Bulk Containers

This page was last updated on 28th November 2023

Certain dangerous goods may be carried in bulk (i.e. other than in packages or tanks) in containers that have been approved in accordance with the Convention on Safe Containers. Bulk containers that do not meet that standard may also be used for the carriage of dangerous goods if they have been approved for the purpose by the competent authority. These containers are usually skips or specially designed or adapted vehicle bodies.

Our Dangerous Goods Office has set up a scheme for the approval of bulk containers in accordance with 6.11.4 of RID/ADR and 6.9.4 of the IMDG Code, on behalf of The Secretary of State for Transport, who is the competent authority in that regard.

More information can be found here: VCA Bulk Containers approval scheme (PDF)