To get a UN IIP Certificate in India, follow these steps: (1) Identify your product’s dangerous goods class and packing group (from its SDS/MSDS); (2) have your packaging manufacturer prepare a prototype exactly to UN specifications; (3) apply online through the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) portal with the packaging and product details, and pay the fees; (4) send sample packages to the nearest IIP lab (Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc.) for testing (drop, stack, hydraulic, leak, vibration); (5) on passing,
IIP issues the UN Certificate and UN Marking number; (6) print the UN Mark on your packaging and start shipping. The certificate is issued to the packaging manufacturer for a design (listing the exporter), and is valid 18 months for ISO / 9 months for non-ISO manufacturers.
What is a UN IIP Certificate?
A UN IIP Certificate is a UN-standard packaging certificate issued by the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP). It proves your packaging — drums, boxes, jerricans, cans, or bags — has been physically tested and is safe to carry dangerous (hazardous) goods by sea, air, or road.
Key points to remember:
- IIP is the only government-authorised body in India for this certificate.
- It is mandatory — carriers reject dangerous cargo without it.
- It is issued to the packaging manufacturer for a specific design, and lists the exporter.
UN IIP Certificate Process Overview 2026
| Step | What Happens |
| 1. Classify | Find your product’s DG class & packing group |
| 2. Prototype | Manufacturer makes packaging to UN specs |
| 3. Apply | Online application to IIP + fees |
| 4. Sample | Send sample packages to IIP lab |
| 5. Testing | Drop, stack, hydraulic, leak, vibration tests |
| 6. Certificate | IIP issues UN Certificate + marking number |
| 7. Marking | Print UN Mark on packaging, start shipping |
| 8. Renew | Renew before expiry (18/9 months) |
What You Need to Know before apply for UN IIP Certificate
Getting this right the first time saves you money and delays. Before applying, be clear about these three things:
- Your product’s dangerous goods details — its UN Number, class (out of the 9), and packing group (I, II, or III). This comes from your product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS).
- Your packaging type — drum, box, jerrican, can, or bag; and its material (steel, plastic, fibreboard, etc.).
- Your shipment details — net and gross weight, and the mode of transport (sea or air).
The certificate and UN mark are specific to these details. If your packing group or weight is wrong, the packaging will not match your shipment, and it can be rejected at the port.
If you are unsure about your product’s class or packing group, ask a dangerous goods (DG) expert or check the IMDG/IATA dangerous goods list.
Step 1: Identify Your Product’s Class and Packing Group
Find the dangerous goods class (1 to 9):
- Class 3 = flammable liquids (paints, solvents)
- Class 8 = corrosives (acids, batteries)
- Class 9 = miscellaneous (lithium batteries), and so on.
Find the packing group (danger level):
- PG I = high danger (needs the strongest packaging, marked X)
- PG II = medium danger (marked Y or X)
- PG III = low danger (marked Z, Y, or X)
Your product’s SDS/MSDS clearly lists the UN number, class, and packing group. This document is provided by the product manufacturer.
Packaging tested for a higher group can carry lower groups too. So if your product is PG II, you need at least Y-rated packaging (X also works).
Step 2: Choose a UN-Certified Packaging Manufacturer
The certificate is issued to the packaging manufacturer, not directly to the exporter. So your choice of packaging supplier is important.
What to look for:
- A manufacturer experienced in UN-certified packaging.
- One who can make your packaging exactly to UN specifications.
- Ideally an ISO-certified manufacturer (this gives you longer certificate validity — 18 months instead of 9).
- One who will list your name (exporter) correctly on the certificate.
Two ways this works:
- Buy ready UN-certified packaging from a manufacturer who already has a valid certificate covering your product, weight, and mode — the simplest route.
- Get new packaging certified — if your product/packaging is unique, the manufacturer prepares a prototype and gets it tested for you.
Always verify the manufacturer’s valid UN IIP certificate and check that it matches your product, packing group, weight, and transport mode.
Step 3: Prepare the Packaging Prototype to UN Specifications
Once the manufacturer is chosen, they prepare a prototype (sample) package built strictly to UN specifications for your product.
