Loose lids...

From 1 January 2025, the UN marking on packaging for dangerous goods must be affixed to a part that cannot be removed. The new ADR rule makes cap marking illegal - at NET we hope and believe that the solution will not be like the annoying screw caps!

Change in ADR: Now the UN mark must fit like a glove - literally!

Yes, you read that right. From 1 January 2025, the UN mark on packaging for dangerous goods will no longer be able to be removed. In the new version of ADR for 2025 (chapter 6.1.3.1, for those of you reading ADR on the bedside table), a new requirement has been introduced:

The mark must be affixed on one non-removable part of the packaging. 

In other words: if you put the mark on a removable lid - then it's soon game over.

What does this mean in practice?

All manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that the UN marking (and associated symbols, numbers and letters) is:

• Durable, easily readable, and
• Placed on part of the packaging that cannot be removed (so it does not help that the lid "fits well" – it must be a fixed part of the construction itself).

For packages over 30 kg gross, the mark must also be placed on the top or side of the packaging.

A small frustration…

Then we cross our fingers that the manufacturers don't solve this with the same method that has been used on all juice cartons and plastic bottles lately - you know, the user friendly the caps that refuse to leave the packaging even if you twist and pull and curse.

Transitional arrangement

There is time to adapt. Packaging manufactured before January 1, 2027 can still be used, even if they do not meet this new requirement - as long as they were made before the mentioned date (ADR 1.6.1.57).

So: From 1 January 2025, new gaskets must have a fixed label. From 1 January 2027, there is a "full stop" for anything that does not follow the rule.

Our recommendation

Talk to your packaging supplier already - especially if you use lids with UN marking. When 2025 arrives, the brand must be glued, cast, welded or otherwise "inalienably" attached to the packaging.

Do you have questions about how this affects your products?
Contact us at NET - we help you ensure that your packaging is not only tight, but also tight to the regulations.

- NET - your beacon in the dangerous goods universe