard shall be the subject of a test report and will
include a specification check prepared in accordance with annex E. It shall be possible to specifically
identify the packaging relative to each test report, either by the retention of uniquely referenced
packagings or by inclusion of sufficient photographs and/or drawings with unique references to enable
identification of the packaging and all its components.
The test report shall be available to the users of the packaging.
NOTE The complete test report may not be required by the user. Manufacturers and subsequent distributors of
packagings should provide information regarding procedures to be followed and a description of the types and
dimensions of closures (included required gaskets and any other components needed to ensure that packages as
presented for transport are capable of passing the applicable tests).
8 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

5 Selection and preparation of test packagings
5.1 Selection of packagings
Sufficient packagings per design type shall be selected/submitted for testing in accordance with
columns E, I, N and P of Table 1 and shall be:
a) marked with a test reference which shall also be entered on the test record and later used on
the test report;
b) marked on each face where the packaging is in the shape of a box in accordance with EN
22206;
c) individually weighed to establish the tare or filled mass;
d) NOTE The form of such weighing may be varied to correspond to whether the packagings
have been supplied full or empty to the test station. Where the masses of individual empty
packagings are recorded, it is necessary to record only a typical filled mass (or vice versa);
e) examined for damage which might invalidate the tests, in which event the packaging shall be
replaced.
NOTE Under some circumstances it may be desirable to have a range of packagings tested in a number of
different sizes but of the same construction. In such situations it may not be necessary to carry out testing for
every possible permutation. This selective testing procedure is recognized but only after agreement with the
competent authority who will advise on options available. Guidelines are set out in annex F.
5.2 Information to be provided with packagings
5.2.1 General
Each packaging type shall be accompanied by specification(s) for that design type containing the
data set out in annex G and by the following additional information as relevant.
5.2.2 Test Contents- Using water and non-dangerous substances
Where the tests are to be carried out using water or other non-dangerous substances a statement
of the packing group for which the packaging is to be tested shall be provided, together with data
enabling appropriate selection of inert test contents. For liquids such data will normally include the
required maximum relative density for the tests together with data on, for instance, the internal
pressure test required. For solids such data shall include mass, grain size and any other relevant
characteristic, for example, bulk density, angle of repose etc., to clearly show equivalence of
physical characteristics.
5.2.3 Test Contents - Using the dangerous substance
Where the tests are to be carried out using the dangerous substance(s) to be transported, a
statement of their packing group and their physical characteristics shall be provided. Liquids shall
be defined by their relative density together with viscosity and method of determination. Solids
shall be defined by their mass and grain size and any other relevant characteristic, for example,
bulk density, angle of repose etc. to ensure physical characteristics are sufficiently identified and
included. This data shall be recorded in the test report (see annex E);
NOTE Where tests are carried out using the actual substance to be transported then the test report should
be applicable for other substances having the same or equivalent characteristics.
5.2.4 Test Contents- Using Articles
Where the packaging is intended for the transport of an article(s), a statement of the packing group, an
appropriate description and drawing(s) of the article(s) and or photographs and details of the way in
which dummy articles were filled for the purpose of testing.
5.2.5 Vapour pressure
For liquids the vapour pressure of the substance to be carried or the hydraulic pressure to be achieved
during the tests.
5.2.6 Special instructions
Any special filling or closing instructions including, where relevant, for example the closure torque (EN
26789).
5.3 Selection of contents and filling of packaging prior to testing
5.3.1 General
Single packagings and the inner packagings of combination packagings shall be filled for drop and
stacking tests to not less than:
 98% of brimful capacity for liquids;
 95% of brimful capacity for solids.
NOTE There are two exceptions, some flexible packagings (see 5.3.5) and some packagings designed to be
transported part full (see 5.3.6).
Packagings for liquids, or those capable of containing them, shall have their capacity determined as in
5.3.3 or 5.3.4. Otherwise the capacity shall be determined by other suitable means e.g. by calculation.
