The IBC Data Plate: Your Container's Identity Card
Every IBC manufactured for the transport of regulated materials carries a permanent marking — typically a metal plate riveted to the cage or embossed directly into the HDPE bottle. This marking follows the United Nations format established by the UN Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, and it contains a wealth of information about the container's specifications, capabilities, and history.
Learning to read this marking is essential for anyone who buys, sells, ships, or stores materials in IBC containers. Here's a complete guide.
The UN Marking Format
A typical IBC marking looks like this:
UN 31HA1/Y/0124/USA/SCHTZ-1234/5000/1500
Let's decode each element.
Element 1: UN Symbol + IBC Type Code
UN 31HA1
Other type codes you may encounter:
Element 2: Packing Group
Y
This letter indicates the highest hazard packing group the IBC is certified for:
Most composite HDPE IBCs are rated "Y," meaning they can carry Packing Group II and III materials. Packing Group I materials (the most dangerous) typically require metal IBCs or drums.
Element 3: Date of Manufacture
0124
This is the month and year of manufacture: 01 = January, 24 = 2024. This date is critical because the DOT imposes a maximum service life of 5 years from the date of manufacture for composite IBCs used in hazardous materials transport (49 CFR 180.352).
Element 4: Country of Manufacture
USA
The country where the IBC was manufactured and certified.
Element 5: Manufacturer/Approval Number
SCHTZ-1234
The manufacturer's name or code and the competent authority approval number. "SCHTZ" is Schutz Container Systems, one of the world's largest IBC manufacturers. Other common manufacturers include Mauser (now MAUSER Packaging Solutions), Greif, and Time Technoplast.
Element 6: Maximum Capacity
5000
The maximum gross mass in kilograms when fully loaded (container + contents). For a standard 275-gallon IBC, this is typically 5,000 kg for "Y" rated containers.
Element 7: Tare Weight
1500
The tare weight in kilograms (weight of the empty container). This figure, combined with the maximum gross mass, determines the maximum net payload.
Additional Markings
Beyond the primary UN marking, you may find additional stamps or plates:
Reconditioner Marking
If the IBC has been reconditioned, a separate marking identifies the reconditioner:
REC/USA/RC-5678/0326
Stacking Test Mark
A symbol or text indicating the maximum stacking load the IBC can withstand. Common format: "STACKING TEST LOAD: 6400 kg"
Hydraulic Pressure Test
For IBCs tested for leakproofness: "TESTED AT 20 kPa" or similar notation indicating the pressure test level.
How to Use This Information
When Buying
When Selling
When Shipping
Common Questions About IBC Markings
Can I use an IBC with an expired manufacture date? For non-hazmat applications, yes. The 5-year limit applies only to DOT-regulated hazardous materials transport. For water storage, non-hazardous chemicals, or food ingredients (with proper cleaning), the IBC can continue in service as long as it passes visual inspection.
What if the marking plate is missing or illegible? An IBC with an unreadable marking cannot be used for hazmat transport. For non-regulated applications, you can still use it, but you won't know the packing group rating or manufacture date.
Need help interpreting your IBC markings? Send us a photo and our team will decode it for you.