4G or 4GV? Here’s What Aussie Businesses Need to Know About DG Packaging

4G or 4GV? Here’s What Aussie Businesses Need to Know About DG Packaging

When you're sending dangerous goods across Australia, whether by air, road or sea, using the right UN approved packaging isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law. Here at DG Solutions Australia, we often get asked by freight forwarders and compliance managers in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane about the difference between 4G and 4GV packaging.

While they sound similar, they serve different roles when it comes to shipping hazardous materials safely and legally. So let’s break it down in plain Aussie English.

 

What’s 4G Packaging?

4G packaging refers to UN certified fibreboard boxes tested with specific inner containers, like plastic bottles or metal cans. That means if the box was tested with a 1-litre plastic bottle, you’re locked into using the same (or near-identical) bottle to stay compliant.

If you switch to a different shape or size, even slightly, your packaging setup is no longer compliant under UN regulations. So 4G is great for repeat shipments using the same inner containers, but not so flash if your freight varies.

 

What About 4GV Packaging?

That’s where 4GV packaging comes in handy.

The ‘V’ stands for ‘variation’ or special packaging and these boxes are tested under tougher conditions using breakable glass inners. Because of that, they’re certified to carry a wide range of dangerous goods using different inner containers, as long as you follow the weight limits and assembly instructions.

 

This makes 4GV the go to choice for:

• Exporters in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne
• DG consultants
• Freight companies handling mixed shipments
• Businesses that want more flexibility

 

Basically, if your shipments change often, 4GV takes the hassle out of matching exact inner packaging every time.

 

What Do the UN Codes Mean on the Box?

You’ll spot codes like this on the side of your UN packaging:

4GV/X25/S/25/AUS/ABC-123456

Let’s break it down:

4G = Fibreboard box

V = Variation approved

X = Highest hazard level packing group

25 = Max gross weight in kg

S = For solids or inner packagings

25 = Year of manufacture

AUS = Country of manufacture

ABC-123456 = Certifier/manufacturer code

 

Which Should You Use, 4G or 4GV?

Here’s the simple answer:

• Use 4G if you’re sending the same products using the same containers every time.
• Use 4GV if your inner packaging varies, or you want more flexibility without sacrificing compliance.

Need Help with Dangerous Goods Packaging in Australia?

Whether you’re dealing with air freight (IATA), sea freight (IMDG) or road transport across Australia, DG Solutions Australia has you sorted. We supply UN certified packaging, including 4GV boxes and provide dangerous goods certification for all modes of transport.