IBC Standards & Markings
A plain-language guide to UN markings and the standards and agencies that touch IBC tanks. Always check current regulations.
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What to Keep in Mind
What the tote will hold decides which rules and container types matter
For food-contact use, what the tote held before is as important as its condition
UN-rated containers carry permanent markings; read them and ask the supplier for documentation
Regulations change, so check with the agency before you act
What to Check by Use Case
General guide to which topics may apply to your application
| Use Case | UN/DOT | Food Contact | EPA | OSHA | ISO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Food & Beverage Storage | Only if regulated goods ship | Ask supplier for food-contact documentation | Waste disposal | General safety | Ask if your purchasing rules need it |
Hazardous Chemical Transport | UN-rated container; packing group matters | Not applicable | Hazardous waste rules may apply | Hazard communication, training, PPE | Ask supplier |
Non-Hazardous Industrial Storage | Generally not needed | Not applicable | General waste rules | General safety | Not needed |
Agricultural Chemicals | UN-rated if regulated | Not applicable | Container rinsing and waste rules | Hazard communication, PPE | Ask supplier |
Pharmaceutical Products | Only if regulated goods ship | Set by your quality requirements | Waste disposal | General safety, PPE | Often set by your quality system |
Water Storage (Non-Potable) | Not needed | Not needed | General waste rules | General safety | Not needed |
Water Storage (Potable) | Not needed | Use a tote with a food-safe history | General waste rules | General safety | Not needed |
Flammable Liquid Storage | UN-rated if regulated | Not applicable | Spill planning may apply | Flammable liquid rules, PPE | Ask supplier |
UN Markings & Transportation Rules
United Nations / US Department of Transportation
The United Nations publishes a model framework for packaging and transporting dangerous goods, and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) adopts and enforces rules based on it. IBCs used for regulated materials generally need to be UN-rated, which shows up as a UN marking on the container. This page explains what the markings are in general terms. It does not list specific rules. Check current regulations.
1What a UN Marking Is
A UN-rated IBC carries a permanent marking that tells you what type of container it is, what hazard levels it is approved for, when it was made, and who approved it. The marking starts with the UN symbol and a container type code, followed by a letter for the packing group, and other details such as the date and country of approval. Not every IBC is UN-rated, and a tote does not need a UN rating just to hold water.
2Container Type Codes
The type code describes the container. An IBC code includes a number that identifies it as an IBC, a letter for the material (H for plastic, A for steel), and further characters for the construction. The code 31HA1 is commonly seen on composite IBCs with a plastic bottle inside a steel cage for liquids. Codes can differ between models, so read the marking on the tote in front of you and ask the supplier if you are unsure.
3Packing Group Letters
A letter after the type code shows the packing groups the container is approved for. X means it is approved for the highest range of hazard (packing groups I, II, and III). Y means groups II and III. Z means group III only. The packing group of your product determines which marking is acceptable, so check the product's shipping information.
4Dates and Reuse
Rated containers carry date markings, and rules affect how long and under what conditions they can be used for regulated contents. A tote can remain physically sound after its markings no longer suit regulated shipping. For non-regulated contents such as water, a UN rating is generally not needed. Check current regulations and ask the supplier for documentation if you need a UN-rated container.
5DOT Rules in General
US DOT rules cover how regulated materials are packaged, marked, labeled, placarded on vehicles, and described on shipping papers, and they include training for people who handle them. Penalties can be significant, so confirm what applies to your shipment with DOT or a qualified professional before moving regulated contents.
6Hazard Classes You May See
Regulated products are grouped into hazard classes. Common examples stored in IBCs include flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and miscellaneous dangerous goods. The shipping information for your product tells you its class and packing group, and that tells you what kind of container and markings you need.
Food-Contact Containers
US Food and Drug Administration
Containers that touch food, beverage, or similar products need materials suited to food contact and a known history. In the US, the FDA is the agency that regulates food-contact materials. This page is a plain-language overview. It does not cite specific rules, and IBC Santa Ana does not supply or certify food-contact containers. If you need food-contact containers, ask the supplier for documentation.
1Food-Contact Materials
HDPE is the plastic used for most IBC bottles. Whether a particular bottle is suitable for food contact depends on how it was made and what it has held. Ask the supplier whether a tote was made for food contact and what documentation is available.
2Valves, Gaskets, and Caps
Every part that touches the product matters, including the valve, gaskets, seals, and cap liners. A food-contact bottle with an unsuitable gasket is still a problem. Ask what materials the fittings are made from.
3Cleaning and Sanitation
Food facilities generally need containers to be clean and stored to prevent contamination, with records of cleaning and inspection. If a tote is cleaned before sale, ask the supplier whether cleaning is documented. Availability of cleaning varies by supplier.
4Documentation and History
For food-contact use, the tote's history is as important as its condition. Useful questions include what the tote held before, whether it ever held non-food products, and what paperwork the supplier can provide. Many food users keep this documentation on file.
5Food Safety Programs
Food producers often follow a written food safety plan, which can include how incoming containers are checked and how they are cleaned. If you operate under such a plan, ask your quality team what it requires of IBCs before you request a quote.
6Rebottled Totes
A rebottled tote has a new inner bottle in a used cage, which can be an attractive way to get a clean interior. The cage and pallet may be used, so ask the supplier what was replaced and what is documented.
EPA and Environmental Rules
US Environmental Protection Agency
Federal, state, and local agencies regulate how waste containers are managed, cleaned, recycled, and disposed of. Federal waste rules come from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and California agencies add their own. Which rules apply depends on what the tote held. This page is a general overview. Check current regulations.
