Every IBC tote carries a UN marking — a standardized code stamped into the bottle and/or cage that tells you everything about the container's certification, capabilities, and history. Understanding these markings helps you verify that a container is suitable for your intended use.
Where to Find the Marking
Look for embossed or printed text on: - The HDPE bottle (usually molded into the plastic near the top) - A metal plate on the steel cage - Sometimes on a label affixed to the cage
Decoding the Standard UN Marking
A typical UN marking for a composite IBC looks like this:
UN 31HA1/Y/0623/USA/M-1234/Schütz/2500/1250
Let's break down each element:
UN — Indicates United Nations certification for transport of dangerous goods.
31HA1 — The container type code: - 31 = Rigid IBC - H = Plastic (HDPE) - A = Fitted with structural equipment (cage) - 1 = For liquids
Y — Packing group rating: - X = Packing Groups I, II, and III (most demanding) - Y = Packing Groups II and III (standard for most IBCs) - Z = Packing Group III only (least demanding)
0623 — Date of manufacture (06 = month, 23 = year = June 2023)
USA — Country where the IBC was manufactured or certified.
M-1234 — The manufacturer's or reconditioner's identification code, registered with the competent authority.
Schütz — Manufacturer's name (Schütz, Mauser, Greif, etc.)
2500 — Maximum stacking test load in kilograms.
1250 — Maximum gross mass (container + contents) in kilograms.
What the Packing Group Rating Means for You
- **Group X rated IBCs** can hold the most hazardous materials (high vapor pressure, high specific gravity)
- **Group Y rated IBCs** (most common) are suitable for moderately hazardous materials and all non-hazardous liquids
- **Group Z rated IBCs** are limited to low-hazard materials
For most buyers of used IBCs (water storage, agriculture, general industrial), a Y-rated container is more than adequate.
Reconditioner Markings
When an IBC is professionally reconditioned, an additional marking is added:
RL/USA/RC-5678/1223 - RL = Reconditioned/Remanufactured for Liquids - USA = Country where reconditioning occurred - RC-5678 = Reconditioner's registered identification - 1223 = Date of reconditioning (December 2023)
Date Significance
The manufacture date is important because: - UN certification for transport expires 5 years from manufacture date - After 5 years, the IBC must be inspected and re-certified (or reconditioned) to maintain transport approval - For non-transport applications (stationary storage), the date is less critical but indicates HDPE age
Why This Matters When Buying Used
When you purchase a used IBC: 1. Check the manufacture date — a 10+ year old bottle has experienced significant UV aging 2. Verify the rating matches your intended use 3. Look for reconditioner markings if the seller claims it was professionally refurbished 4. The stacking load number tells you whether safe stacking is possible