5.3.2 Test Contents
Where non-dangerous substances are to be used as test contents they shall be selected to accord with
the data referred to in 5.3.5. Water or a water/anti-freeze mixture may be used to represent any liquid.
For solids, additives such as bags of lead shot may be used to adjust the mass if required, but if used
they shall be placed in such a manner that the test results are not affected.  Dangerous articles shall be
replaced by dummy articles and these shall be of the same size, shape, mass and centre of gravity as
the articles to be transported.
The test contents used shall be recorded in the test report.
5.3.3 Rigid packaging to contain liquids
5.3.3.1 Determination of brimful capacity
A packaging intended to contain liquids shall be filled to not less than 98 % of the brimful capacity. The
brimful (overflow) capacity is determined for example by: weighing the empty packaging including
closures (mass empty (m) in kg) and weighing the packaging full (mass brimful (W) in kg). The
packaging shall be filled with water until the water just overflows and then fitting the closure and any
surplus mopped up. No steps shall be taken, e.g. by tilting or tapping the packaging, to enable water to
penetrate into a hollow handle or other design feature above the closure.
10 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

W-m
b =
d
where:
b is the brimful capacity in litres
W is the mass in kg, of packaging when brimful with water
m is the mass in kg, of the empty packaging
d is the density of water (=1) in kg/litre
5.3.3.2 Filling of the packaging
When filling test packagings with liquids, at least one packaging shall have its capacity and filling level
determined as for example below. Further packagings of that design type shall be filled using a dipstick
calibrated on the first packaging or, in the case of small packagings, by mass or volume. When the
capacity of the packaging is established with a liquid other than water (e.g. anti-freeze solution), the
density of that liquid shall be taken into account, in order to obtain the correct volume of fill (at least 98 %
of brimful capacity).
The calculation of required volume of liquids for testing shall be:
b·98
C =
where:
C is the required volume of water in litres;
b is the brimful capacity in litres
5.3.4 Rigid packaging to contain solids
Packaging intended to contain solids shall be filled to not less than 95 % of the brimful capacity. Where
the packaging is capable of containing liquids the capacity shall be determined as in 5.3.3.1
The calculation of required mass of solids for testing shall be:
bd·· 95
()
M =
where:
M is the required mass in kg, of solids;
b is the brimful capacity either measured or calculated in litres ;
d is the bulk density of the test contents in g/cm
Alternatively, for cylindrical packagings the level of fill required to fill the package to at least 95 % of its
brimful capacity shall be calculated from its internal height, taking into account any reduction in height
caused by the fitting of the closure.
This procedure is not suitable for bags (see 5.3.5 below).
5.3.5 Flexible packagings to contain solids
Flexible packagings (bags) shall be filled to the required testing mass at which the designer of the
packaging intends it to be used or, if known, to the capacity which the user intends to employ using either
the substance to be transported or solids of similar characteristics in respect of mass, grain size and flow
characteristics; the test contents used shall be recorded in the test report.
NOTE Bags do not have a capacity which is measured in the same way as for rigid packagings. The test report
should therefore specify the quantity by mass and bulk density of that solid substance, as tested, for which the bag
may be used.
5.3.6 Packaging designed to be used part full
Packaging designed to be transported with filling test levels less than 98 % for liquids or less than 95 %
for solids shall be filled as prepared for transport to the capacity the user intends to employ. The filled
volume and mass shall be recorded in the test report.
5.4 Closing packagings
The packagings shall be closed as for transport in accordance with any special instructions.
5.4.1 Drums, jerricans, composites and inner packagings
Screw type closures shall be tightened to the torque specified by the applicant where appropriate, which
shall be recorded in the test report.
Closure torque shall not differ from one test to another in the test report.  If it is necessary to revise a
closure torque following a failure in one test, then all tests shall be completed using that torque setting.
Screw type closures shall be tightened to an appropriate torque before conditioning, or when specified
during or after the conditioning period. The closure torque shall be recorded in the test report.
