FAQ: Marine Immersion Testing (BS5609)

Smithers Pira are UKAS accredited to the recognised international standard ISO/IEC 17025:2005 to conduct testing in accordance with BS5609; a marine immersion test method which utilises our custom-built facilities. 

In order to help our clients set up their testing programmes, our expert team provides answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the testing process. 

1: How long does testing take?

Section 2 approximately 4 months.

Section 3 approximately 5 weeks.

2: What inks can we use?

The BS5609 standard does not stipulate the method of printing, colours or label design. However, Smithers Pira will provide a label template for you to use as a guide.

Note: The IMDG code requires that certain symbols are printed in red, black, orange, blue, green and white. You can include up to six colours for evaluation. The labels should be produced using typical production conditions.

It should be noted that if any colour on the label does not meet the requirements, then you will not receive a certificate. However, details of which inks have passed and failed are detailed in the test report for your information. 

3: Can Smithers Pira provide a list of label materials, inks, and printers etc. that have met BS5609 requirements?

No – we cannot provide this type of information due to client confidentiality.

4: Would the label certificate be invalidated by a change to the backing paper?

No – the backing paper is not part of the test assessment.

5: If I use BS5609 materials that have been previously tested and approved, are we meeting the requirements for IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code)?

Technically no, the IMDG code requirement is specifically aimed at labels applied to packages and does not reference BS5609 specifically (no national standards are mentioned in the regulations). However, IMDG code Part 5 (5.2.2.2.1.7) specifies:

‘The method of affixing the dangerous goods label(s) or applying stencil(s) or label(s) or identification marks (UN number and PSN) shall be such that they will still be identifiable on packages surviving at least three months’ immersion in the sea, and in considering suitable marking and labeling methods, account shall be taken of the durability of the packaging materials used and the surface of the packaging”.

BS5609 Section 2 includes a three-month sea immersion test, which explains why the label industry has opted for this Standard as demonstrating compliance. Labels complying with BS5609 are extremely durable with good adhesion, light-fastness, weathering and abrasion resistance characteristics.

6: Does the certificate have a renewal date?

The certificates do not have an expiry date and provided you have not made any changes to the label construction, adhesive formulation, inks tested, they remain valid.

7: Does anyone monitor if labels comply with BS5609?

BS5609 compliance is currently self-policing.  However, the ‘Responsibility for compliance (BS5609 Section 1:2)’ states that the manufacturer/printer is responsible for ensuring labels meet the requirement.

We would recommend that even if “approved” materials are used, that clients test labels produced under their typical production conditions. Any changes to the way the label is printed (substrate and print conditions) may affect print adhesion and abrasion resistance.

8: The substrate has been previously tested and approved but we now use a different adhesive, will our label still comply with BS5609 Section 3?

No - we understand the issue from your point of view, that as the base substrate has not changed, it should follow that the printing properties should be the same. However, we would advise that your new label product is tested for both Section 2 and 3, as the adhesive can influence some print properties. For example, some migration of the adhesive components through the substrate is possible which could affect the light-fast properties and / or adhesion of the print.

9: BS5609 adhesive tests are made on labels applied to aluminium plates, but most chemical drums are plastic?

Appendix K of the Standard details a test of the label adhesion to specific substrates after conditioning at different temperature/humidity conditions and after seven days' immersion in saline solution. This is offered in addition and should not be considered as an alternative to the standard compliance testing. We offer testing on Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) - the most commonly used chemical drum material; the poor wettability of UHMWPE makes this a test of label adhesion more challenging.

10: Do we have to have our labels tested by an accredited laboratory?

No – this is not a requirement of the BS5609 Standard. Accreditation is your assurance that the testing has been made in full accordance with the Standard requirements, without compromise.