This means the packaging must have the correct:
- Material and thickness (steel gauge, plastic grade, fibreboard strength)
- Design and dimensions
- Closures and seals (very important for liquids)
- Inner packaging and cushioning, if needed
- Capacity and weight matching your shipment
The sample must be strong enough to pass the tests. If the prototype is weak or wrongly made, it will fail testing, and you will have to redo it – costing time and money.
Give your manufacturer the exact product details, weight, and transport mode, so the prototype is built correctly the first time.
Step 4: Apply Online Through the IIP Portal
Now the formal application begins, usually done by the packaging manufacturer.
- Log in to the IIP online portal using the Login ID and password issued to the manufacturer.
- Fill the application with:
- Packaging details (type, material, dimensions, capacity)
- Product details (UN number, class, packing group)
- Exporter details (name, address)
- Net and gross weight and mode of shipment (sea/air)
- Upload the required documents (listed below).
- Pay the testing and certification fees to IIP.
- Submit the application.
Step 5: Send Sample Packages to the IIP Lab
After applying, you send physical sample packages to the nearest IIP testing laboratory.
IIP has testing centres in several cities, including:
- Mumbai (headquarters)
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Hyderabad
- and other regional centres
How the samples reach the lab: by courier or transport, arranged by the manufacturer/exporter.
Note: Send the samples to the IIP centre nearest to you to save time and transport cost. Make sure the samples are exactly the prototype design you applied for.
Step 6: The Testing Process (What IIP Checks)
IIP now puts your samples through performance tests — to prove they survive real transport. The tests done depend on your packaging type and product, and include:
- Drop Test: The filled package is dropped from a set height to check it does not break or leak. (Sometimes done at -18°C for goods shipped in cold conditions.)
- Stack Load Test: A heavy weight is placed on top to check the package can be stacked without collapsing.
- Hydraulic Pressure Test: For liquids, internal pressure is applied to check the package does not burst.
- Leakproofness Test: Checks that liquid packaging does not leak.
- Vibration Test: Simulates the shaking of road, sea, and air transport.
- Cobb Test: For paper/fibreboard, checks water absorption (moisture resistance).
- Other tests (righting, tear, top-lift, topple) for specific bags/IBCs.
If the samples pass all applicable tests, you move to the certificate. If they fail, the packaging must be improved and re-tested.
Step 7: Get the UN IIP Certificate and UN Marking Number
Once your samples pass, IIP issues:
- The UN IIP Certificate — confirming your packaging design is certified.
- The UN Marking number — the special code you print on the packaging.
The certificate specifies the exact conditions it covers the package design, product, net and gross weight, mode of shipment, and exporter. Production of packages with these same specifications is allowed during the validity period.
Read your certificate carefully and make sure all details (weight, mode, exporter, packing group) match your actual shipment.
Step 8: Print the UN Mark on Your Packaging
Now the manufacturer prints the UN Mark on the certified packaging. A typical mark looks like: 4G/X15/S/26/IND/…
Decoded simply:
- 4G = fibreboard box (1 = drum, 3 = jerrican, 4 = box, 5 = bag; letter = material)
- X = tested for Packing Groups I, II, III (Y = II & III, Z = III only)
- 15 = related to the weight/specific gravity tested
- S = solids/inner packaging (or a number for liquid test pressure)
- 26 = year of manufacture (2026)
- IND = made in India
- final code = manufacturer/certificate reference
Only packaging with this correct mark can be loaded on ships and aircraft for dangerous goods.
Ensure the printed mark exactly matches the certified specification — a mismatch can cause rejection at the port.
Documents Required for UN IIP Certificate
Keep these ready for the application:
- IIP online application form
- Packaging drawings/specifications (type, material, dimensions, capacity)
- Product details — UN number, class, packing group
- SDS / MSDS of the product
- Exporter details (name and address)
- Manufacturer’s company registration / GST
- ISO certificate (if available — gives longer validity)
- Net and gross weight and mode of shipment
- Sample packages for testing
Incomplete or wrong details are the main cause of delays. Double-check the packing group and weight before submitting.
Fees and Time Required for UN IIP Certificate
- Fees: IIP charges testing and certification fees, which vary based on the packaging type, number of tests, and design. Get the exact fee from IIP or your packaging manufacturer.