Where vented closures are intended for use in the packaging they shall be fitted for drop and stacking
tests.  Packagings fitted with vented closures shall after closing be inverted or laid on their side (see
Figure 1) and observed for leakage for a period of 5 min. Leakage from the closure vent shall be
regarded as a failure.
a) Acceptable b) Unacceptable
Key
1 Liquid level         2 Closure
Figure 1 — Packagings fitted with vented closure, laid on their side
12 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

5.4.2 Bags
The packagings shall be closed as they would be for transport.
NOTE To ensure that the test packagings are closed in a manner representative of production packagings, the
same equipment and the same filling time should be used whenever practicable.
5.4.3 Other packaging
Packaging for solids shall be filled as in 5.3.4 and closed in accordance with any special instructions
including any fitments, cushioning etc.
The closure elements used to secure the packagings (e.g closure tape, where applicable), shall be
defined in accordance with the specifications (see annex G)
5.4.4 Removable head drums and jerricans
Removable head drums and jerricans for liquids shall not be tested for 24 h after being filled and closed
to allow for gasket relaxation.
6 Facilities for testing
6.1 General Requirements
Tests shall be carried out at a testing facility capable of meeting the operational provisions of ISO/IEC
17025.
NOTE 1 This does not imply a requirement for third party certification or accreditation but if appropriate such
external approval may be obtained from either a national accreditation body or from the competent authority.
NOTE 2 Testing staff should have a knowledge of the principles of the dangerous goods regulations as set out in
the UN Recommendations.
6.2 Accuracy of measurement equipment
The accuracy of measuring equipment shall be more precise than the accuracy of the measurements in
testing, as specified in 6.3, unless otherwise approved by the competent authority. The measuring
equipment shall be calibrated in accordance with the relevant provisions of ISO/IEC 17025.
6.3 Accuracy of measurements in testing
Measurement equipment shall be selected such that individual measurement results including errors in
reading and calibration shall not exceed the following tolerances:
Mass in kilograms (kg): + 2 %
Pressure in kilopascals (kPa): + 3 %
Distance/ length in millimetres (mm): + 2 %
Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C): + 1 °C
Humidity in percentage (%): Tolerances are as specified in the agreed test methods
Time in minutes (min): + 3 %
Torque in newton metres (Nm): + 3 Nm or 10% whichever is the greater
NOTE For some measurements the tolerances may be lower in order to have meaningful measurements, e.g.
when measuring masses or dimensions of empty packagings.
Where only maximum or minimum values are specified in the text, tolerances are one-sided, e.g. in 7.3.3
the test pressure may exceed 30 kPa for packing group I but shall not be less.
6.4 Climatic conditions
There shall be adequate climatic facilities to meet the requirements in Table 1.
6.5 Impact surfaces for drop tests
The drop test area impact surface shall be horizontal and flat, massive enough to be immovable and rigid
enough to be non-deformable under test conditions and sufficiently large to ensure that the test package
falls entirely upon the surface.
7 Test procedures
7.1 Drop test
7.1.1 Conditioning
Where climatic conditions are critical to the performance of the materials or to the application of the
package, the tests shall be carried out in conditions identical to those used for conditioning (see Table 1).
In other circumstances, the tests shall be carried out in atmospheric conditions which approximate to
those used for conditioning. The elapsed time between the removal of the packaging from conditioning
and its submission to the test shall be kept as short as possible and in any event not more than 5 min.
