IIP certification is a certificate that assures the quality of the packaging material in terms of passing the UN performance test for the carriage of dangerous goods. The Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) provides this certificate for shipments by air as well as sea transport. The validity period is of 18 months for certified ISO 9001 factories and 9 months for others. This certification is increasingly becoming mandatory for carriers.
Why Do Exporters Need an IIP UN Certificate?
Exporters shipping dangerous goods from India need an IIP UN certificate for the packaging used to carry those goods. Without IIP certification, it could lead to rejection or detention of the booking at the last moment by shipping lines or air freight forwarders.
This situation usually occurs right before the time of dispatch, as the shipping line requests the certificate and discovers that either it is not available, expired, or has been issued in the name of the packaging manufacturer and not the exporter.
This document provides information about what the IIP UN certificate is, why it is needed by DGCA, DG Shipping, and the carriers, how long its validity period lasts, and how the exporter may acquire it.
What Is an IIP UN Certificate?
A UN certified package is one which is approved by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, for its performance against dangerous goods for the purposes of the United Nations (UN). The IIP is authorized by DG Shipping & DGCA to perform these tests.
It certifies the package and not the substance. It is applicable only to the designated packaging form like Drum, Jerrycan, IBC, Box/Composite Packaging and others.
What Does the IIP UN Certificate Confirm?
The IIP UN certificate confirms that a package has passed the required UN performance tests for transporting dangerous goods. These tests check whether the packaging can:
- Withstand drops and handling impacts during transport.
- Support stacking loads during storage and shipment.
- Prevent leaks under internal pressure.
- Compliance with UN marking specifications for its package and performance rating.
Upon successful testing, IIP provides a digital UN certificate, test report, and UN markings specifications.
Why Do DG Shipping, DGCA and Carriers Require a UN Packaging Certificate?
Sea Cargo: DG Shipping and the IMDG Code
Shipping of dangerous goods by sea is governed by the requirements for packaging under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code. In India, IIP is authorized to conduct testing of packaging and provide UN performance certificates for the shipping of sea cargo.
Testing is carried out to ensure that packaging will stand up to the rigors of transport without leakage.
Air Cargo: DGCA and IATA/ICAO Regulations
Air consignment of dangerous goods should adhere to the relevant IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, as per ICAO Technical Instructions. IIP is authorized to perform tests on packaging and issue UN certificates for air shipment in India.
Certified packaging will help to avoid leaks and failures due to mishandling and other transit effects.
Customs: Port Authorities and Shipping Lines
The issuance of a UN packing certificate is not mandatory for all the shipments covered by the IMDG code. Nevertheless, the shipping line, forwarders, and other concerned parties may ask for it for checking the validity of the packaging.
Failure to submit any document or having mismatched documentation will affect the process of acceptance of the shipment.
How Long Is an IIP UN Certificate Valid?
An IIP UN certificate is generally valid for 18 months for ISO 9001-certified packaging manufacturers and 9 months for non-ISO-certified manufacturers.
| Packaging manufacturer | Certificate validity |
| ISO 9001 certified | 18 months |
| Non-ISO certified | 9 months |
What If the UN Packaging Certificate Has Expired?
After expiration of the UN packaging certificate, it cannot be used for certification of any new packaging that has been manufactured. The packaging that has been manufactured prior to the expiration date of the certificate can still be used, as long as it satisfies all requirements.
Certain carriers might not accept an expired certificate or one that is close to expiration at the time of booking.
Common Validity Pitfalls
- Certificate expiry: Some carriers reject certificates that expire before the cargo reaches its final destination.
- Name mismatch: The certificate is issued to the packaging manufacturer. If the shipper’s name differs, the carrier may request clarification.
- Wrong transport mode: A sea-only certificate is not valid for air shipments.
- Chemical mismatch: The certificate covers the tested UN number, packing instruction and packing group. Different substances may require new testing.
IIP UN Certificate for Hazardous Cargo: Which Shipments Need It?
An IIP UN certificate may be required for export packaging used to transport dangerous goods, including:
- Flammable materials: Solvents, paints, and adhesives
- Corrosives: Acids, alkalis, and cleaning agents
- Poisonous materials: Pesticides and chemical intermediates
Oxidisers and organic Peroxides
- Gases and aerosols: Where applicable packaging rules require UN certification
- Other dangerous goods: Substances classified under UN dangerous goods regulations, depending on the packaging and transport requirements
Some carriers may also request certification for limited quantity shipments. Confirm the applicable requirements with your freight forwarder and carrier before dispatch.
UN Certificate Overseas: Is the Certificate Accepted Abroad?
Yes. The IIP certificate confirms that packaging has passed the required UN performance tests. Its acceptance overseas depends on the applicable regulations and the requirements of carriers, consignees, and destination authorities.
Before shipping, check three things:
- Destination requirements: Authorities may inspect the UN marking and request the test certificate.
- Certificate consignee requirements: The overseas consignees may ask for the copy of the certificate along with the shipment documentation.
- Accurate documentations: Lack of certificates or mismatch in markings may result in delays in the shipment due to additional storage and demurrage expenses.
Maintain an updated digital version of the certificate along with the export documentation, and see to it that the packaging markings comply with the certificate documentation.
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays in IIP Certification
- Ordering packaging before confirming its certificate covers the chemical being shipped.
- Assuming one certificate applies to every product using the same packaging.
- Failing to verify whether the packaging is approved for air transport, sea transport or both.
- Starting testing after the shipment has been booked.
- Overlooking mismatches between the certificate and shipping documents.
Management of IIP Testing and Certification by AL Falaah DG
The AL Falaah DG team manages the IIP certification process from requirement analysis to the issuance of the certificate.
- Requirement Analysis: Our team analyzes the chemical, UN number, packing group, and transport mode for packaging testing requirements.
- Packaging management: We collaborate with packaging manufacturers to provide samples and packaging that fulfill the requirements.
- Application: We compile the application along with the necessary documentation.
- Testing management: We manage the testing and certification process from sample submission until completion of the testing process.
- Certificate issuance and management: We issue the certificate and the information on UN marking. We assist in planning for certificate renewal after its expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the IIP certification going to be voided with respect to the pre-manufactured packaging?
No, the validity period is applicable only for the period of time when the certificate holder has the ability to manufacture packaging materials based on the certification. Note that some shipping lines still operate according to date validity; hence, you should check with your carrier prior to making your booking.
- Does the DGCA and DG Shipping both need it?
Yes, depending on the transport method; DG Shipping is responsible for sea shipments according to IMDG Code while DGCA is responsible for air shipments according to IATA/ICAO regulations. Both agencies issue certificates, but a combined one can be requested.
- Can I ship my hazmat without a UN certificate?
No, it isn’t safe. Your booking can be denied by the carrier, or your consignment may be detained. The UN marking of the package is the minimum requirement for transporting hazardous cargo. An expert DGR cargo handling service provider can assist you in being compliant. View our complete guide on hazardous cargo shipping in India.
- Is the IIP certificate accepted abroad?
Yes, in general, since it conforms to internationally accepted UN performance standards. Hence, it is normally accepted by overseas carriers and ports as evidence of conformance.
- Is a certificate of a chemical transferable to another chemical?
No, not necessarily. The certificate will be valid only for the specific UN number, packing instruction, and packing group for which testing was done.
- Who will take care of my IIP testing and certification needs?
This is taken care of by AL Falaah DG.
