Define the load
Separate target net fill from the requested safe working load.
LOAD AND SAFE USE01 02 03
FIBC Load Rating, Safety Factor & Use Guide
Specify target contents weight, required safe working load, safety factor, trip classification, lifting arrangement and use environment together. Size, color and a product photograph cannot establish a load rating.
Define the use
State lifting, discharge, storage and environmental conditions.
Request evidence
Match test and marking records to the proposed design.
DIRECT ANSWER
What information determines an FIBC load requirement?
The buyer should provide the intended contents, target and maximum fill mass, bulk density, lifting method, handling frequency, discharge method, storage conditions and any destination-market requirements. The supplier should then identify the proposed SWL, safety factor and use classification on the quotation and approved specification.
ISO 21898:2024 covers materials, construction, design, type testing and marking for FIBCs intended for non-dangerous solid materials and also gives selection and safe-use guidance. Dangerous goods and electrostatic hazards require separate requirements and evidence; a general catalog page is not proof of either suitability.
DECISION TABLE
Evidence that does and does not support a load decision
| Item | Can it establish a load rating? | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| Bag dimensions or nominal volume | No | Use for fit and capacity planning only |
| Loop or fabric color | No | Treat color as identification unless a controlled specification says otherwise |
| Product photograph | No | Use to identify construction questions, not performance |
| Application category name | No | Confirm contents, use conditions and product-specific evidence |
| Approved specification and marking | Supports identification | Check product code, SWL, SF, trip class and revision |
| Relevant test or qualification record | Can support the stated claim | Check entity, design, method, date and scope |
A technical document is useful only when its identity and scope match the bag that will be supplied.
BOUNDARY
Keep load, capacity and suitability as separate decisions
Capacity describes how much volume may fit. Target net fill describes the intended contents mass. SWL is a stated performance rating for the product. Suitability also depends on the handling method, environment and contents. Combining these into one unqualified “one-ton bag” label hides important decisions.
Ask the supplier to state all load-related values and the units in the same controlled specification. Do not raise the fill mass because a visually similar bag was used elsewhere.
INSPECTION
Reject damage and uncontrolled reuse assumptions
Before use, check the bag, lifting loops, seams, closures, liner arrangement and markings for damage, contamination or mismatch with the order. Do not use a bag whose identification is missing or whose condition creates doubt. Follow the handling instructions for the supplied design and the user site risk assessment.
A single-trip or multiple-trip decision must be explicit. The existence of an intact-looking bag does not by itself authorize reuse. See the storage and inspection guide for record fields.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Escalate dangerous goods and electrostatic questions
If the contents are regulated as dangerous goods, identify the material classification and transport requirements before selecting packaging. UN packaging requirements and approvals are product- and use-specific. For explosive atmospheres or charge-generating operations, IEC 61340-4-4:2018 addresses electrostatic classification and testing of FIBCs; the correct bag and liner combination still requires a full risk assessment.
Use the compliance requirements guide to prepare the information and document request.
BUYER QUESTIONS
Questions buyers ask
What is SWL?
SWL is the safe working load stated for a specific FIBC design. Ask for the value, units, safety factor, trip classification and supporting evidence on the proposed specification.
Can a 100 × 100 × 120 bag be assumed to carry a certain weight?
No. Dimensions do not prove a safe working load. Provide the target fill and use conditions for a product-specific rating review.
Does ISO 9001 certify the load rating of every product?
No. ISO 9001 concerns a quality management system. Product performance still needs evidence that identifies the proposed bag and relevant test or qualification scope.
Can I reuse a single-trip FIBC if it looks undamaged?
Do not infer reuse permission from appearance. Follow the product marking, supplier instructions, applicable requirements and your site risk assessment.
What should appear on the final specification?
Include product code and revision, construction, dimensions, components, SWL, safety factor, trip class, intended contents, handling conditions, marking and required evidence references.
QINGDAO RELIA PACKAGING CO., LTD.
Request a Product-Specific Review
Send the intended contents, target and maximum fill mass, lifting method, environment, trip requirement and evidence your team needs.