When shipping dangerous goods, choosing the right UN approved packaging is essential. One of the most versatile and reliable options on the market is the 4GV fibreboard box, designed to safely transport a wide variety of hazardous materials using non-specific inner packagings.
To earn 4GV certification, a box must pass a strict performance test known as the 4GV drop test. This test proves the box can survive real world transport conditions with a heavy, fragile load inside.
Here’s the simple explanation of how the test works and how our DG Solutions 4GV boxes earned their approvals.
What Is the 4GV Drop Test? (Simple Explanation)
For 4GV packaging, there is one key rule:
Whatever weight the box is drop tested at, it is only allowed to hold half of that weight in real shipments.
Because of this rule, the drop test is conducted using glass inner packagings filled with lead shot, along with:
- Vermiculite (as both cushioning and absorbent)
- A protective liner
- Closure and taping methods
This creates a worst case scenario: a very heavy, very fragile load that simulates high risk dangerous goods.
The box is then dropped in multiple orientations.
If it survives without leakage or rupture, it passes.
How Our 4GV Boxes Were Drop Tested and Certified
Below is the exact relationship between:
the drop test weight, and
the maximum inner weight the box can legally hold, based on the half-weight rule.
This is the simplest and most correct way to explain 4GV certification.
Drop tested at: 50 kg
Allowed inner weight in real shipments: 25 kg (half of 50 kg)
Certified gross weight: 41 kg
The certified weight includes the box itself, the liner, vermiculite and the inner packagings up to the allowed limit.
Drop tested at: 22 kg
Allowed inner weight in real shipments: 11 kg
Certified gross weight: 25 kg
Drop tested at: 12 kg
Allowed inner weight in real shipments: 6 kg
Certified gross weight: 16 kg
What These Results Mean for Your Business
Because each of our boxes was tested with heavy, fragile glass inner packagings filled with lead shot, customers benefit from:
- Extra safety margin
- The box is proven to withstand loads heavier than you will ever ship.
- Flexibility
4GV packaging allows the use of non-specific inner packagings, making it ideal for mixed dangerous goods, samples, chemicalsand lab shipments.
Compliance across all transport modes
Our boxes meet the requirements of:
- NZS 5433 (Land Transport NZ)
- IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
- IMDG Code (sea freight)
Confidence when shipping fragile items
The boxes have already survived testing with the most fragile possible configuration of glass.
Why Choose DG Solutions 4GV Packaging?
Our cartons are:
- Manufactured to high standards
- Fully certified and compliant
- Supplied with assembly instructions
- Able to accommodate a wide range of inner containers
- Supported by experienced DG consultants
- Available for NZ and Australian customers with fast delivery
Whether you’re shipping chemicals, medical supplies or laboratory samples, our 4GV range provides the strength, compliance, and flexibility you need.