Hazardous Materials Code - Revision history

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Hazmat Code (UN/NA Number) Explained

The four-digit identification number used to classify hazardous materials for transport, emergency response, and customs clearance.

Type: UN / NA Number
2026-02-17T18:32:25Z

Created page with "{{note|This article is part of the Customs Glossary Guide|info}} <div class="bc-wrap"> <div class="bc-article-hero"> <h1>Hazmat Code (UN/NA Number) Explained</h1> <p>The four-digit identification number used to classify hazardous materials for transport, emergency response, and customs clearance.</p> <div class="bc-article-meta"> <span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-biohazard"></i> Type: UN / NA Number</span> <span class="bc-article-..."

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{{note|This article is part of the [[Customs_Glossary_Guide|Customs Glossary Guide]]|info}}
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<h1>Hazmat Code (UN/NA Number) Explained</h1>
<p>The four-digit identification number used to classify hazardous materials for transport, emergency response, and customs clearance.</p>
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<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-biohazard"></i> Type: UN / NA Number</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-book"></i> Regulation: 49 CFR 172.101</span>
<span class="bc-article-pill"><i class="fas fa-truck"></i> Usage: Placards & Manifests</span>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 0;">What is a Hazmat Code?</h2>

<p>A <strong>Hazmat Code</strong>—technically known as a <strong>UN Number</strong> or <strong>NA Number</strong>—is a four-digit identification number assigned to hazardous materials and dangerous goods. It allows first responders, customs officers, and transporters to immediately identify the specific chemical or class of material being transported.</p>

<p>These codes are defined by the <strong>United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods</strong> and adopted by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and Transport Canada.</p>

<h3>UN vs. NA Numbers</h3>
<p>While often used interchangeably, there is a distinct difference depending on where the goods are moving:</p>
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* <strong>UN Numbers (e.g., UN1203):</strong> Valid worldwide. Used for international transport.
* <strong>NA Numbers (e.g., NA1993):</strong> Valid <em>only</em> in the United States and Canada (North America). These are often used for materials not classified as hazardous internationally but regulated domestically (e.g., Combustible Liquids).
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">The 9 Hazard Classes</h2>

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<p>The Hazmat Code (UN Number) works in tandem with the <strong>Hazard Class</strong>. While the UN number identifies the <em>specific substance</em> (e.g., Gasoline), the Class identifies the <em>nature of the risk</em>.</p>

<table class="wikitable" style="width: 100%;">
<tr>
<th style="width: 20%;">Class</th>
<th>Name</th>
<th>Example (UN Code)</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 1</strong></td>
<td>Explosives</td>
<td>Dynamite (UN0081)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 2</strong></td>
<td>Gases</td>
<td>Propane (UN1978)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 3</strong></td>
<td>Flammable Liquids</td>
<td>Gasoline (UN1203)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 4</strong></td>
<td>Flammable Solids</td>
<td>Matches (UN1331)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 5</strong></td>
<td>Oxidizers</td>
<td>Hydrogen Peroxide (UN2014)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 6</strong></td>
<td>Poison / Toxic</td>
<td>Arsenic (UN1558)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 7</strong></td>
<td>Radioactive</td>
<td>Uranium (UN2912)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 8</strong></td>
<td>Corrosives</td>
<td>Sulfuric Acid (UN1830)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Class 9</strong></td>
<td>Miscellaneous</td>
<td>Lithium Batteries (UN3090)</td>
</tr>
</table>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Using Hazmat Codes in BorderConnect</h2>

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<p>BorderConnect integrates the complete <strong>49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table</strong> directly into its eManifest software. This ensures that when carriers enter a UN number, the system automatically validates the data against official US and Canadian regulations.</p>

<h3>1. The Integrated Search</h3>
<p>When creating a shipment in an ACE or ACI eManifest, users enter the 4-digit code into the <strong>Hazmat Code / UN Number</strong> field. The system instantly searches the regulatory database:</p>
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* <strong>Input:</strong> User types <code>1203</code>.
* <strong>Output:</strong> BorderConnect auto-populates the <strong>Proper Shipping Name</strong> (Gasoline), <strong>Hazard Class</strong> (3), and <strong>Packing Group</strong> (II).
* <strong>Benefit:</strong> This prevents typos and mismatch errors that typically lead to border penalties.
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<h3>2. Handling "N.O.S." Entries</h3>
<p>If a generic code is used—such as <code>UN1993</code> (Flammable Liquid, n.o.s.)—Customs regulations require a specific "Technical Name" to be included in the description (e.g., "Contains Ethanol").</p>
<p><strong>BorderConnect Logic:</strong> The software recognizes these generic UN codes and prompts the user to add the required technical name in parentheses, ensuring the manifest isn't rejected by the target government system (ACE or ACI).</p>

<h3>3. Emergency Contact Requirements</h3>
<p>BorderConnect enforces the mandatory requirement for an <strong>Emergency Response Contact</strong>. When a Hazmat Code is detected on a shipment:</p>
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<li>The system unlocks specific fields for the <strong>Contact Name</strong> (e.g., CHEMTREC) and <strong>Phone Number</strong>.</li>
<li>The phone number must be monitored 24/7 while the hazardous material is in transit.</li>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Placarding Requirements</h2>

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<p>In addition to the electronic manifest, the physical truck must display the Hazmat Code if the shipment meets certain weight or volume thresholds.</p>

<h3>The Orange Panel</h3>
<p>The 4-digit number is typically displayed on an <strong>Orange Panel</strong> or entered directly onto the white center of the hazard placard. This allows emergency responders to reference the <strong>Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG)</strong> from a distance during an accident.</p>
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<h2 style="margin-top: 40px; border-bottom: 2px solid #eee; padding-bottom: 10px;">Official Resources</h2>

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<li><strong>PHMSA (DOT):</strong> [https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/hazmat 49 CFR 172.101 Hazmat Table]</li>
<li><strong>Transport Canada:</strong> [https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations]</li>
<li><strong>Emergency Response:</strong> [https://www.phmsa.dot.gov/sites/phmsa.dot.gov/files/2020-08/ERG2020-WEB.pdf 2020 Emergency Response Guidebook (PDF)]</li>
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[[Category:Definitions]]
[[Category:Hazardous Materials]]