GB18191-2008
Packing containers - Plastic drum for packages of dangerous goods
包装容器 危险品包装用塑料桶
GB 18191-2008 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Packing containers - Plastic drum for packages of dangerous goods. It appears in the Electronics compliance cluster with a product safety focus and has an implementation date of Sep 1, 2009.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
GB 18191-2008 applies to plastic drums used for packaging dangerous goods, specifically those manufactured primarily from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This standard is mandatory for manufacturers producing containers with a maximum capacity not exceeding 450L and a net content not exceeding 450kg. It categorizes packaging into Class I, II, and III based on the hazard level of the goods, covering both open-head and closed-head drum structures.
Technical requirements
The standard specifies comprehensive requirements across several categories. For dimensional and capacity deviations, it mandates that the full capacity must not exceed 5% of the nominal capacity, alongside strict tolerances for body dimensions. The appearance requirements ensure structural stability during transport, explicitly prohibiting defects such as poor plasticization, cracks, and voids. Regarding performance criteria, the standard outlines mandatory testing thresholds for airtightness, hydraulic pressure, stacking load, and drop resistance, which vary depending on whether the drum is open or closed-head and the specific packaging class (I, II, or III). For drums intended for liquids, a long-term compatibility test of no less than six months is strictly required for first-time use. Furthermore, the standard dictates marking and storage protocols. Each drum must bear a specific dangerous goods packaging mark compliant with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. It also sets a 2-year shelf life from the date of manufacture, provided storage temperatures remain below 40°C.
Testing methods
The standard mandates several rigorous evaluation procedures to verify compliance. The airtightness test evaluates the sealing integrity of closed-head drums by submerging them underwater while applying internal air pressure. The hydraulic test measures the drum's ability to withstand internal liquid pressure for 30 minutes without leakage. The stacking test assesses structural integrity under load, calculating the applied weight based on transport stacking heights, with distinct temperature and duration conditions for solid versus liquid contents. Finally, the drop test requires samples to be cooled to -18°C or lower before being dropped onto specific weak points to simulate extreme transport impacts.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 18191-2008?
It applies to plastic drums made primarily of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a maximum capacity of 450L and a net content not exceeding 450kg, intended for packaging dangerous goods.
Are there any updates from the previous version of GB 18191-2008?
The updated version aligns capacity regulations with the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, adds a definition for plastic drums, removes specific dimensional constraints, and refines the stacking load calculation and testing conditions for solids versus liquids.
How does GB 18191-2008 differ from ISO standards?
The standard is heavily aligned with international norms, specifically referencing the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods (Model Regulations) and adopting identical testing procedures from various ISO standards for drop and stacking tests.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18191-2008. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 18191-2008 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Product
- CCS
- A82
- ICS
- 55.140
- Competent department
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
- Technical committee
- Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Relationships
Replaces:GB 18191-2000