Dangerous Goods by Road
Certification: in respect of each design type of IBC a certificate and mark (as in 6.5.2) shall be issued
attesting that the design type, including its equipment, meets the test requirements.
Inspection and testing
NOTE: See also 6.5.4.5 for tests and inspections on repaired IBCs.
Every metal, rigid plastics and composite IBC shall be inspected to the satisfaction of the competent
authority:
(a) Before it is put into service (including after remanufactured), and thereafter at intervals not
exceeding five years, with regard to:
(i) conformity to design type including marks;
(ii) internal and external condition;
(iii) proper functioning of service equipment.
Thermal insulation, if any, need be removed only to the extent necessary for a proper
examination of the body of the IBC.
(b) At intervals of not more than two and a half years, with regard to:
(i) external condition;
(ii) proper functioning of service equipment.
Thermal insulation, if any, need be removed only to the extent necessary for a proper
examination of the body of the IBC.
Each IBC shall correspond in all respects to its design type.
Every metal, rigid plastics and composite IBC for liquids, or for solids which are filled or discharged
under pressure, shall undergo a suitable leakproofness test. This test is part of a quality assurance
programme as stipulated in 6.5.4.1 which shows the capability of meeting the appropriate test level
indicated in 6.5.6.7.3:
(a) Before it is first used for carriage;
(b) At intervals of not more than two and a half years.
A report of each inspection and test shall be kept by the owner of the IBC at least until the next
inspection or test. The report shall include the results of the inspection and test and shall identify the
party performing the inspection and test (see also the marking requirements in 6.5.2.2.1).
The competent authority may at any time require proof, by tests in accordance with this Chapter, that
IBCs meet the requirements of the design type tests.
Repaired IBCs
When an IBC is impaired as a result of impact (e.g. accident) or any other cause, it shall be repaired or
otherwise maintained (see definition of "Routine maintenance of IBCs" in 1.2.1), so as to conform to
the design type. The bodies of rigid plastics IBCs and the inner receptacles of composite IBCs that are
impaired shall be replaced.
In addition to any other testing and inspection requirements in ADR, an IBC shall be subjected to the
full testing and inspection requirements set out in 6.5.4.4, and the required reports shall be prepared,
whenever it is repaired.
The Party performing the tests and inspections after the repair shall durably mark the IBC near the
manufacturer's UN design type marks to show:
(a) The State in which the tests and inspections were carried out;
(b) The name or authorized symbol of the party performing the tests and inspections; and
(c) The date (month, year) of the tests and inspections.
Test and inspections performed in accordance with 6.5.4.5.2 may be considered to satisfy the
requirements for the two and a half and five year periodic tests and inspections.
Specific requirements for IBCs
Specific requirements for metal IBCs
These requirements apply to metal IBCs intended for the carriage of solids and liquids. There are three
categories of metal IBCs:
(a) Those for solids which are filled or discharged by gravity (11A, 11B, 11N);
(b) Those for solids which are filled or discharged at a gauge pressure greater than 10 kPa (0.1 bar)
(21A, 21B, 21N); and
(c) Those for liquids (31A, 31B, 31N).
Bodies shall be made of suitable ductile metal in which the weldability has been fully demonstrated.
Welds shall be skilfully made and afford complete safety. Low-temperature performance of the
material shall be taken into account when appropriate.