If you want to export products from India, the UN IIP Certificate is an important certification you should know about. It is mainly required for exporters using packaging materials like wooden boxes, pallets, or crates for shipping goods internationally. In this guide, we will explain everything about the UN IIP Certificate, including its purpose, benefits, application process, required documents, fees, and how exporters can get it easily.
What is the UN Mark IIP Certification?
UN Mark IIP Certification is an important approval for packaging used to ship hazardous goods. It confirms that the packaging follows international safety rules for air and sea transportation. To get this certification, the packaging must successfully pass several quality and safety tests. After approval, the packaging gets a UN Mark symbol that proves it is suitable for transporting dangerous materials. The certificate is issued to packaging manufacturers and is valid for up to 18 months.
| Overview of UN IIP Certificate | |
| Full Form | UN – United Nations, IIP – Indian Institute of Packaging |
| Purpose | International export packaging certification |
| Issued By | Indian Institute of Packaging |
| Used For | Hazardous goods & export packaging |
| Required By | Exporters, manufacturers, logistics companies |
| Benefits | Global compliance, safer shipping, faster customs clearance |
| Validity | Usually 1–2 years |
| Approx Fees | ₹5,000 – ₹50,000+ |
Documents for UN Mark IIP Certification
The following documents are required for applying for the UN Mark IIP Certification:
- GST Certificate for Business Verification
- Import Export Code (IEC) Certificate
- PAN Card for Identity Verification
- Details of Outer Packaging Materials and Types
- Size Details and Images of Outer Packaging
- Product Net Weight and Gross Weight Details
- Air or Sea Shipment Details
- Manufacturer Details (GST, IEC, Contact Number, Email ID)
- Product Images with Packaging
- Company Incorporation Certificate
- Memorandum & Articles of Association / Partnership Deed
- Government Identity Proof of an Authorised Person
- Email ID and Mobile Number of Company & Authorised Representative
- Copy of ISO Certification
- MSDS Certificate
Process for UN Mark IIP Certification
Follow these steps to obtain the UN Mark IIP Certification:
- Submit an online application on the IIP portal with all required details and documents.
- Pay the application fee online through the portal to continue the application process.
- Submit a packaging sample to the IIP lab for examination.
- After the sample successfully passes all tests, a UN Marking Number is issued along with the UN Mark IIP Certification.
Types of Packaging Materials for UN Mark IIP Certification
The following packaging materials are eligible for UN Mark IIP Certification:
| UN Code | Packaging Type | Material | Head Type / Description |
| 1A1 | Metal Drums & Barrels | Steel/Metal | Non-Removable Head |
| 1A2 | Metal Drums & Barrels | Steel/Metal | Removable Head |
| 1H1 | Plastic Drums & Barrels | Plastic | Non-Removable Head |
| 1H2 | Plastic Drums & Barrels | Plastic | Removable Head |
| 1G | Fibreboard Drums | Fibreboard | Removable Head |
| 3H1 | Plastic Jerricans | Plastic | Liquid Packaging Container |
| 4C1 | Wooden Boxes | Wood | Heavy Export Packaging |
| 4D | Plywood Boxes | Plywood | Industrial Export Box |
| 4G | Corrugated Fibreboard Boxes | Corrugated Board | General Export Cartons |
| 5H3 | Woven Sack Bags | Woven Plastic | Jumbo & Bulk Packaging |
| 5M2 | Paper Bags | Multiwall Paper | Powder & Granule Packaging |
| 6HA1 | Composite Drums & Barrels | Plastic + Steel | Non-Removable Head |
| 13H3 | FIBC / Jumbo Bags | Woven Fabric | Flexible Bulk Container |
| 31HA1 | IBC Tanks | Plastic Tank + Steel Cage | 1000 Litre Bulk Liquid Container |
Categories of Dangerous or Hazardous Goods
There are nine classes of dangerous or hazardous goods, which are listed below:
| Class | Hazard Type | Examples | Risk Type |
| Class 1 | Explosives | Gunpowder, Fireworks | Explosion Risk |
| Class 2 | Gases | Carbon Monoxide, Propane | Gas Leakage / Fire Risk |
| Class 3 | Flammable Liquids | Petrol, Paint | Highly Combustible |
| Class 4 | Flammable Solids | Sulphur, Magnesium Powder | Easy Ignition |
| Class 5 | Oxidising Substances & Organic Peroxides | Sodium Nitrate, Zinc Peroxide | Intensifies Fire |
| Class 6 | Toxic & Infectious Substances | Barium Cyanide, Arsenic | Poisoning / Infection |
| Class 7 | Radioactive Materials | Uranium Hexafluoride | Radiation Hazard |
| Class 8 | Corrosive Substances | Potassium Hydroxide | Burns Skin & Metals |
| Class 9 | Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods | Plastic Moulding Compounds, Medical Kits | Various Hazards |
Benefits of UN Mark IIP Certification
- The UN Mark IIP Certification helps ensure that your packaging is accepted for international shipments.