1Waste and Empty Containers
Federal and state waste rules define when a container that held a hazardous material counts as empty. A tote that is not empty by that definition may need to be handled as hazardous waste. The details depend on the material, so ask the agency or a qualified professional before you recycle or dispose of a tote that held something hazardous.
2Wash Water
Cleaning a tote produces wash water, and wash water generally cannot go to storm drains or waterways. Anyone who cleans totes needs a plan for wastewater that meets local rules. If you clean totes yourself, contact your local sanitation or water agency.
3California Agencies
California adds its own agencies and programs, including CalRecycle, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the Regional Water Boards. See our California regulations guide for the agencies to ask about storage, handling, and recycling.
4Hazardous Waste Containers
Containers holding hazardous waste generally need to be in good condition, compatible with their contents, kept closed, and labeled. Rules also address how long waste can be kept and what inspections are expected. Check current regulations or ask your local program agency.
5Why Reuse and Recycling Help
Reusing a tote avoids making a new one. At the end of its life, the plastic and steel can be recycled instead of discarded. Exact savings depend on the tote and how it is handled, so we do not quote figures. See the environmental benefits guide for more.
6Oil and Spill Planning
Facilities that store oil above certain quantities may need a spill prevention plan. If you store oil products in IBCs, ask the EPA or your local agency whether a plan applies to you, and plan secondary containment for any liquid that could harm water or soil.
Workplace Safety (Cal/OSHA)
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Workplace safety rules cover handling, storing, and moving IBC tanks. In California, Cal/OSHA enforces them for most private employers. Employers are generally responsible for training workers, providing protective equipment, and keeping the workplace safe around IBC tanks. This page names the topics. It does not list specific rules, so check current Cal/OSHA requirements.
1Materials Handling and Storage
Rules on handling and storage cover keeping aisles and storage areas clear, not exceeding rated loads on racks, and inspecting handling equipment before use. Store IBCs on level surfaces with a plan for spills.
2Forklifts and Pallet Jacks
IBCs are almost always moved with a forklift or pallet jack. Operators should be trained, the equipment must be rated for the load, and forks should be fully engaged in the pallet pockets. A full tote is heavy, so slow down on wet or uneven surfaces.
3Hazard Communication
Hazard communication rules cover making sure workers know about the chemicals they work around. That generally means accessible Safety Data Sheets, readable labels, training, and a written program. Check the labels on every tote, since contents can differ from last time.
4Flammable Liquids
Flammable and combustible liquids have extra storage and handling expectations, including ventilation, quantity limits, grounding and bonding during transfers, fire protection, and no-smoking areas. Your local fire authority decides what applies at your address.
5Emergency Response and Spills
Workers who respond to spills of hazardous materials may need specific training. Have a response plan, the right protective equipment, and a plan for cleanup and decontamination. Know when to call for outside help.
6Personal Protective Equipment
The right protective equipment depends on the contents. It can include chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, face shields, aprons or suits, safety footwear, and respiratory protection. Employers should assess the hazards of each task. See our safety guide for a general PPE table.
7Walking-Working Surfaces
Keep floors clean and dry, clean up spills promptly, provide lighting, keep aisles clear, and make sure the floor can carry the load when stacking full containers.
ISO Standards: What They Mean for IBCs
International Organization for Standardization
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes standards used around the world. Most of the ISO standards people mention in connection with IBCs are general management system standards, not IBC specifications. A supplier may or may not follow them. If a standard matters to you, ask the supplier for documentation rather than assuming.
1Quality Management
ISO 9001 is a general standard for quality management systems. It is not specific to IBCs. If your purchasing rules require suppliers to hold it, ask the supplier directly and ask for documentation.
2Environmental Management
ISO 14001 is a general standard for environmental management systems. It is relevant if your company asks suppliers for environmental management documentation. It is not required to buy or sell an IBC.
3Occupational Health and Safety
ISO 45001 is a general standard for workplace health and safety management systems. It complements workplace safety rules. Again, it is not specific to IBCs, and holding it is up to each organization.
4Packaging for Dangerous Goods
Some ISO standards apply specifically to packaging for dangerous goods. If you ship regulated materials, ask the supplier or your regulatory contact which standards and markings apply to your container and shipment.
5Pallet and Footprint Sizes
Most IBCs in North America use a footprint of about 48 x 40 inches, matching the common pallet size. European-style IBCs may use a different pallet size, which can affect racking and container loading. Check dimensions before you buy.
Quick Self-Check
Use this list to think through your own setup. It is not a legal checklist. Confirm each item against current regulations.
For Hazardous Materials
- UN markings are legible and suit your intended use
- Packing group matches the hazard classification of contents
- Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are accessible for all chemicals
- Container labels match SDS information and shipping requirements
- Workers are trained on hazard communication and specific chemical hazards
- Spill containment and emergency response plans are in place
- PPE is available and workers are trained in its use
- Shipping papers and documentation are complete and accurate
- Vehicle placarding, if required, meets DOT requirements
For Food-Contact Use
- Tote was made for food contact, per supplier documentation
- Valve, gaskets, and seals are suitable for food contact
- Supplier documentation is on file
- Cleaning records are kept
- Tank has never held non-food products (or is properly reconditioned)
- Previous contents are documented
- Your site follows its own sanitation procedures
- Your food safety plan covers incoming containers
- Handling and storage of IBC tanks is covered in your plan
- Each tank in use is recorded or tracked
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about industry standards and regulations for educational purposes only. It is not legal or regulatory advice. Regulations change frequently, and specific requirements may vary based on your products, location, and operations. Always consult with qualified regulatory professionals, your local authorities, and current versions of the relevant regulations. IBC Santa Ana is a referral service and does not give legal or regulatory advice.
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