Trade and customs
IBC (intermediate bulk container)
Definition
A reusable container of about 1,000 litres, usually a plastic bottle in a steel cage on a pallet, used for liquids.
IBCs sit between drums and tankers in size. The common composite IBC holds around 1,000 litres and, when approved for dangerous goods, carries a UN mark such as 31HA1. An IBC holds more liquid on the same pallet footprint than four 200 litre drums, so it often lowers freight cost per litre.
UN approved IBCs have a limited service life for dangerous goods and need periodic inspection. Check compatibility of the plastic with the product.
Related terms
- ISO tankA stainless steel tank in a standard 20 foot container frame, used to ship bulk liquids and gases.
- Packing groupThe degree of danger of a dangerous good in transport: I high, II medium, III low.
- UN numberA four digit number assigned by the UN to identify a dangerous substance or article in transport, for example UN1090 for acetone.