GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
UN Number
The UN Number identifies a hazardous substance or article unambiguously across every mode of transport.
Quick Answer
Last updated: Published:
Source: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods
Category
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Reading time
1 min
Words
113
Mentioned in
–
Definition & Explanation
The UN Number identifies a hazardous substance or article unambiguously across every mode of transport. Assigned by the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, this four-digit code appears in ADR (road), RID (rail), IMDG (sea), and IATA DGR (air) regulations alike, making it the universal language of dangerous goods handling. In daily freight operations, the UN Number must appear on shipping documents, hazard labels, and—where required—on the orange hazard placards affixed to vehicles or containers. Together with the hazard class and packing group, it determines packaging specifications, segregation rules, and emergency response procedures. Missing or incorrect UN Numbers routinely result in cargo rejection, port holds, or regulatory penalties.
Next steps
Matching tools and partners
Related Terms
You might also be interested in these terms
⚖️ ICC Incoterms 2020
Incoterms 2020 Simulator: Who bears costs & risk?
Analyze all 11 Incoterms 2020: cost matrix, risk timeline, insurance gap detector and customs responsibility – free, no login required.
Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox
Free · No password · Never a paywall. Weekly top news and facts from logistics.
Community Questions & Answers
Share your knowledge, ask follow-up questions, or add practical insights to this page. Every contribution is moderated before publication.
No community answers yet. Be the first.