What’s the Difference Between 4G and 4GV Packaging?

When it comes to shipping dangerous goods safely and compliantly, using the right UN approved packaging is crucial. At DG Solutions, we often get asked about the difference between 4G and 4GV packaging and with good reason. These two packaging types sound similar but serve slightly different purposes when transporting hazardous materials.

Let’s break it down in plain English, so you can make the right call for your shipments, whether you're sending lithium batteries across the ditch or hazardous liquids up to Whangarei.

 

What Does “4G” Mean?

In simple terms, 4G is a UN packaging code that refers to fibreboard boxes that are tested and certified to carry dangerous goods. But there’s a catch: 4G packaging is tested with specific inner containers inside, such as plastic bottles or metal cans. That means if the packaging was tested with a 1L plastic bottle, you must use the same or very similar inner packaging when you ship with that box.

If you swap it out for a different bottle or container, even if it's close in size, you’re technically non-compliant under UN packaging rules.

 

What About 4GV?

Now, 4GV packaging gives you more flexibility.

The “V” stands for variation or special packaging, meaning these boxes are tested in a more intense way using fragile glass bottles. This makes them more versatile, as they’re designed to cover a wider range of inner packaging types. As long as you follow the gross weight limit, inner weight limit and assembly instructions, you can often use different types of inner containers safely and legally.

That’s ideal for Kiwi exporters or DG professionals who handle a range of products and don’t want to be locked into just one inner packaging type.

 

4G vs 4GV Packaging – Which Should You Use?

Here at DG Solutions, we help New Zealand businesses make smart, compliant packaging choices every day. So, which should you use?

 

Use 4G packaging if:

You're sending the exact same product with the exact same inner containers as tested.

Use 4GV packaging if:

You want flexibility, or your shipment contents change often. 4GV is especially handy for freight forwarders, DG consultants or exporters who don’t want the hassle of matching specific container types every time.

 

What Do the UN Codes on the Box Mean?

You’ll see a code like this printed on the side of a DG box:

4GV/X16/S/25/NZ/CAA-******

 

Let’s decode it:

4G = Fibreboard box

V = Variation approved

X = Level of hazard permitted (X is highest)

16 = Max gross weight in kg (Check assembly instructions for max inner weight)

S = Solids or inners

25 = Year of manufacture

NZ = Country code (New Zealand)

CAA = Manufacturer or certifier code

 

Need Help with DG Packaging?

Whether you’re dealing with IATA air freight, IMDG sea freight or local NZS 5433 road transport, the packaging you use can make or break your compliance. At DG Solutions, we offer trusted advice, supply UN approved packaging and provide dangerous goods certification for all modes of transport.

 

We also offer custom dangerous goods training, so your team knows the ropes when it comes to packaging rules and regs.