For many years table tennis balls have strangely been classified as dangerous goods by the UN, but seemingly there is good news for ping pong as we move into 2017.

The balls, which are made of celluloid or similar flammable plastics, have been on the list of goods included in ADR regulations (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) because of the deadly fumes produced if they catch light. But amendments that come into force on 1 January should see them removed as a hazardous item.

The new rule SP 383 says table tennis balls are not subject to ADR if they do not exceed 3g net and have a total net mass of 500g per package. Since the sports regulations require all balls used in official matches to be 2.7g, most balls could now be transported as non hazardous if and when the new law is introduced.

Most of us would not consider such an innocuous object, used globally by children as much as adults, to be classified dangerous. Other household products that are sometimes considered hazardous when moved internationally include paint, batteries, cleaning products, perfume, aerosols and air fresheners.

If you would like any advice about your products and their classification then please contact your local Uniserve representative.

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