Overview
EN ISO 13274:2013 - Packaging - Transport packaging for dangerous goods - Plastics compatibility testing for packaging and IBCs - specifies requirements and test methods to assess the chemical compatibility of plastics packagings, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) and composite packagings with liquid contents. It covers storage-based compatibility tests, options for using standard liquids (notably for polyethylene-based packagings under ADR), and small‑scale laboratory procedures (Annex B) to determine whether a product can be assimilated to a standard liquid. Where a conflict exists, applicable transport regulations take precedence.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope of testing: Compatibility assessment by storage with the actual liquid to be transported or, for some polyethylene types, with ADR-defined standard liquids.
- Primary test methods described: conditioning, post-conditioning inspection, drop test, stacking test, hydraulic pressure test, leakproofness test, bottom/top lift tests, vibration test, permeability testing and equivalent testing procedures.
- Conditioning options: ambient and accelerated conditioning procedures with guidance on reuse of standard liquids.
- Small-scale tests: Annex B gives laboratory techniques to evaluate assimilation to standard liquids-useful when full-scale testing is impractical.
- Documentation: requirements for test reports and information to support assimilation decisions.
- Normative references: links to related ISO materials (e.g., ISO 291, ISO 527-2) used to define atmospheres, tensile testing and material characterisation.
- Regulatory alignment: designed to meet compatibility provisions in ADR and RID and to be consistent with UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods; also relevant to ICAO TI and IMDG Code.
Applications and practical value
- Ensures safe containment of corrosive, reactive or solvent liquids in plastic packagings and IBCs during transport.
- Supports type-approval and conformity for manufacturers seeking compliance with ADR, RID or UN transport requirements.
- Helps design and material selection for packaging engineers and IBC manufacturers (especially polyethylene-based systems).
- Provides test labs and compliance officers with standardized procedures for reproducible compatibility evaluation and reporting.
- Enables shippers and hazardous‑goods managers to demonstrate compatibility without unnecessary over‑testing by using assimilation to standard liquids where applicable.
Who should use this standard
- Packaging and IBC manufacturers
- Materials and polymer engineers (polyethylene specialists)
- Testing laboratories and certification bodies
- Hazardous goods shippers, compliance officers and transport regulators
Related standards
Keywords: plastics compatibility testing, transport packaging, dangerous goods, IBCs, polyethylene, standard liquids, ADR, RID, UN Recommendations.
