ISO/FDIS 22927

Rare earth -- Packaging and labelling

Terres rares -- Emballage et étiquetage

Standards Content (sample)

FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 22927
ISO/TC 298
Rare earth — Packaging and labelling
Secretariat: SAC
Voting begins on:
2021­03­03
Voting terminates on:
2021­04­28
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN­
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. ISO 2021
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2021

All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may

be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting

on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address

below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH­1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
Contents Page

Foreword ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................iv

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................v

1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

2 Normative references ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1

4 Packaging ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2

4.1 General principles of packaging ............................................................................................................................................... 2

4.2 Requirements and recommendations for packaging ............................................................................................. 2

4.2.1 Inner (and intermediate) packaging .................. ............................................................................................. 2

4.2.2 Outer packaging ................................................................................................................................................................ 3

4.3 Requirements and recommendations for packaging of rare earth products .................................... 4

4.3.1 Rare earth ore ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4

4.3.2 Rare earth concentrate ............................................................................................................................................... 4

4.3.3 Rare earth compound .................................................................................................................................................. 4

4.3.4 Rare earth metal and alloy ...................................................................................................................................... 5

5 Labelling ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

5.1 General principles of labelling ................................................................................................................................................... 6

5.2 Product information ........................................................................................................................................................................... 6

5.3 Requirements and recommendations for labelling of hazardous materials ..................................... 7

5.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.3.2 Cerium metal and cerium contained flammable alloys .................................................................. 7

5.3.3 Metals and alloys in the form of powder ..................................................................................................... 7

5.3.4 Products containing radioactive elements ................................................................................................ 7

5.4 Format of labels on packages ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.4.1 Product information ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.4.2 Language ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

5.4.3 Quality of the label ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

5.4.4 Format of the label ......................................................................................................................................................... 7

Annex A (Informative) Chemical characteristics of rare earth products ........................................................................ 9

Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................12

© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved iii
---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
Foreword

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards

bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out

through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical

committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International

organizations, governmental and non­governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.

ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of

electrotechnical standardization.

The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are

described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the

different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the

editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of

patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of

any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or

on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents).

Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not

constitute an endorsement.

For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and

expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the

World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www .iso .org/

iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 298, Rare earth.

Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A

complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
iv © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
Introduction

The purpose of this document is to ensure quality assurance, enhanced safety and pollution prevention

during the global trade of rare earth products.

Rare earth products (ores, concentrates, compounds, metals and alloys) have some unique chemical

and physical properties. For example, some rare earth products can readily react with O , CO and

2 2

moisture. In addition, some rare earth products, such as monazite, can emit radiation because they

contain thorium and uranium. Under certain circumstances, these features can result in accidents or

create hazards (explosion, fire, downgrading the quality of products, radiation exposure, etc.) during

transportation and storage. Indeed, several such incidents have been reported and these emphasize the

possibility of harm to human health, pollution to the environment and a reduction in product quality.

Such problems are likely to have global effects because rare earth products are transported across

borders.

It is necessary to package rare earth products properly. It is also essential to share clearly defined

information, in a readily accessible format, concerning their physical properties and traceability during

global trade. This document provides requirements that will ensure proper packaging and appropriate

labelling of rare earth products. Proper packaging can prevent rare earth products from losing their

quality and causing accidents resulting from unwanted chemical reactions. Appropriate labelling

with precise information on the properties, traceability and the ways of handling the product can also

reduce the risk of quality degradation and accidents. Conforming to this document will contribute to

ensuring quality, guaranteeing safety and preventing environmental pollution during the global trade

of rare earths.

NOTE There are numerous existing regulations concerning the packaging, labelling and shipment of

materials. Depending on circumstances, such regulations can include References [6] to [23]. In addition, local

regulations concerning shipments, transport and packaging can also apply. Many jurisdictions require that a

safety data sheet (SDS) accompany any shipment.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved v
---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
Rare earth — Packaging and labelling
1 Scope

This document specifies requirements and recommendations for the packaging and labelling of rare

earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals and alloys that are intended for sale or free distribution.

It defines the performance and structure of packaging, and specifies the information to include on

the labelling. These requirements and recommendations are designed to ensure quality assurance,

enhance safety and prevent environmental pollution during the transportation and storage of rare

earth products.

This document is applicable to packaging and labelling during transactions between companies. It does

not include packaging by companies during storage in their own plant.

The method of labelling defined in this document enhances safety by indicating properties of rare earth

products and ensures appropriate management of the product by indicating the identity of suppliers.

