GELG jerry cans look like the real NATO thing, come in plenty of colors including camo, and often cost $30–$70 less than a Wavian. So why pay more? Mostly for one reason: what each brand says you can legally put in it in the US.
The short answer
If you're carrying gasoline or diesel in the US, buy the Wavian. It's sold as EPA and CARB compliant with a safety spout included. GELG's own US site says its cans are not portable fuel containers under EPA and ARB rules, and they ship with a "Not for Fuel Use" tag. GELG can make sense for non-potable water or other liquids. It isn't the can for your fuel.
Side by side
| Wavian (US version) | GELG | |
|---|---|---|
| Made in | Latvia | Not stated by the maker (often reported as Poland) |
| Steel | 0.9 mm cold-rolled, fully welded seams, anti-corrosive coating | 0.8 mm per US reseller, welded, powder-painted inside and out |
| Sizes | 10L and 20L | 5L, 10L and 20L |
| Colors | Red, yellow, blue, OD green, black | Many, including OD, black, sand and camo |
| Spout | Included: bayonet-attached spring-loaded safety spout | Sold separately: flexible open spout, about $10 |
| US fuel use | Sold as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied | Maker says it's "not a portable fuel container" under EPA/ARB rules. Tagged "Not for Fuel Use". |
| US price, 20L | About $120 at RV Parts Giant | About $30–$60, most often about $50 |
Prices change often. They're shown here as of November 2026.
Legal status: the big difference
This isn't a small print issue. GELG's own US site says its cans aren't portable fuel containers as defined by ASTM, EPA and ARB, and marks them not for fuel used on highways. It lists narrow exceptions, such as racing fuel in sanctioned motorsports. Each can carries a "Not for Fuel Use" tag, and some resellers market them for non-potable water. The Wavian cans we sell are listed as EPA and CARB compliant as supplied, with their spout, so you can use one for gasoline in any state.
Build: close, but Wavian is a bit heavier gauge
Both are welded steel NATO-pattern cans, and buyers praise GELG's welds and finish. A US reseller lists GELG at 0.8 mm steel, against 0.9 mm for Wavian. That's a small but real difference for a can that lives on a rack and takes gravel strikes. GELG says its cans are powder-painted inside and out with no separate liner.
Spout and pouring
Wavian includes its safety spout, which locks on with a bayonet and closes on its own. With GELG the spout is extra. The options are plain flexible spouts with no automatic shutoff, and buyers mention it's easy to end up with a can and no spout. See our Wavian spout guide for how the Wavian setup works.
Which should you buy?
- Wavian for gasoline, diesel or kerosene in the US, and anywhere you need a compliant can with a spout in the box.
- GELG if you want an inexpensive NATO-style can for non-potable water or other non-fuel liquids, or a specific color or camo finish, and you'll follow its labeling.
FAQ
Can I put gas in a GELG jerry can?
GELG's own US site says its cans aren't portable fuel containers under EPA and ARB rules, and they're tagged "Not for Fuel Use". For gasoline, use a can sold as EPA and CARB compliant, like the Wavian.
Is GELG thinner than Wavian?
A US reseller lists GELG at 0.8 mm steel. Wavian is 0.9 mm.
Why is GELG cheaper?
Partly the slightly thinner steel and partly that it ships without a spout. The biggest difference for a US buyer, though, is that it isn't sold as a compliant fuel container.
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