- Time: The process — application, sample testing, and certificate issue — usually takes a few working days to a few weeks, depending on the testing queue and whether samples pass the first time.
Note: Start the process well before your shipment date. If the sample fails and needs redoing, you will need extra time.
Validity and How to Renew UN IIP Certificate
The certificate is time-limited, so plan ahead:
- 18 months validity for ISO-certified manufacturers.
- 9 months validity for non-ISO-certified manufacturers.
- You must renew before it expires, or you cannot ship with that packaging.
How to renew: Apply for renewal/retesting through IIP before the expiry date, following a similar process. Keep your packaging specifications the same, or you may need fresh testing.
Common Reasons of UN IIP Certificate Applications Fail or Get Delayed
Avoid these mistakes for a smooth process:
- Weak or wrong prototype — fails the drop or stack test.
- Wrong packing group — packaging not strong enough for the product.
- Incomplete documents — missing SDS, weight, or specifications.
- Wrong details in application — weight or transport mode does not match the shipment.
- Samples not matching the application — different from what was applied for.
- Starting too late — no time buffer if retesting is needed.
Get the product classification and prototype right first — most failures happen because of these two.
Tips to Get Your UN IIP Certificate Faster
- Know your product’s class and packing group before you start.
- Choose an experienced, ISO-certified packaging manufacturer (longer validity too).
- Build the prototype exactly to UN specs — do not cut corners.
- Submit complete, accurate documents the first time.
- Send samples to the nearest IIP lab to save time.
- Apply early, well before your shipment date.
- Keep a renewal reminder so you never ship with an expired certificate.
Conclusion
Getting a UN IIP Certificate in India is a clear, step-by-step process: identify your product’s dangerous goods class and packing group, get your packaging manufacturer to build a prototype to UN specifications, apply online to the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) with full details and fees, send samples to the nearest IIP lab for drop, stack, hydraulic, leak, and vibration tests, and on passing, receive your UN Certificate and marking number — then print the UN Mark and start shipping.
The certificate is issued to the packaging manufacturer (listing the exporter), it must match your product, weight, and transport mode, and it is valid 18 months for ISO or 9 months for non-ISO manufacturers so renew on time.
Get your product classification and prototype right, submit complete documents, and start early. Do this, and your dangerous goods will move across the world safely, legally, and without delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I get a UN IIP Certificate in India?
Find your product’s class, prepare the correct packaging, apply to IIP, send samples for testing, and receive your UN certificate after approval.
2. Who applies for the UN IIP Certificate — the exporter or manufacturer?
Usually the packaging manufacturer applies, because the certificate is issued to them for a specific package design. However, it lists the exporter’s name. Exporters typically buy certified packaging from a UN-certified manufacturer.
3. Where are the IIP testing labs located?
IIP has testing centres in several cities, including Mumbai (headquarters), Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, among other regional centres. Send your samples to the centre nearest to you to save time and transport cost.
4. What documents are needed to apply?
Before applying, keep your application form, packaging details, product information, SDS/MSDS, manufacturer details, shipment details, and sample packages ready.
5. What tests are done before the certificate is issued?
Depending on the packaging and product, IIP conducts drop, stack load, hydraulic pressure, leakproofness, vibration, and Cobb tests, among others. The samples must pass all applicable tests before the certificate and UN marking are issued.
6. How long does it take to get the certificate?
The certificate may take a few days or a few weeks. Apply early and allow extra time in case retesting is needed.
7. How much does the UN IIP Certificate cost?
IIP charges testing and certification fees that vary based on the packaging type, number of tests, and design. Get the exact fee from IIP or your packaging manufacturer, as it depends on your specific case.
8. How long is the certificate valid and how do I renew it?
Renew your certificate before it expires. If your packaging has not changed, the renewal process is usually easier.
9. Why do UN IIP applications fail or get delayed?
Common problems include wrong packaging, missing documents, incorrect application details, or samples that do not match. Check everything carefully before you apply.
10. Can an agent help me get the certificate?
Yes. A consultant can help with the application, but only the Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) can issue the UN IIP certificate after testing. Always check that the certificate is genuine.
Read our article:UN IIP Certificate Complete Guide for Exporters
