HAN
Handling Instructions. The EDIFACT segment that says how to handle goods — fragile, keep dry, do not stack, chemical hazard.
Definition
Per UN/EDIFACT D.96A, HAN is used "to specify handling instructions". The segment has two composites:
- C524 — Handling instructions: coded instruction (4079 UNCL with optionally code list 1131 + agency 3055) or free description (4078, up to 70 characters).
- C218 — Hazardous material: hazmat category (7419) and IMDG/ADR class (7418), with originating list/agency.
Recurring UNCL 4079 codes: FRG Fragile, DRY
Keep dry, NSL Do not stack, UPR Keep upright,
RFG Refrigerate, HOT Hot, HAZ
Hazardous, LIV Live animals.
Origin
HAN has been in EDIFACT since D.93A and is primarily consumed by logistic messages — DESADV, IFTMIN, IFTSTA, INSDES. C218 hazmat codes are aligned with IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) and ADR (European road transport of dangerous goods) recommendations, maintained respectively by IMO and UNECE.
Example in context
Fragile pallet to keep dry, in a DESADV:
Reading: one pallet-type package (PAC 201), with two IATA
instructions — fragile and keep dry.