2 Normative references

The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content

constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For

undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

ISO 21067­1, Packaging — Vocabulary — Part 1: General terms

ISO 22444­1, Rare earth — Vocabulary — Part 1: Minerals, oxides and other compounds

ISO 22444­2, Rare earth — Vocabulary — Part 2: Metals and their alloys
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 21067-1, ISO 22444-1,

ISO 22444-2 and the following apply.

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:

— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
supplier

company that produces and provides rare earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys or

solutions for its customer

Note 1 to entry: It includes the mines, beneficiation plants, hydrometallurgical plants, traders/brokers/blenders

of rare earth products.
3.2
inner packaging
container designed to come into direct contact with the product
3.3
intermediate packaging

packaging placed between the inner packaging (3.2) and outer packaging (3.4) if deemed necessary

© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 1
---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
3.4
outer packaging

container designed to contain inner or intermediate packaging (3.3) including any protective materials

where required
3.5
protecting gas
shielding gas

gas used in packaging that will displace oxygen and water vapour and will not react with the package

contents, and will therefore prevent product degradation and chemical reaction
EXAMPLE Argon, nitrogen.
3.6
protecting liquid

oil or other liquid used as coating on, or to totally submerge, a product to isolate it from air and ensure

quality stability

Note 1 to entry: It is usually used in the packaging of rare earth target products.

3.7
vacuum
device to remove air from the package before sealing
3.8
minimum packaging unit

smallest independent unit for sales and delivery, where items/products cannot be broken up

4 Packaging
4.1 General principles of packaging

Packaging for rare earth products should prevent the products from being accidentally dispersed or

otherwise discharged into the environment and from absorbing moisture or gases. Solid rare earth

metals and compounds can react with water, water vapour and other gases, causing damage to the

quality of products, exothermic reaction and ignition. For these reasons, a sealed package should be

used to contain solid rare earth products. Rare earth liquid products can flow out of the packaging if a

package loses its integrity, causing potential damage to products, workers and surroundings. For these

reasons, durable packaging should be used. This clause specifies requirements and recommendations

for packaging appropriate to the properties of the rare earth product, including ores, concentrates,

compounds, metals, alloys and solutions (see Annex A for additional information on the chemical

characteristics of rare earth products and key information related to packaging and labelling).

Within each minimum packaging unit, products should be of the same batch, grade, specification and

form. In the case of different batches of products put in the same minimum packaging unit, they should

be separately packaged with clear identification to avoid mixing of products.
4.2 Requirements and recommendations for packaging
4.2.1 Inner (and intermediate) packaging
4.2.1.1 Polymer bottles

Polymer bottles are vessels made from polymer, having a comparatively narrow neck or mouth, with

closure and usually no handle. They should have a load-bearing capacity depending on the content and

the polymer should be chemically compatible.
2 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
4.2.1.2 Glass bottles

Glass bottles are rigid vessels made from borosilicate glass, having a comparatively narrow neck or

mouth, with a closure and usually no handle. They should have load-bearing capacity depending on the

content.
4.2.1.3 Polymer film bags

Polymer film bags are flexible containers made of polymer layers, generally enclosed on all sides except

one, forming an opening that is sealed after filling. They should have load-bearing capacity depending

on the content and should be chemically compatible.
4.2.1.4 Aluminized polymer bags

Aluminized polymer bags are flexible containers made from polymer film metallized with aluminium,

which reduces the permeability of the polymer film to the external atmosphere. They may be used as

inner or intermediate packaging for some rare earth metals and their alloys (such as cerium and cerium

alloy). They should have a load-bearing capacity depending on the content and should be chemically

compatible.
4.2.2 Outer packaging
4.2.2.1 Metal drums

Metal drums are cylindrical vessels made from iron, steel or alloys whose bottom end is permanently

fixed to the body. The top-end (head) is either removable or non-removable. Steel drums with a

capacity of over 200 l used for rare earth product packaging should meet the requirements specified in

ISO 15750-1, ISO 15750-2 and ISO 15750-3. Steel drums with a capacity of less than 200 l used for rare

earth product packaging should have load-bearing capacity depending on the content and should be

chemically compatible or else an appropriate inner package should be used.
4.2.2.2 Polymer drums

Polymer drums are cylindrical vessels made from polymer whose bottom end is permanently fixed

to the body. The top-end (head) is either removable or non-removable. They should have load-bearing

capacity depending on the content and should be chemically compatible or else an appropriate inner

package should be used.
4.2.2.3 Flexible containers

Flexible containers are containers made from a flexible material that are collapsible when empty.

