An UN Certificate, often referred to as a IIP Certificate, is
issued by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) for packages containing
hazardous and dangerous goods. This certification ensures that the packaging
meets international standards for the safe transportation of these materials by
sea or air.
In India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and waterways, Govt. of
India and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (Ministry of Civil Aviation,
Govt. of India) have authorized the Indian Institute of Packaging as a nodal
agency to conduct the various performance tests on bulk packages and also to
issue the UN Certificates. The Institute has been providing these services to a
large number of industries across the country and thus promoting the export of
hazardous goods. The Institute has got well equipped laboratories for the
testing of different parameters related to IMDG (International Maritime
Dangerous Goods) as well as ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization)
Regulations.
IIP issues UN / IIP Certificate only after performing tests of the
package samples, according to UN Standards for transportation of DG / Hazmat /
Hazardous Goods, by Air (IATA/ICAO) & Sea (IMDG Code), thus shipments
should be reasonably capable of resisting under all forms of climatic
environments, wear and tear during transport, leak-proof, etc., while at the
same time recording flawlessly the existence of the hazardous goods packed or
filled in the package and the key constraints on package capability should be.
Such an effective and competent process requires a person to be well versed in
all relevant international transport standards. An UN packaging code displays
type of the package being shipped. It also reveals that the packaging has
passed tests set as per UN Standards for packages containing Hazmat or DG
Goods. The physical features of the components of the packages are defined by
the different test stages.
Importance of UN Certification:
The United Nations has established international regulations for
the transportation of hazardous materials to ensure safety and minimize risks.
These regulations, such as the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
(IMDG) for sea transportation and the International Civil Aviation Organization
(ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air
are adopted by member countries.
Benefits of IIP Certification:
·Enhanced Safety: Ensures safe transportation of hazardous
goods, reducing risks to people and the environment.
·International Recognition: Facilitates
the international trade of hazardous goods by adhering to global standards.
·Quality Assurance: Improves the quality and standardization
of industrial packaging.
·Regulatory Compliance: Helps
businesses comply with international regulations and avoid penalties.
·Market Access: Opens
up new markets by demonstrating commitment to safety and quality.
How to Obtain an IIP Certificate:
If the packaging manufacturer wish to obtain login credentials,
must submit the following documents to IIP (respective centre) with details
including Name of the Company, Complete Address, Contact Person Name with
Mobile Number, Email ID, GST Number:
- GST registration Certificate copy
- Company PAN card Copy
- MSME/ State registration
- ISO certification copy (If certified)
- Company registration (if any)
After receipt of the login credentials, the packaging manufacturer
may submit the online booking / Application indicating the type of packaging
materials, details of exporter, Severity of the chemical, Gross weight, density
& Pressure (for liquid products), Date of Manufacture of the packages,
Payment details (UTR reference), detailed specification of the packaging
materials, chemical / DG details and sample description.
After successful booking, submit the form though online by
clicking "send to IIP” in the Previous Booking tab in the customer portal.
The booking details along with a covering letter and the required number of
samples as per IMDG / IATA regulations to be sent to IIP for testing &
certification.
IIP Chennai will conduct appropriate test as per the IMDG / IATA
standards and issue the UN certification to the qualified packages for carriage
of Dangerous Goods.
A UN Marking will be issued for the
packages along with the digital UN certificate. The validity of the certificate
will be 18 months or 9 months for ISO certified and non-ISO certified packaging
manufacturers respectively. Upon expiry of the certificate the packaging
manufacturer may submit a fresh form along with the required number of samples
and payments for issuance of new certificate.(Note: No extensions
will be given after 9/18 months.)