Process & Approval
UN Packaging Approval Process
A clear pathway from your first enquiry to an approved, marked package — with Falcon managing your testing, documentation and Competent Authority application from start to finish.
NATA-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 · 38 years of testing expertise · Independent & Australian-owned
The mark that lets your packaging ship
An approved package carries a UN mark backed by a test report and a Competent Authority approval — the combination that lets it be legally manufactured, sold and shipped with dangerous goods. Falcon manages every stage of getting there, not just the testing.
Your pathway to an approved package
Six stages, from your first enquiry to an approved design you can keep using.
Packaging Assessment
We review your packaging, the dangerous goods it will carry and the packing group involved, then provide a fixed quote and test plan.
Sample Preparation
You send representative production samples, prepared and filled as they will be in service.
Testing
We test your packaging against the relevant UN Recommendations and ADG Code methods. If a sample doesn't pass, we'll explain what needs to change before retesting.
Certification & Marking
You receive a test report and the UN marking specification for your packaging.
Approval Application
We prepare and submit your packaging design approval application to your state's Competent Authority on your behalf.
Ongoing Use & Change Management
Your approved design can be reproduced and shipped as tested. Tell us before changing any component — some changes require review or retesting to keep your approval valid.
Approval is only useful the moment your packaging actually ships.
Why work with Falcon on your approval, not just your testing
In Australia, dangerous goods packaging design approvals are issued by each state's Competent Authority — WorkSafe Victoria for packaging assessed in Victoria, and equivalent bodies interstate. Applications must be supported by a test report from a NATA-accredited laboratory. We manage the full application on your behalf: preparing documentation and marking information, and liaising with your Competent Authority, so you have one point of contact from your first enquiry through to an approved, shippable package.
Why clients trust Falcon with their approval
NATA-accredited to ISO/IEC 17025
Our reports satisfy the NATA-accredited test report requirement of every state's Competent Authority.
38 years of testing experience
Testing and approving dangerous goods packaging since 1988.
Independent & Australian-owned
A specialist testing laboratory, not a division of a packaging supplier.
Frequently asked questions
How long does testing and approval take?
Timeframes depend on your packaging, sample availability and your state's Competent Authority processing time. Get in touch with your packaging details and we'll give you a realistic timeline.
What happens if my packaging fails a test?
We'll explain exactly what didn't meet the standard so you can make an informed decision about redesigning, adjusting materials, or resubmitting for retesting.
Do I need a new approval every time I reorder the same packaging?
No — once your design is approved, you can keep manufacturing and shipping it as tested, provided nothing about the packaging, materials or configuration changes.
What changes require retesting?
Changes to material, wall thickness, closure, inner packaging or supplier can all affect performance. Talk to us before changing any component so we can confirm whether retesting is needed.
Does Falcon manage the Competent Authority application for me?
Yes — we prepare and submit your packaging design approval application to your state's Competent Authority on your behalf, as part of the testing engagement.
Related services
Request a testing quote
Tell us about your packaging and where you need it approved, and we'll come back with a clear scope, timeframe and price.