Flexible intermediate bulk containers used for rare earth products packaging should meet the

requirements given in ISO 21898.
4.2.2.4 Polymer bulk containers

Polymer bulk containers are vessels made from polymer, designed to contain liquids, pastes or powders.

They should have load-bearing capacity depending on the content and should be chemically compatible

or an appropriate inner package used.
4.2.2.5 Corrugated fibreboard boxes

Corrugated fibreboard boxes consist of one or more fluted paper sheets glued to a flat sheet of board or

between several sheets. They should have load-bearing capacity depending on the content and should

be chemically compatible or else an appropriate inner package should be used.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 3
---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
4.2.2.6 Kraft bags

Kraft bags are flexible containers made from paper made using the kraft process and are generally

enclosed on all sides except one, forming an opening that may or may not be sealed after filling. They

should have load-bearing capacity depending on the content and should be chemically compatible or

else an appropriate inner package should be used.
4.2.2.7 Wooden/plywood drums or containers

Drums or containers made of wood/plywood and with a top-end (head) that can be removed. They can

be used as outer packaging for rare earth products. They should have load-bearing capacity depending

on the content and should be chemically compatible or else an appropriate inner package should be used.

4.3 Requirements and recommendations for packaging of rare earth products
4.3.1 Rare earth ore

In most cases, there are no special requirements for packaging ore. Consideration should be given to

the use of flexible containers under special circumstances. Regarding those ores with a certain level of

radioactivity, dust-tight flexible containers or polymer film bags should be used and the radioactivity

on the outside surface of the packaging should take into account the requirements of the International

Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (see

References [6], [8], [12], [13], [14], [16] and [17]).
4.3.2 Rare earth concentrate

Flexible containers with a dust-tight integral liner should be used for the outer packaging.

4.3.3 Rare earth compound
4.3.3.1 Oxide

Some rare earth oxide powders can react with moisture or carbon dioxide in the air and form hydroxides

or carbonates or become deliquescent. Rare earth oxides shall be sealed in an airtight and waterproof

package. Polymer bottles or polymer film bags should be used for the inner package. Steel drums,

polymer drums, flexible containers, polymer bulk containers, corrugated fibreboard boxes, kraft bags

or wooden/fibreboard drums should be used for the outer package.
4.3.3.2 Salts and other compounds
4.3.3.2.1 In solid-state

Most rare earth salts and compounds are in the form of dry powder, granules or solid blocks. They are

usually chemically stable, but most can absorb moisture and become deliquescent. Suitable packaging

should be used depending on their chemical characteristics. Instructions for packaging of typical rare

earth compounds are provided in Table 1.
4 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)

Table 1 — Instructions for packaging of typical solid rare earth salts and compounds

Instructions for
Type Remarks
inner packaging intermediate packaging outer packaging
Carbonate waterproof and polymer bottles, polymer corrugated fibreboard
airtight package film bags or glass bottles boxes, steel drums,
Chloride
flexible containers,
Hydroxide
kraft bags or wooden/
plywood drums
Fluoride
Nitrate
Sulfate
Oxalate
Acetate waterproof polymer bottles or corrugated
package polymer film bags fibreboard boxes

Phosphate no special no special requirement no special requirement polymer drums or

requirement polymer bulk
Sulfide
containers can be
Citrate
used as a single
package
Hexaboride
These products can be traded as a solid or in solution.
4.3.3.2.2 Aqueous solutions

Many rare earth salts can be dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution, including chloride, nitrate,

acetate and sulfate. A solution of rare earth salt is usually chemically stable and often acidic. It shall

be kept in a corrosion-proof package. Polymer bottles or polymer bulk containers should be used for

the inner package of smaller shipments. Corrugated fibreboard boxes should be used for the outer

package. Polymer drums or polymer bulk containers are recommended as the single package for larger

shipments.
4.3.4 Rare earth metal and alloy

Most rare earth metals and some of their alloys are chemically reactive. They can react with oxygen in

the air and become oxidized on the surface. The reactivity varies greatly for different rare earth metals,

and even for the same metal or its alloy depending on its physical form. Therefore, the packaging

requirements are variable depending on the chemical characteristics. The rare earth metal or its alloy

shall be sealed in a protecting gas atmosphere or in a vacuum. Instructions for the packaging of rare

earth metals and their alloys are provided in Table 2.

