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.

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.

·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.

The packaging manufacturer can apply for UN certification using IIP online customer portal:http://92.204.129.147:789/

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.)