What is the difference between 'package labeling' and 'package marking'?

What is the difference between 'package labeling' and 'package marking'?

• A. Labeling is text, marking is symbols
• B. Labeling refers to symbols or pictograms; marking is text/identification like UN numbers
• C. Labeling and marking are the same
• D. Marking is the date only

Answer: (B)

The important distinction is how information is communicated on the package. Labels convey hazards visually using symbols or pictograms, so handlers can recognize the risk quickly at a glance. Markings provide the exact textual identification and regulatory details the shipment needs, such as UN numbers and the proper shipping name. For lithium batteries, you’d see the hazard label (the pictographic symbol for the battery class) plus any handling marks, while the markings would include UN numbers (like UN 3480 or UN 3481), the proper shipping name, and other required data. So labeling = symbols/pictograms; marking = text-based identification like UN numbers.

The important distinction is how information is communicated on the package. Labels convey hazards visually using symbols or pictograms, so handlers can recognize the risk quickly at a glance. Markings provide the exact textual identification and regulatory details the shipment needs, such as UN numbers and the proper shipping name. For lithium batteries, you’d see the hazard label (the pictographic symbol for the battery class) plus any handling marks, while the markings would include UN numbers (like UN 3480 or UN 3481), the proper shipping name, and other required data. So labeling = symbols/pictograms; marking = text-based identification like UN numbers.