ISO 21898:2024 – A Complete Guide to the International Standard for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs) for Non-Dangerous Goods

In global bulk logistics, Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs), commonly known as big bags or ton bags, are the core packaging carrier for non-dangerous solid bulk materials such as grains, chemicals, minerals, and building materials. ISO 21898:2024, the latest authoritative standard issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), serves as the "universal language" for the production, testing, certification, and trade of FIBCs worldwide. It is also an essential passport for export enterprises to enter international markets such as the EU, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This article comprehensively interprets the core industry knowledge of ISO 21898:2024 from five dimensions: the core definition of the standard, key updates of the 2024 version, core requirements, certification value, and enterprise compliance points.

Note: This article is for industry reference only. The specific certification process and testing standards shall be subject to the latest requirements of authoritative certification institutions and the official version of ISO 21898:2024. Enterprises are advised to consult professional institutions for personalized compliance guidance according to their own product types and export markets.

I. Basic Definition and Scope of Application of ISO 21898

1. Core Positioning of the Standard

ISO 21898, full name Packaging - Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) for non-dangerous goods, is the only internationally recognized standard for FIBCs used for non-dangerous goods globally. Developed by ISO/TC 122/SC 3 (Packaging Technology Committee), the second edition (ISO 21898:2024) was released on August 16, 2024, fully replacing the 2004 edition.

2. Application Scenarios

Loaded Materials: Non-dangerous solid bulk materials such as powders, granules, and pastes (e.g., grains, chemical fertilizers, mineral sands, general chemicals, feed, building materials, etc.);

Design Structure: Top lifting with integrated or detachable slings, foldable, reusable or disposable;

Exclusion Scope: Dangerous goods (requiring UN certification), liquids, gases, and rigid containers. It only focuses on non-dangerous bulk solid logistics.

3. Relationship with Domestic Standards

The corresponding domestic standard is GB/T 10454 "Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers". ISO 21898:2024 has stricter requirements and higher international recognition; export enterprises can share some test data without repeating full-item testing, meeting the dual compliance requirements of domestic circulation and international export.

II. Key Updates of ISO 21898:2024 (Compared with the 2004 Edition)

Based on the upgrading of global logistics scenarios and environmental protection needs, the 2024 edition of the standard has added several key clauses. The core updates are as follows:

New Specification for Recycled Material Use (Clause 4.4): Clarifies the proportion, source, and performance requirements of recycled materials, ensuring that the strength of FIBCs made of recycled materials is not lower than that of new materials, adapting to the global trend of sustainable development;

New Special Section for Antistatic FIBCs (Clause 4.5): References IEC 61340-4-4 standard, regulates the design and testing of antistatic FIBCs, and solves the electrostatic risk during loading and unloading of chemical and dust-like materials;

Optimization of UV Aging Test Classification: Adds Annex F, providing 3 optional test methods (UVB, carbon arc, xenon lamp), divided into two levels according to application scenarios: "General (300 hours)" and "Long-term Outdoor (1500 hours)". The residual strength after 1000 hours of aging is ≥50%;

Adjustment of Stacking Test Formula: Optimizes the original 4 times SWL pressure value to "SWL × Number of Stacking Layers × 2", which is more in line with actual stacking load-bearing scenarios;

Upgraded Labeling Requirements: Mandatory labeling of SWL (Safe Working Load), safety factor, UV level, antistatic type, batch tracking code, etc., to realize full supply chain traceability;

Cancellation of the 25-hour Water Immersion Test in the Old Edition: Simplifies non-core tests, focusing on key performances such as strength, aging, and safety.

III. Core Requirements of ISO 21898:2024 (Materials, Testing, Classification, Labeling)

1. Requirements for Materials and Structural Design

Base Fabric/Slings: Polypropylene (PP) is the main material; the grammage, breaking strength, and tearing strength of the base fabric must meet the standards; the safety factor of slings is ≥5:1 (disposable) or 6:1 (reusable);

Threads/Lifting Points: Double-thread reinforcement and anti-thread-off design; the connection between lifting points and the bag body must be strengthened to avoid tearing during lifting;

Loading/Unloading Ports: The top loading port and bottom unloading port must be tightly sealed, equipped with straps/zippers to prevent material leakage.

2. Mandatory Type Testing (Core Threshold for Certification)

All certified FIBCs must pass full-item testing by a third-party laboratory. The core items are as follows:

3. Product Classification (By Strength and Application)

Type A (Disposable/Lightweight): Safety factor 5:1, single use, suitable for low load and short-distance transportation;

Type B (Standard Reusable): Safety factor 6:1, recyclable up to 70 times, suitable for regular load and multiple loading/unloading scenarios;

Type C (Heavy-Duty High Load): Safety factor ≥6:1, suitable for long-term outdoor/high load scenarios, requiring UV aging and antistatic testing.