Table 2 — Instructions for packaging of typical rare earth metals and their alloys

Instructions for
Type Remarks
intermediate outer
inner packaging
packaging packaging

Rare earth metals polymer film bags polymer film bags steel drums Seal in an inner package in a

and alloys in bulk or aluminized or corrugated protecting gas atmosphere, or
(block, ingot/slab, polymer bags fibreboard in a vacuum, or in a protecting
wire and sheet) boxes liquid; the pressure of the pro­
tecting gas shall be kept above
atmospheric pressure or in a
vacuum low enough to prevent
degradation.
Packaging for cerium (UN 1333)
and ferro­cerium (UN 1323)
shall take Reference [18] into
account.
© ISO 2021 – All rights reserved 5
---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)
Table 2 (continued)
Instructions for
Type Remarks
intermediate outer
inner packaging
packaging packaging

High purity rare polymer film bags not necessary steel drums Seal in an inner package in a

earth metal or aluminized protecting gas atmosphere, in a
polymer bags vacuum, or in a protecting liq­
uid; buffer materials or packing
materials should be put between
the inner and outer packages.

High purity rare polymer film bags not necessary steel drums The product shall be thor­

earth target product oughly cleaned and dried in a
vacuum;individual packaging
is required for each product in
a vacuum.
Rare earth polymer film bags not necessary steel drums
magnesium alloy
Rare earth polymer film bags not necessary steel drums
ferrosilicon alloy

Rare earth metals polymer bottles or polymer bottles, steel drums, Seal in a protecting gas atmos­

and alloys in pow- polymer film bags polymer film wooden/ phere or in a vacuum to prevent

der form bags, aluminized plywood the products from oxidation.
polymer bags drums, or
All packaging should be
anti­static
anti­static.
plastic bottles

Hydrogen storage polymer bottles or polymer film bags steel drums Seal in a protecting gas atmos­

alloy powder polymer film bags phere or in a vacuum to prevent
(LaNi , La Mg , the products from oxidation.
5 2 17
etc.)
5 Labelling
5.1 General principles of labelling

This clause specifies the minimum requirements for labels on packages containing rare earth products.

Suppliers of rare earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys and solutions shall follow the

appropriate requirements.

Labels on packages of rare earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys and solutions shall

include the product and handling information in order to inform people handling the package and,

therefore, prevent accidents or environmental problems caused by the package being breached and its

contents leaking. In addition, labels on packaging for rare earth ores and concentrates shall include

information that will enable participants in the supply chain to determine the name of the supplier or

source of the material. Both kinds of information shall be included in appropriate labels.

5.2 Product information

Labels on packaging for rare earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals and alloys should include the

following product information:

a) the name of the product: full name of the product and chemical/molecular formula;

b) the physical form of the product: solid (ingot/block/flake/powder) or liquid;

c) the production batch reference number: an indication noting different batches;

d) the gross mass/net mass: total mass of one package/net mass of each package inside

6 © ISO 2021 – All rights reserved
---------------------- Page: 11 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22927:2021(E)

e) the date of production and, optionally, the date of packaging: using the YYYY-MM-DD format;

f) the name of the supplier: full name of the supplier, its abbreviation and address if possible;

g) the country of production: full name of the country or an acceptable abbreviation.

5.3 Requirements and recommendations for labelling of hazardous materials
5.3.1 General

Information or a symbol mark shall be used for those rare earth products listed as dangerous materials

according to the regulations of the country of sale, as well as the relevant international organizations

such as International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Air Transport Association (IATA),

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), United Nations (UN), and International Commission

on Radiological Protection (ICRP). The rare earth products that are potentially dangerous, and

requirements for their labelling, are provided in 5.3.2 to 5.3.4.
5.3.2 Cerium metal and cerium contained flammable alloys

Cerium metal and some cerium-containing alloys (cerium content higher than 90 %) are flammable.

Flammable indications shall be given on the label of the outer package.
5.3.3 Metals and alloys in the form of powder

Some rare earth metals and their alloy powders are flammable or even explosive, e.g. rare earth

hydrogen storage alloy powder. Flammable/explosive indications shall be given on the label of the outer

package.
5.3.4 Products containing radioactive elements

Some rare earth ores, mineral concentrates or other products, such as monazite, naturally contain

thorium and uranium, and are therefore radioactive and can be potentially harmful to the health of

human beings. In such cases, a radioactive indication shall be given on the label of the outer package.

5.4 Format of labels on packages
5.4.1 Product information

Labels on packages containing rare earth ores, concentrates, compounds, metals, alloys and solutions

should be put on each outer package, and appropriate inner packages, such that they are readily visible.

Indelible inks should be used in labelling.
5.4.2 Language
The information on the
...