A visitor to this site asked whether dangerous goods can be shipped in reconditioned drums.

IMDG code has provisions for use of reconditioned packagings

Metal drums that:

1.  are cleaned to original materials of construction, with all former contents, internal and external corrosion, and external coatings and labels removed;
2.  are restored to original shape and contour, with chimes (if any) straightened and sealed, and all non-integral gaskets replaced; and
3. are inspected after cleaning, but before painting, with rejection of packagings with visible pitting, significant reduction in material thickness, metal fatigue, damaged threads or closures, or other significant defects;

Plastic drums and jerricans that:

1.  are cleaned to original materials of construction, with all former contents, external coatings and labels removed;
2. have all non-integral gaskets replaced; and
3.  are inspected after cleaning, with rejection of packagings with visible damage such as tears, creases or cracks, or damaged threads or closures, or other significant defects.

If intended to contain liquids then must successfully undergo a suitable leakproofness test.

UN Marking on reconditioned packaging- IMDG Code section 6.1.3.8

After reconditioning a packaging, the reconditioner shall apply to it, in sequence, durable marks showing:

(h) the State in which the reconditioning was carried out, indicated by the distinguishing sign used on vehicles in international road traffic (Distinguishing sign of the State of registration used on motor vehicles and trailers in international road traffic, e.g. in accordance with the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic of 1949 or the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 1968.);

(i) the name of the reconditioner or other identification of the packaging specified by the competent authority;

(j) the year of reconditioning; the letter “R”; and, for every packaging successfully passing the Leakproofness test in 6.1.1.2.2, the additional letter “L”.

Example marking for a RECONDITIONED packaging