---
kind: "section"
citation: "49 C.F.R. § 178.700"
title: "49"
number: "178.700"
heading: "Purpose, scope and definitions."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/49/178.700"
---

# §178.700. Purpose, scope and definitions.

- (a) This subpart prescribes requirements applying to IBCs intended for the transportation of hazardous materials. Standards for these packagings are based on the UN Recommendations.
- (b) Terms used in this subpart are defined in [§ 171.8](/cfr/49/171.8.md) of this subchapter and in [paragraph (c)](#c) of this section.
- (c) **The following definitions pertain to the IBC standards in this subpart.**
  - (1) Body means the receptacle proper (including openings and their closures, but not including service equipment) that has a volumetric capacity of not more than 3 cubic meters (3,000 L, 793 gallons, or 106 cubic feet).
  - (2) Service equipment means filling and discharge, pressure relief, safety, heating and heat-insulating devices and measuring instruments.
  - (3) Structural equipment means the reinforcing, fastening, handling, protective or stabilizing members of the body or stacking load bearing structural members (such as metal cages).
  - (4) Maximum permissible gross mass means the mass of the body, its service equipment, structural equipment and the maximum net mass (see [§ 171.8](/cfr/49/171.8.md) of this subchapter).

## Notes

### Amendments

[Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38068, July 26, 1994, as amended by Amdt. 178-108, 60 FR 40038, Aug. 4, 1995; 66 FR 45386, 45387, Aug. 28, 2001; 73 FR 57008, Oct. 1, 2008; 75 FR 5396, Feb. 2, 2010]

### Authority

Authority: 49 U.S.C. 5101-5128; 49 CFR 1.81 and 1.97.

### Amendments

[Amdt. 178-103, 59 FR 38068, July 26, 1994, as amended by Amdt. 178-108, 60 FR 40038, Aug. 4, 1995; 66 FR 45386, 45387, Aug. 28, 2001; 73 FR 57008, Oct. 1, 2008; 75 FR 5396, Feb. 2, 2010]