- This certification confirms that your packaging follows safety standards for transporting hazardous goods.
- The certification helps businesses safely transport hazardous materials through international air and sea routes.
- UN Mark IIP Certification helps maintain better quality and standardized packaging for hazardous goods transportation.
- For international transportation of hazardous goods, compliance with UN Mark IIP Certification is required in countries that are members of the United Nations.
Who Required the UN Mark IIP Certification?
The UN Mark IIP Certification is required for:
- Packaging Manufacturers: Businesses that make packaging for dangerous products such as chemicals and flammable items.
- Exporters: Businesses sending hazardous goods to other countries need approved packaging.
- E-commerce & Logistics: Companies involved in international shipping of hazardous goods must use packaging that follows safety rules.
UN Packaging Marking Example
A typical UN packaging mark looks like this:
| UN 4G/Y30/S/24 IND/IIP |
| Code | Meaning |
| 4G | Fiberboard box |
| Y | Medium danger level |
| 30 | Maximum gross weight |
| S | Solid material |
| 24 | Manufacturing year |
Validity of UN IIP Certificate
The certification validity depends on the packaging category and regulatory requirements.
- Valid for 1–2 years depending on approval type
- Renewal is required after the validity period expires
- Re-testing may be needed after packaging design changes
UN IIP Certificate Fees
The certification cost depends on:
- Packaging type
- Number of tests
- Product category
- Certification scope
Approximate costs may range from:
| Service | Estimated Cost |
| Basic Testing | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Advanced UN Certification | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000+ |
Countries Where UN Packaging Compliance is Mandatory
Many countries require UN-approved export packaging, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Germany
- Australia
- Japan
- United Kingdom
Difference Between UN IIP and ISPM-15
| Feature | UN IIP | ISPM-15 |
| Purpose | Dangerous goods packaging | Wooden packaging treatment |
| Authority | IIP | IPPC/Plant Quarantine |
| Used For | Hazardous goods | Wooden pallets & crates |
| International Requirement | Yes | Yes |
Common Challenges Faced by Exporters
- Incorrect Packaging Design: Poor packaging can fail safety tests.
- Missing Documents: Incomplete paperwork may cause delays.
- International Rules Not Followed: Shipments can be rejected during export.
- High Testing Costs: Complex packaging needs more testing, which increases costs.
Exporter Guidelines
- Use high-quality packaging materials
- Follow international labeling standards
- Consult packaging experts before testing
- Keep records of all certifications
- Renew certificates before expiry
Conclusion
The UN IIP Certificate is an important certification for exporters using approved packaging materials or transporting hazardous goods internationally. It ensures that the packaging follows international safety standards and helps prevent shipment rejection, customs issues, and export delays. Businesses exporting chemicals, medicines, industrial products, or wooden packaging materials should get this certification to improve export safety and reliability.
FAQ
1. What is a UN IIP Certificate?
The UN IIP Certificate is a certification for packaging used in transporting hazardous or dangerous goods internationally. It ensures that the packaging meets global safety standards.
2. Who needs UN Mark IIP Certification?
Packaging manufacturers, exporters, logistics companies, and businesses handling hazardous goods usually need this certification for international shipping.
3. What is the validity of the UN IIP Certificate?
The certificate normally remains valid for 1–2 years depending on packaging and government rules.
4. What documents are required for UN IIP Certification?
For UN IIP Certification, required documents generally include GST, IEC, PAN, packaging details, product photographs, company details, and authorized person ID proof.
5. What is the approximate cost of UN IIP Certification? The fees for UN IIP Certification usually depend on the packaging type and testing process. The cost may start from ₹5,000 and go above ₹50,000.
Read our article:How to Get a UN IIP Certificate in India?
