Metal Corrosivity testing under GLP is required for the classification of substances in the

·         Globally Harmonized System, GHS

·         Classification, Labelling and Packaging in the EU, CLP, H290

·         Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road, ADR Class 8

·         Safety Data Sheets, SDS

·         And equivalent legislation worldwide

The UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (Eighth revised edition) provides in Section 37 the classification scheme and the method for the “test for determining the corrosive potential of liquids and solids that may become liquid as a substance corrosive to metals, packaging group III/category 1”.

In a standardized system, metal plates made from Aluminium and Steel will be immersed, dipped half way and hung in the gas phase of the test solution at 55 °C for 1-4 weeks. Mass loss and localized corrosion will be assessed. In case of a positive result the product will be classified as packing group III for shipping and Corrosive to Metals – Category 1 for GHS.

As stated in the Manual, corrosivity towards skin shall be considered for the classification in Packing Groups according to degree of danger in transport (chapter 2.8 of the Model Regulations). Please, find options for OECD 435 or OECD 431 testing here.

For Biocidal Products the Technical Agreements for Biocides (TAB) – APCP Version 4.3 provides additional requirements, that can easily be implemented in our lab. E.g.

·         Products containing as corrosion inhibitor need to be tested for 4 weeks

·         For products containing reactive or unstable corrosive compounds the test solution should be refreshed in appropriate intervals or analysis needs to prove the stability of the compounds (examples are hydrogen peroxide or organic peroxides)