UN Numbers Explained: What They Are and How to Read Them
A UN number is the four-digit code that identifies a dangerous good in transport. What UN numbers mean, where they appear on your paperwork, and common examples.
A UN number is a four-digit code (UN 0004 to about UN 3600) assigned by the United Nations to identify a dangerous substance or article in transport. If a load is classed as dangerous goods - ADR for road freight in Europe - the UN number is what tells the carrier, the driver and the emergency services exactly what is on the truck and how to handle it if something goes wrong.
What a UN number tells you
The number on its own is just an identifier, but it is the key that links to everything else: the proper shipping name, the ADR hazard class, the packing group and the rules for packaging, labelling and documentation. Quote the wrong UN number and the whole dangerous-goods paperwork chain is wrong.
Where the UN number appears
- On the orange plate at the back and sides of the vehicle, shown under the hazard identification number.
- On the transport document (the CMR or a separate dangerous-goods note), next to the proper shipping name and class.
- On the package itself, printed next to the diamond hazard label.
Common UN numbers
| UN number | Substance | ADR class |
|---|---|---|
| UN 1202 | Diesel / gas oil | 3 (flammable liquid) |
| UN 1203 | Petrol / gasoline | 3 (flammable liquid) |
| UN 1170 | Ethanol | 3 (flammable liquid) |
| UN 1789 | Hydrochloric acid | 8 (corrosive) |
| UN 1950 | Aerosols | 2 (gases) |
| UN 3082 | Environmentally hazardous substance, liquid, n.o.s. | 9 (miscellaneous) |
FAQ
Is a UN number the same as an ADR class?
No. The ADR class (1 to 9) is the broad hazard family - flammable, corrosive, toxic and so on. The UN number identifies the specific substance within that world. UN 1203 is petrol; its class is 3.
Where do I find the UN number for my goods?
Section 14 ("Transport information") of the supplier's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) lists the UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group. Always take it from the SDS, not from memory.
Do all shipments need a UN number?
No - only goods regulated as dangerous for transport. General cargo has no UN number. If your SDS section 14 is blank or says "not classified as dangerous goods", you do not declare one.
General information only - not safety, customs or legal advice. Always classify dangerous goods from the current ADR rules and the product SDS.
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