The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was set up in 1947 by ECOSOC. It is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. UNECE's major aim is to promote pan-European economic integration.

When it was set up, UNECE included all participants in the reconstruction of post-war Europe: all European countries, from east and west, and North America. Israel was added to the list in 1991, following an Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) decision. The UNECE region is home to 17% of the world population.

The UN Orange Book means the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations, a guidance document developed by the United Nations to harmonize dangerous goods transport regulations.

The Model Regulations cover the classification of dangerous goods and their listing, the use, construction, testing and approval of packagings and portable tanks, and the consignment procedures (marking, labelling, placarding and documentation).