1. Definition

Dangerous goods packagings are containments approved for the transport of dangerous goods. In general, the term "dangerous goods packagings" embraces

  • packagings according to ADR Chapters 6.1 and 6.3
  • intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) according to ADR Chapter 6.5
  • large packagings (LPs) according to ADR Chapter 6.6

Dangerous goods packagings must be approved by a competent national authority, which is the BAM in Germany.


2. Advice for usage

Users of dangerous goods packagings frequently look for approved packagings for their products. The database Dangerous Goods Database shows all the approvals issued by the BAM.

However, an approval by the BAM does not mean automatically that you can use this packaging for any kind of dangerous good by any transport mode. An important prerequisite for the right choice of a packaging is the proper classification of the dangerous good.

Usage contains the most important information for the correct classification of dangerous goods.

3. Requirements for an approval

3.1 Quality assurance and surveillance

The rules and regulations describe the requirements for constructing and testing dangerous goods packagings. Manufacturing has to be carried out under a quality assurance programme (QAP) approved by the national authority.

The term "manufacturing" also embraces the reconditioning and remanufacturing of packagings as well as the remanufacturing and repairing of IBCs and their routine maintenance.

More detailed information can be found under Manufacturing and Quality Management.

3.2 Testing

Another requirement for the approval of a dangerous goods packaging is a positive design type test. In addition to the BAM, recognized test houses offer these tests. Depending on the foreseen use, additional tests to those required in the rules may be necessary.

More information can be found under Tests.


3.3 Application for approval

If the requirements are fulfilled, the manufacturer or user can apply for an approval.

the manufacturer is only allowed to produce dangerous goods packagings in series with a valid approval (or "homologation"). An approval can be issued for the first time (initial approval), changed (revised version) or revoked (revocation).

More information about approvals and application documents can be found under Approval.


4. Rules and regulations for the transport of dangerous goods

We offer links to rules and regulations whenever they are possible and not subject to copyright under Rules and regulations.


5. Bodies recognized by the BAM

Under the dangerous goods legislation the BAM has been notified officially to execute a series of duties. The BAM has delegated some of these duties to third parties.

These third parties are recognized by the BAM in accordance with the BAM Dangerous Goods Procedural Rules (BAM-GGR):

  • test-houses for the execution of design type tests on packagings, including intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packagings for the transport of dangerous goods
  • monitoring bodies for the third-party monitoring of the manufacturing of packagings, including intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and large packagings for the transport of dangerous goods
  • inspection bodies for the execution of initial and recurrent inspection and testing of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for the transport of dangerous goods.

How to become a BAM acknowledged body is described under BAM recognized bodies.

6. Special issues, FAQ, contact

Some special topics are described in more detail under Special issues.

A collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found under Questions and answers (in German only).

Teh contact information of all members of our staff in the field of testing, monitoring and approval of dangerous goods packagings is listed under Contact.

further information