7.1.2 Drop heights
7.1.2.1 For solids and liquids
For solids and liquids, if the test is performed with the solid or liquid to be carried or with another
substance essentially having the same characteristics, the drop height shall be that specified below:
Packing group I Packing group II Packing group III
1,8 m 1,2 m 0,8 m
7.1.2.2 For liquids if the test is performed with water
7.1.2.2.1 Relative density not exceeding 1,2
For liquids if the test is performed with water and where the substances to be transported have a relative
density not exceeding 1,2, the drop height shall be that specified below:
NOTE The term water includes water/antifreeze mixtures for testing at -18ºC
Packing group I Packing group II Packing group III
1,8 m 1,2 m 0,8 m
7.1.2.2.2 Relative density exceeding 1,2
Where the substances to be transported have a relative density exceeding 1,2, the drop height shall be
calculated on the basis of the relative density (d) of the substance to be carried, rounded up to the first
decimal. The drop height shall be:
Packing group I Packing group II Packing group III
d · 1,5 m d · 1,0 m d · 0,67 m
7.1.2.3 Corrections to the drop height for packagings with the density of solids
There shall be no correction of drop height with density of solids.
7.1.2.4 Corrections to the drop height for packagings with various densities
Where the inner packagings contain liquid substances of various densities the drop test shall be based
on the most severe packing group (of the liquid substances to be transported) and the average density.
The average density shall be calculated by multiplying the fill volume of each inner packaging by the
relative density of the contents of that inner packaging and aggregating the results and 7.1.2.2.2 shall be
applied.
NOTE Light gauge metal packaging referred to in European road and international railway regulations may be
subjected to different drop tests set out in annex A.
14 © ISO 2003 – All rights reserved

Table 2 — Drop orientation
Packaging No. of test Drop orientation Explanatory notes
samples
Steel drums Six (three for First drop (using three packagings): Non-removable head drums strike the target diagonally on the top chime.
Aluminium drums the first drop the packaging shall strike the target Open head drums strike the target on the bottom chime. In either case it is
Steel jerricans and three for diagonally on the chime or, if the on a circumferential seam or an edge adjacent, where possible, to a closure
Aluminium jerricans the second packaging has no chime, on a or junction of top and side seams, such that the closure, closure flange or
Including light gauge metal drop) circumferential seam or an edge. junction of the top and side seams is within or intersected by the crush
packaging - see annex A Second drop (using the other three pattern.
Drums of metal other than packagings): the packaging shall The second drop orientation is selected taking account of the results of the
steel or aluminium strike the target on the weakest part information drops, (see 7.1.4) and/or any previous experience or knowledge
Plywood drums not tested by the first drop, for of the package type.
Fibre drums example a closure or, for some
Plastics drums and jerricans cylindrical drums, the welded
Composite packagings which longitudinal seam of the drum body
are in the shape of a drum
Boxes of natural wood Five First drop: flat on the bottom 1. The third and fourth drops are conducted on the faces which are judged
Plywood boxes (one for each Second drop: flat on the top most likely to cause failure of either the box, inner packagings or articles. It
Reconstituted wood boxes drop) Third drop: flat on the long side may be necessary to conduct an investigatory drop with one or more of the
Fibreboard boxes Fourth drop: flat on the short side other packagings. A failure following an investigatory drop is not deemed a
Plastics boxes Fifth drop: on a corner failure of the test. The test report indicates the face on which the packaging
Steel or aluminium boxes has been dropped. This is indicated by using the procedure in EN 22206.
Composite packagings which 2. The fifth drop is conducted on the corner which is judged most likely to
are in the shape of a box cause failure of either the box, inner packagings or articles. It may be
necessary to conduct an investigatory drop (see 7.1.4) with one or more of
the other packagings. A failure following an investigatory drop is not
deemed a failure of the test. The test report indicates the corner which the
packaging has been dropped. This is indicated by using the procedure in
EN 22206.
Bags: single-ply with a side Three (three First drop: flat on a wide face Following each drop the contents of the bag are redistributed.
seam drops per bag) Second drop: flat on a narrow face
Third drop: on an end of the bag
Bags: single-ply without a side Three (two First drop: flat on a wide face Following each drop the contents of the bag are redistributed.
seam, or multi-ply drops per bag) Second drop: on an end of the bag

7.1.3 Test method
The test package shall be lifted and held in the predetermined orientation at the drop height as defined by the
distance between the lowest point on the package at the
...