COMMON TERMS USED IN INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING OF DANGEROUS GOODS USING OCEAN FREIGHT SERVICES

UN NUMBER – stands for United Nations number. The UN number is a four-digit number assigned to a potentially hazardous material (such as gasoline, UN 1203) or class of materials (such as corrosive liquids, UN 1760). Firefighters and other emergency response personnel use these numbers during transportation emergencies. UN (United Nations) numbers are internationally recognized.

IMO CLASS – International Maritime Organization dangerous goods class

Class 1. Explosives
Class 2. Gases
Class 3. Flammable Liquids
Class 4.1. Flammable Solids or Substances
Class 4.2. Flammable solids
Class 4.3. Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
Class 5.1. Oxidizing substances (agents) by yielding oxygen increase the risk and intensity of fire
Class 5.2. Organic peroxides – most will burn rapidly and are sensitive to impact or friction
Class 6.1. Toxic substances
Class 6.2. Infectious substances
Class 7. Radioactive Substances
Class 8. Corrosives
Class 9. Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

FLASH POINT – is the lowest temperature at which the material can catch fire.

PACKING GROUP – grouping according to the degree of danger presented by hazardous materials. Packing Group I indicates great danger; Packing Group II, medium danger; Packing Group III, minor danger.