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4G Hazmat Boxes

Our 4G hazmat boxes are used for shipping Hazardous Materials. They have been designed, tested and UN approved to be used with a number of specific approved inners. You can rest assured your hazmat liquids and solids with be safe in our certified packaging.


4G Hazmat Box Packaging Explained

4G hazmat boxes – for use with specific inner packaging when shipping Hazardous Goods

Our UN Approved 4G Fiberboard Boxes have been tested and approved with the use of specific inners.  This means that the inner packaging you use within the 4G box is required to be the exact same inner packaging(s) that the 4G Fiberboard Box was tested and approved with.

4G UN boxes come with a variety of approved inners to choose from. You will find a list of all approved inners on the specific 4G product page.

When shipping Hazardous Goods, should you wish to use your own Plastic bottlessteel drums or other inner packaging, take a look at our alternative UN boxes, our 4GV Fiberboard boxes, and 4DV plywood boxes.

4G Fiberboard Box Assembly Sheets

It is important to point out that 4G packaging must be packed and assembled in the same way as it was during the approval testing process; if packed incorrectly, you will invalidate the UN certification. That’s why each of the products in our 4G range comes with assembly instructions to guide you through the packing process.

Trusted 4G Fiberboard Packaging

Our 4G hazmat boxes range allows for hazardous goods to be shipped up to a maximum gross weight of 15 kg. We also have a range of hazard labels available to ensure that your hazardous goods packaging is compliant.

4G Hazmat Boxes Frequently Asked Questions

4G hazmat boxes are a specialized type of UN compliant packaging designed to ensure the safe transportation of hazardous materials.

The design of 4G hazmat boxes meets stringent requirements for shipping various hazardous materials, including chemicals, infectious substances, radioactive materials, compressed gases, dry ice, and lithium batteries. By providing robust protection, these boxes help prevent leaks, spills, and damage during transit, ensuring that hazardous materials are transported safely and in compliance with regulations.

4G hazmat boxes are a term used for fiberboard boxes that have been UN-approved.

It is displayed in the UN specification mark that is assigned to the packaging.

In this case, 4 denotes that the package is a box and the G denotes that it is made of fiberboard.

UN specification marks indicate that the packaging corresponds to a successfully tested design type and that it complies with the relevant provisions set out in dangerous goods regulations.

It allows businesses, shippers, handlers and appropriate authorities to identify the type of packaging and a number of performance related information.

Further details of performance criteria which the packaging meets can be found on the test certificate.

You can learn more about UN specification marks here.


The term 4G cardboard box when used in relation to UN approved packaging is technically incorrect terminology.

The correct description is 4G Fiberboard Box.

It is a form of outer packaging that is used for the shipment of hazardous goods.



4G boxes are used to house specific inner packaging that hazardous goods are stored in such as glass or plastic bottles or plastic drums.

4G boxes are tested with specific inners and once approved, those inner types must be used within the 4G box, using any other inner type will invalidate the UN test certification.

For example, if the 4G box was tested and UN certified with 4x 100ml glass bottles, then you must use these inners.

You cannot use the same box for 2 x 200ml plastic bottles as these have not been tested for use with this box.

Our 4G hazmat boxes would act as a layer of protection for the inner packaging and goods being transported, and prevent damages occurring from knocks or drops during handling and transport.

At the same time, it prevents any leaks from escaping the container and being released.

This is especially important when you consider that potentially harmful materials may be being shipped.

Some common 4G fiberboard box uses:

  • 4G Fiberboard Boxes for Aviation Cartridges
  • UN 4G Hazmat Shipping Boxes for Plastic Buckets


The UN have a specific performance criterion that 4G packages must be able to meet in order to qualify as UN approved 4G packaging.

Tests vary depending on the hazardous goods classification permitted but can include, water, drop, stack, vibration, and leak testing to simulate how the material would perform under real life transport conditions.

As 4G boxes are examples of outer packaging, the materials are often tested and approved for use with specific inner packaging materials (including absorbent materials).

If this is the case, then you must ensure that you are using an approved combination of inner and outer packaging before transport.

On top of this, the package must be assembled as it was during testing.

We provide accurate assembly instructions with all orders of our 4g boxes so that our customers can rest assured that they are shipping their goods safely.

The key difference between 4G and 1G packaging lies in the materials used and the level of protection they offer.

4G hazmat boxes are made of fiberboard and are typically used for solid hazardous materials. 1G packaging is often made of wood or other materials and is designed for liquids or more rigid transport needs.

Both packaging types are UN-approved, but 4G hazmat boxes are more common for solid hazardous goods and provide a higher level of protection during transport.

The primary difference between 4G and 4GV packaging lies in the added level of protection provided by the “V” designation.

4G hazmat boxes are made of fiberboard and are designed for the transportation of solid hazardous goods. These boxes are suitable for a wide range of materials and are tested to ensure they meet UN-approved safety standards.

4GV packaging is specifically tested to accommodate fragile or sensitive inner packaging. The “V” designation indicates that the box is designed to withstand additional challenges, such as potential internal pressure or stress during transport. These boxes are suitable for hazardous goods that may be more vulnerable to breakage or leaks during handling.

Both of our 4G and 4GV hazmat boxes are UN approved. 4GV boxes provide enhanced protection for certain types of hazardous materials and offer an added layer of security for sensitive contents during transit. Always ensure that you use the correct packaging type based on the nature of the goods being shipped.

Although 4G boxes are built to be durable, they are not designed for repeated use in hazardous goods shipments.

No – 4G hazmat boxes are specifically designed for certain types of hazardous materials.

It is primarily used for solid materials and must be combined with an approved inner packaging to meet safety standards.

The packaging is tested and certified only for specific combinations of inner and outer packaging, so using the wrong inner packaging in a 4G box could compromise the safety of the shipment.

To ensure that your 4G packaging is compliant with regulations, always look for the UN specification mark on the packaging.

This mark provides information on the packaging’s design, the type of hazardous materials it is approved to transport, and its performance during testing.

Yes, 4G packaging is internationally recognized and can be used for shipping hazardous materials across borders.

The UN-approved designation ensures that the packaging meets international standards for the transport of dangerous goods, whether by air, sea, or land. However, it’s important to ensure that the packaging is compliant with the specific regulations of the destination country or region.

The weight capacity of a 4G box depends on the specific design and testing it has undergone.

Generally, the weight capacity will be indicated on the UN specification mark or associated documentation. This is critical because overloading a 4G box can compromise its structural integrity, leading to potential damage during transportation. Always ensure the packaging is loaded according to the approved weight limits.

At Air Sea Containers, our 4g hazmat boxes have a weight limit of 15kg.

Yes, when using 4G packaging to ship hazardous materials, appropriate hazard labels, handling labels, and markings are required to ensure safety during transport.

This includes:

  • The specific UN number.
  • The proper shipping name of the hazardous material.
  • The correct danger symbol.

These labels and markings must be clearly visible on the outer packaging, as per the regulations of the transport method and destination.

4G hazmat boxes should be stored in a dry, clean environment, free from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. 4G packaging should be kept in its original, unassembled form until ready for use to prevent any unnecessary wear or damage.

Proper storage ensures the packaging remains in optimal condition for safe use in hazardous goods shipments.

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