# Identification Number (for Dangerous Goods)

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> Unlike a shipment reference or container code, the identification number for dangerous goods does not identify a specific consignment but the substance itself: it is the four-digit UN number assigned by the United Nations to each hazardous substance or group of substances.

Unlike a shipment reference or container code, the identification number for dangerous goods does not identify a specific consignment but the substance itself: it is the four-digit UN number assigned by the United Nations to each hazardous substance or group of substances. It must appear on transport documents, packaging, and hazard labels, and is displayed on orange warning panels on vehicles. Drivers, emergency responders, and customs officers use the UN number to immediately determine a substance's properties, required protective equipment, and emergency procedures. The applicable transport regulations – ADR (road), RID (rail), and IMDG (sea) – mandate its correct declaration as a compulsory element of dangerous goods documentation.

**Source:** [https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods](https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Identification Number (for Dangerous Goods) |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 108 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods |

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