1. What Is a UN Certified IBC Container?

A UN certified Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) is tested and approved under the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. Certification includes:

• Leak tightness
• Drop resistance
• Chemical compatibility
• Stackability under load

Each container carries a unique UN code, indicating it meets these strict performance standards. Without this mark, an IBC may not be legally used for dangerous goods transport.

---

2. When Is UN Certification Required?

UN certification isn’t a formality — it’s a legal and operational requirement. Substances classified under ADR — including corrosives, flammables, oxidisers and toxics — must be transported and stored in certified packaging.

Examples include:

• Sodium hypochlorite
• Hydrochloric acid
• Nitric acid
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Sodium hydroxide

Non-certified containers can:

• Be refused by carriers
• Lead to fines or audit failures
• Expose staff and environment to unnecessary risk

Even for on-site use, UN-certified packaging is the preferred — and often required — standard in professional operations.

A container without UN approval isn’t just risky — it’s a red flag in every safety inspection.

---

3. Understanding the UN Mark

Each UN IBC shows a marking such as: UN 31HA1/Y/100/24/NL/VAR123456

Breakdown:

• 31HA1 = rigid plastic composite
• Y = medium hazard group
• 100 = max specific gravity
• 24 = year of manufacture
• NL = approval country
• VAR123456 = approval code or serial

This ensures traceability, legitimacy and trust — for shippers, regulators and your own safety team.

---

4. The VARIBOX Approach: Beyond Certification

VARIBOX IBCs — including the FC 1000L, SC 1000L and CC 250L — meet UN and ADR standards, but go further in safety, lifespan and usability.

✔ Double-walled containment

110% spill retention built into the design. No external drip trays needed.

✔ Closed dispensing system (Safeline Performance)

Operators never open the container — safer, cleaner, compliant.

✔ Designed for 10+ years

Rotationally moulded HDPE, UV-stable, built for tough conditions.

✔ Visible compliance

Permanent UN codes, label zones and structured inspection capability.

These containers are trusted across Europe in high-volume, high-risk sectors.

---

5. Why Certification Alone Is Not Enough

Many containers pass the test — but fail in the field.

Common issues with basic IBCs:

• Leaks due to ageing plastic or poor closures
• Manual handling that exposes staff to risk
• Short lifespan requiring constant replacements
• No spill containment built-in

VARIBOX addresses these issues through engineering — not just compliance.

---

6. Who Needs UN Certified IBCs?

These containers are essential for:

• Chemical producers and blenders
• Water treatment and dosing
• Cleaning chemical distributors
• Food and beverage plant hygiene
• Surface treatment and galvanisation
• Recycling and waste services
• Logistics providers under ADR
• Environmental clean-up operations

Any business transporting or storing dangerous liquids needs certified, traceable, and reusable packaging.

---

7. The Real Benefits of Long-Life UN IBCs

Feature	Benefit
Reusable over 10+ years	Lower TCO, fewer replacements
Integrated containment	Safer storage, no extra trays
Closed handling	Reduced exposure and spillage risk
Certification visibility	Easier audits, more trust
Rugged industrial design	Built for transport and harsh use

Professionals appreciate not just compliance — but confidence.

---

8. Choosing the Right IBC for Your Product

Not all UN certified IBC container are the same. Key questions to ask:

• Is the container suitable for your product’s density and risk group?
• Is spill containment built-in?
• Is it closed-system compatible?
• Is it certified for long-term reuse?
• Is annual inspection supported?

VARIBOX containers answer “yes” to all — and more.

---