Agrochemicals are usually supplied in packages. These may vary greatly in size, from a small bottle or box to a large metal or plastic drum. Packages are made of glass, metal, plastic or paper. In some cases they are subject to high internal pressures. Liquefied gases such as methyl bromide or anhydrous ammonia could evaporate inside the container to exert pressures on its walls. Packages need to be resistant to these pressures or the corrosive action of chemicals.

Agrochemical users should know that each package must comply with the national standards and regulations that apply to the packaging of agrochemicals. Such regulations may not exist in some countries. Therefore, users should be aware of general requirements for packaging. This information will be useful to identify properly packaged agrochemicals during purchase. Improperly packaged products could cause health risks

An agrochemical package should be so designed and constructed that:

• the contents cannot escape during handling, storage, stacking, loading and unloading;

• the contents will not deteriorate or be spoilt;

• the materials from which it is made, including fastenings such as lids, do not react with the contents to form other compounds;

• all parts of it are well, made and will not be adversely affected by changes in atmospheric conditions such as pressure, temperature and humidity;

• it is provided with a seal which is destroyed on opening for the first time, and has a fastening device so designed that it can be repeatedly refastened by the user (figure 9);

• it is labeled or marked