Marine Use Label Testing and Certificate Services (BS 5609)

Overview

The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code are internationally accepted requirements that address the safe transportation or shipment of dangerous goods or hazardous materials by water on vessel. Under these requirements, containers containing dangerous goods shall be identifiable and withstand immersion in the sea for three months. British Standard (BS) 5609 is utilized to show compliance with these requirements.

Our Marine Use Label Testing specifically covers labels and label materials that are intended to durably mark packages of dangerous and hazardous goods, such as chemical containers or drums, for marine transport in international waters. This helps ensure that dangerous and hazardous goods that get lost at sea and are recovered can be identified through their markings.

We offer testing to BS 5609:2024 specification for printed pressure-sensitive, adhesive-coated labels for marine use. The label performance requirements are primarily covered under sections 2 and 3. Section 2 relates to the performance of face stock and adhesive on both aluminum and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) surface material and section 3 to the durability of the printing of the label. Annex K can also be used and covers provisions for testing additional surfaces beyond the required aluminum and HDPE covered by section 2 under an abbreviated program.

2024 standard update

In 2024, the BS 5609 standard was revised to include the addition of HDPE surfaces for test methods in section 2. Under section 3, major changes include clarification on requirements for print key effectiveness (tape test) and setup for abrasion test, including the proper way to mix sand/saline solution. This revision also decouples the sections by indicating that section 2 compliance is not required for evaluation to section 3. Additionally, this update includes several changes and clarifications related to tolerances, conditioning times, equipment, and test methods to ensure the consistent application of testing globally.

Our laboratories can test your label according to the latest version of the BS 5609 standard. This includes the capability of conducting the required three-month marine immersion according to Section 2.

Due to the updates in the standard, we highly recommend retesting label materials and labels to comply with the latest version.

Deliverable | UL Type Examination Certification Scheme

As part of our Marine Use Label Testing services, we offer a comprehensive datasheet that includes detailed test results and photos. If products are found to comply with the requirements, UL Solutions will issue a UL Type Examination Certificate, which can be easily shared to demonstrate your products are certified to BS 5609:2024. The UL Type Examination Certification Scheme is specifically designed to address the needs of products evaluated to European requirements. Additionally, we maintain an up-to-date online database of UL Type Examination Certificates through UL Product iQ®, which can be accessed by your customers. The certification does not expire and does not include the traditional factory visits or sample selection typically associated with UL Solutions certification programs.   

Benefits

Having your (printed) label material tested and certified according to BS 5609 enables you to show your customers the durability of your product and compliance with international guidelines. This helps address safety concerns related to marking goods for marine transport.

Our services provide 3rd-party certification under our Type Examination Certification program, demonstrating labels have been tested to the industry’s highest standards.

Why UL Solutions 

UL Solutions has years-long experience in testing label products according to many international standards.

Our broad capabilities can help you address a wide variety of key business needs that may arise throughout your product development lifecycle and deployment phase. Working with one provider allows you to take advantage of our cost- and time-saving service bundles, with integrated testing and certification plans to help you to achieve your go-to-market goals.

UL Solutions has an industry reputation as a trusted partner, which can provide you with an important product differentiator in a crowded marketplace. Working with us is just one more way in which you can demonstrate your product’s safety and quality.

Our global presence provides local services to you and your team. Gain access to our network of experts who can support your brand reputation and product safety goals.