How long is a UN approval certificate valid?
Marc Martens
When a packaging has been tested for the transport of dangerous goods, it receives a UN mark. This mark is recorded in an approval certificate. While the UN packaging itself remains valid for five years, the validity of the approval certificate can vary by country.
Netherlands, Belgium, and the United States: valid indefinitely
CurTec manufactures its packaging in the Netherlands and the United States. UN marks and approval certificates are issued by the BVI in Belgium. These certificates are valid indefinitely as long as the following conditions are met:
- The product is inspected annually.
- No modifications are made to the packaging or the product.
- There are no changes in legislation that affect the packaging.
If any of these conditions are not met, the product must be retested and recertified.
International differences
In other countries, the validity may differ:
- France and the United Kingdom: certificates are valid for a maximum of five years
- Other countries outside Europe and Asia: regulations may vary
These differences are due to national interpretations of the legislation. In countries without annual audits, certificates have a limited validity period and must be renewed once expired.
Safe transport of dangerous goods
Transporting dangerous goods carries risks. Therefore, it is recommended to work with reliable suppliers who can advise on the appropriate UN-certified packaging and comply with legal requirements. This helps prevent unsafe situations and unnecessary costs.
CurTec and UN certification
All CurTec packaging carries a UN mark for solids. Thanks to certificates issued by the BVI in Belgium, our approval certificates are valid indefinitely.
If you are shipping dangerous goods and need packaging advice, the CurTec team will help you choose the right UN-certified solution for your products.