4. Mandatory Labeling Requirements

Certified FIBCs must be clearly printed with the following information, without exception:

Standard number: ISO 21898:2024;

SWL (Safe Working Load): e.g., 1000kg;

Safety factor: 5:1 or 6:1;

Specifications and dimensions: Length × Width × Height;

Batch number/Production date/Manufacturer information;

UV level/Antistatic type (corresponding to the scenario).

IV. Value of ISO 21898 Certification: Why Must Enterprises Apply for It?

1. "Admission Ticket" to the International Market

Markets such as the EU, Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East mandatorily require FIBCs to provide ISO 21898:2024 certification certificates. Without certification, enterprises will face risks of customs clearance obstruction and cargo return. It is an essential qualification for export enterprises to expand the global market.

2. Product Quality and Safety Assurance

FIBCs that have passed the certification have their strength, durability, and safety verified by authoritative institutions, which can effectively avoid bag rupture and cargo leakage during loading/unloading/transportation,reduce the risk of cargo damage and safety accidents, and protect the enterprise's brand reputation.

3. Enhance Customer Trust and Competitiveness

International buyers (especially EU and multinational enterprises) prefer suppliers with ISO 21898 certification. The certification certificate is an authoritative endorsement of product quality, which can distinguish enterprises from uncertified small manufacturers and improve order conversion rate and premium space.

4. Compliance to Avoid Trade Barriers

Countries around the world have increasingly strict requirements on packaging safety and environmental protection. ISO 21898:2024 certification complies with international general standards, which can avoid technical trade barriers of various countries and ensure the stability of the supply chain.

V. Practical Points for Enterprises to Apply for ISO 21898 Certification

1. Certification Difficulty: Moderate and Controllable

Certification is not "obtainable by paying money" nor "unattainable" - factories that stably produce qualified FIBCs and have a basic quality inspection system can apply smoothly. The core sticking points are type testing (strength/aging) and quality record traceability, which can be avoided by rectifying in advance.

2. Certification Process (4 Steps, Cycle 1–2 Months)

Sample Testing: Submit 3–5 representative samples to a third-party laboratory with FIBC qualification such as SGS, Intertek, and Ingeer, and complete full-item type testing;

Technical Document Preparation: Organize product drawings, BOM lists, material reports, test records, work instructions, and inspection specifications;

Factory Audit: Auditors conduct on-site inspections of the production process, quality inspection records, and batch traceability system (about 1 day);

Certification Issuance and Supervision: The certificate is valid for 3 years, with 1 annual supervision audit + sampling test to ensure continuous compliance.

3. Cost Reference (Domestic)

Testing fee: 15,000–30,000 RMB (varies by specification/type, different prices for Type A/B/C);

Audit + Certificate fee: 10,000–20,000 RMB;

Total: 25,000–50,000 RMB. Additional fees are required for UV/antistatic testing.

4. Compliance Suggestions for Dezhou Enterprises

Prioritize production in accordance with the new ISO 21898:2024 standard, and rectify core issues such as base fabric strength, sewing technology, and lifting point design in advance;

Establish a complete record system for raw material inspection, process inspection, and factory inspection to realize full batch traceability;

Choose a formal third-party laboratory to avoid invalid reports issued by small intermediaries and ensure international recognition of the certificate.

VI. Conclusion

ISO 21898:2024 is the quality benchmark and trade passport for the global non-dangerous goods FIBC industry. The new clauses added in the 2024 edition, such as recycled materials, antistatic, and UV aging, not only conform to the environmental protection trend but also strengthen safety performance, becoming the core starting point for enterprises to export and upgrade quality.

For FIBC manufacturers, applying for ISO 21898 certification is not only anessential compliance requirement but also a key measure to enhance international competitiveness and expand the global market. Only by keeping up with international standard requirements and strictly controlling product quality can enterprises gain an advantage in the global bulk logistics supply chain.

Important Reminders:

The ISO 21898:2024 standard has fully replaced the 2004 edition. Enterprises shall not use the old standard for production and certification to avoid invalidation of certificates.

The test data and certification reports must be issued by third-party laboratories with legal qualifications and FIBC testing capabilities to ensure international recognition.

The certification certificate is valid for 3 years. Enterprises must complete annual supervision audits on time to maintain the validity of the certificate.

For antistatic FIBCs and FIBCs using recycled materials, special tests must be carried out in accordance with the new clauses of ISO 21898:2024 to avoid non-compliance.

https://www.dzmaterial.com/

email:dzsybags@dzmaterial.com