Name of Standard
	1. IS 7408 (Indian) 2. IS 6312 (Indian)	Testing Procedure
	International Maritime of Dangerous Goods (IMDG)

Name of Approval		Issuing Authority
	UN Approval	Indian Institute of Packaging	Testing Procedure & FAQ

1. DROP TEST ( Drop Height : 1.20 mtrs.)
a. First barrel was dropped diagonally on closure.
b. Second barrel was dropped flat on top.
c. Third barrel was dropped flat on narrow face.
d. Fourth barrel was dropped diagonally on bottom corner.
e. Fifth barrel was dropped on bottom.

OBSERVATION : Neither rupture nor leakage was observed from any of the tested barrels.

2. CLOSURE LEAKAGE TEST:
Filled barrels were kept upside down on the floor for one hour.

OBSERVATION : No leakage was through the closures.

3. HYDRAULIC PRESSURE TEST:
Hydraulic gauge pressure of 1.1 kg/cm² was applied inside the barrel for a period of 5 minutes.

OBSERVATION : Neither rupture nor leakage was observed from the barrel.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACK RESISTANCE TEST:
The section of the barrel were placed in the test liquid at 80 ±2º C for 48 hours.

OBSERVATION : No cracking was observed.

5. STACK LOAD TEST :
A superimposed weight was placed on a flat surface resting on the top of the barrel for a period of 28 days. The weight equivalent to the total weight of filled identical barrels, was stacked on it during transport. 
( Stacking height : 3.0 mtrs.) (Test was performed at the Institute)

OBSERVATION : Neither deformation nor leakage was observed.



UN CODE TESTING PROCEDURE AND FAQ ( FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION)

A. INTRODUCTION
The suitability of a drum for international transport is mentioned in the UN recommendation and is determined by subjecting the filled packaging to certain performance tests. In case of plastic drums these tests are :

1. Drop Test (The Height of drop test is determined by the packaging groups and specific gravity ( Density of product to be packed)

2. Stack Test for 28 days

3. Air & Hydraulic leak tests for liquids carrying drums
The testing of drums is conducted by approved test authority in India. The certificates in India are issued by the Indian Institute of Packaging.   (Authorised by Director General of Shipping Government of India).

B. UN CODE MARKING INTERPRETATION
Once a packaging has fulfilled the requirements set out in the performance tests, the UN recommendations then set out a procedure for marking the packaging in an appropriate manner. The certified packaging is first to be marked with the UN symbol. This is followed by a sample code for Identifying the type of packaging, e.g. for plastics drums :

1H1 NON REMOVABLE HEAD
1H2 REMOVABLE HEAD.
3H1 JERRYCAN, NON REMOVABLE HEAD.
3H2 JERRY CAN, REMOVABLE HEAD

This in turn is followed by a letter X, Y, or Z, which identifies the packaging group to which the drum has been tested depending upon whether the drum was tested for solids or liquids, the code will contain an "S" preceded by the gross weight of the package tested in Kg. or followed by a number specifying the hydraulic test pressure in KPA. Underneath this code is the certificate number preceded by letters identifying the country in which the drum was certified.

C. Validity :-

NORMAL VALIDITY OF CERTIFICATION IS FOR 3 MONTHS

1. Validity given is for production of the packages. The Packages produced during the validity period can be supplied in additional period of 10 days after expiry of the certificate.

2. Against certificate, manufacturers/dealers can supply maximum 2500 packages. If the requirement of exporters is more than 2500 packages it is necessary to take a quality checking report by the manufacturers/dealers of the packages by submitting 5 certificates.

3. The manufacturers / Dealers of the packages should not supply the packages after 100 days period from date of issue of certificate.

4. The packages produced by the manufacturers/exporters within 100 days can be used for 3 months after expiry of the certificate.

5. It is necessary to check the authenticity of the packages by conducting trails as per IMDG-CODE, ANNEX - I if packages are left over after 6 months from the date of issue of certificates. Once the satisfactory performance is obtained, then the exporter/s can utilise the balance quantity of the packages for next three months (i. e Total 9 months period from date of issue of certificate).

D. TIME/ COST REQUIRED FOR CERTIFICATION

i) For full open mouth drums ( for powders):- The time required for test certification is approx. 7 days ( subject to availability of IIP Inspector). The charges for certification would be approximately  Rs.15000/-

ii) For narrow wide Mouth drum ( for liquids/pasted). The time required for test certification is approx. 35 days ( subject to availability of IIP Inspector)

iii) The charges for certification would be approximately Rs.15000/-

E. TEST PROCEDURE

24 Nos. of the containers to be tested should be given to the testing authority who will in turn draw 8 Nos. from the lot which will be subjected 
to the following tests :

i) FOR SOLIDS/POWDERS:

TESTS / OBSERVATION DETAILS

1. Drop Test ( Drop Height) : Depends on the material filled in the drum.
1.1 Test at ambient temperature
a) First set of drums were dropped diagonally on top.
Observation : Neither damage nor seepage of sand and sawdust for passing mixture was observed from the drums.
b) Second set of drums were dropped flat on body wall.
Observation : Neither damage nor seepage of sand and saw dust for passing mixture was observed from the drums.

1.2 Test at 18ºC Temperature : The filled drums were exposed to - 18ºC for 24 hours
a) First set of drums were dropped diagonally on top.
Observation : Neither damage nor seepage of sand and saw dust for passing mixture was observed from the drums.
b) Second set of drums were dropped flat on body wall.
Observation : Neither damage nor seepage of sand and saw dust for passing mixture was observed from the drums.

2. STACK LOAD TEST
Filled drums were stacked one above the other for a period of 24 hours. (Stacking height : 3.0 mtrs.)
Observation : Neither deformation or seepage of sand & sawdust mixture was observed from the drums.
Conclusion : Passes the tests.
( Test report, however does not include the compatibility studies.)
*Test is performed at the institute.

ii) FOR LIQUIDS/PASTES :

1. DROP TEST: ( Drop height depends on material for which test is conducted)
a. First set of containers were dropped diagonally on top.
OBSERVATION : Neither rupture nor leakage was observed from the containers.

b. Second set of containers were dropped on closures.
OBSERVATION : Neither rupture nor leakage was observed from the containers.

2. LEAKAGE TEST: The containers were subjected to an air pressure of 02.kg/cm square.
OBSERVATION : No leakage was observed through the closures for passing and moulding joints.

3. STACK LOAD TEST: A superimposed weight was placed on a flat surface resting on the top of the containers arranged in 2x1x1 manner for a period of 28 days. The weight was equivalent to the total weight of filled identical containers which could be stacked on it during the transport. (Stacking height : 3.0 mtrs.) (Test was performed at the institute.)
OBSERVATION : Neither deformation nor leakage was observed for passing.

4. HYDRAULIC TEST: The containers were subjected for a period of 30 minutes to a hydraulic gauge pressure of 1.0 kg/cm square.
OBSERVATION : Neither rupture nor leakage was observed from the containers.

CONCLUSION : Passes the tests.
( Test report, however does not include the compatibility studies.)