IATA hazard classes

• All dangerous goods offered for shipment must be classified into one or more of the nine hazard classes and/or divisions as defined by IATA.

Dangerous goods must meet one or more of the hazard class definitions. There are nine hazard classes listed in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation (DGR) — some of which are further subdivided into divisions. The definitions summarized below should be used as guidelines only. Complete specifications for each hazard class and division can be found in the IATA DGR Section 3.

• Class 1 - Explosives A Class 1 explosive is any substance or article, including a device, which is designed to function by explosion, or which by chemical reaction within itself can function in a similar manner even if not designed to function by explosion. Class 1 is subdivided into six divisions:
  • Division 1.1 Explosives that have a mass explosion hazard. A mass explosion ignites almost the entire load instantaneously (e.g., dynamite, nitroglycerine).
  • Division 1.2 Explosives that have a projection hazard, but not a mass explosion hazard (e.g., detonators, flares).
  • Division 1.3 Explosives that have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard, a minor projection hazard, or both, but not a mass explosion hazard (e.g., commercial fireworks, rocket propellant).
  • Division 1.4 Explosives that present a minor explosion hazard. The explosive effects are largely confined to the package, and no projection of fragments of appreciable size or range is to be expected. An external fire must not cause virtually instantaneous explosion of almost the entire contents of the package (e.g., ammunition, consumer fireworks).
  • Division 1.5 Insensitive explosives which have a mass explosion hazard but are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation, or of transition from burning to detonation, under normal conditions of transport (e.g., blasting agents).
  • Division 1.6 Extremely insensitive explosives which do not have a mass explosion hazard. This division consists of articles which do not detonate easily during transportation.

• Class 2 - Gases A Class 2 gas is any substance which has a vapor pressure greater than 45.5 psi (300 kPa) at 122° F (50° C) or is completely gaseous at a standard pressure of 14.7 psi (101.3 kPa) at 68° F (20° C). Class 2 is broken into three divisions:
  • Division 2.1 (flammable gas) Any gas that:
    • Is ignitable when in a mixture of 13 percent or less by volume with air, or
    • Has a flammable range with air of at least 12 percent, regardless of the lower limit.
  • Division 2.2 (non-flammable, non-toxic gas) Any gas that:
    • Is an asphyxiant gas which dilutes or replaces the oxygen normally in the atmosphere, or
    • Is an oxidizing gas which may cause or contribute to the combustion of other material more than air does, or
    • Does not fall under any other division in Class 2.
  • Division 2.3 (toxic) Any gas that:
    • Is known to be so toxic to humans as to pose a hazard to health, or
    • Is presumed to be toxic or corrosive to humans because it has an LC50 value of not more than 5,000 mL/m3 when tested.

• Class 3 - Flammable liquids A Class 3 flammable liquid is any liquid which gives off a flammable vapor at temperatures of not more than 140° F (60° C) in a closed cup test or not more than 150° F (65.6° C) in an open cup test. Class 3 does not have subdivisions.

• Class 4 - Flammable solids A Class 4 material is any flammable solid which falls into one of the following three divisions:
  • Division 4.1 (flammable solid) Flammable solids consist of:
    • Solids that are readily combustible or may cause or contribute to a fire through friction under conditions normally encountered during transport, or
    • Self-reactive substances and polymerizing substances that are likely to undergo a strong exothermic reaction, or
    • Desensitized explosives that may explode if not sufficiently diluted.
  • Division 4.2 (spontaneously combustible) Spontaneously combustible substances are those that are likely to heat up under conditions normally encountered during transportation or likely to catch fire when exposed to air.
  • Division 4.3 (dangerous when wet) A substance that when it encounters water:
    • Is liable to become spontaneously flammable, or
    • Gives off flammable gas.

• Class 5 Oxidizing & organic peroxides A Class 5 substance is any material which falls into one of the following two divisions:
  • Division 5.1 (oxidizing) A substance that may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause or enhance the combustion of other materials.
  • Division 5.2 (organic peroxide) Any organic compound containing oxygen (O) in the bivalent -O-O- structure and which may be considered a derivative of hydrogen peroxide, where one or more of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by organic radicals.

• Class 6 – Toxic and infectious substances A Class 6 material is any material which falls into one of the following two divisions:
  • Division 6.1 (toxic) A material, which is likely to cause death, injury, or harm to humans if swallowed, inhaled, or contacts the skin.
  • Division 6.2 (infectious substance) A material known or reasonably expected to contain a pathogen. A pathogen is a microorganism (including bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi) or other agents, such as a proteinaceous infectious particle (prion), that can cause disease in humans or animals.

• Class 7 Radioactive material A Class 7 material is any material containing radio nuclides where both the activity concentration and the total activity in the consignment exceed the values specified in the IATA DGR Section 10.
• Class 8 Corrosive A Class 8 material is a substance that causes irreversible damage to human skin, or if leaked, will materially damage or destroy other goods or transport vehicle.
• Class 9 Miscellaneous A Class 9 substance is a material which, during transport by air, presents a danger not covered by other hazard classes.

IATA packing groups

• Some dangerous goods are categorized into a packing group, which indicates the level of danger (high to low) that the dangerous goods present.

Some dangerous goods are further subdivided into packing groups. The packing group indicates the degree of danger presented by the dangerous goods.

• Packing Group I — high danger
• Packing Group II — medium danger
• Packing Group III — low danger

Packing groups have been developed for dangerous goods in Class 3, Class 4, Division 5.1, Division 6.1 and Class 8 materials. Some hazardous materials are assigned more than one packing group. Because packing groups impact the type of packaging that can be used, it is critical that each material is assigned to the correct one. The criteria for determining packing groups are included in the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) as follows:

• Section 3.3 — Class 3 (flammable liquid) materials
• Section 3.4 — Class 4 (flammable solid) materials
• Section 3.5 — Division 5.1 (oxidizing) materials
• Section 3.6 — Division 6.1 (poisonous) materials
• Section 3.8 — Class 8 (corrosive) materials

Some substances in Class 9, liquids in Division 5.1, and waste in Division 6.2 have been assigned packing groups according to the List of Dangerous Goods. Requirements for a specific packaging performance level can be found in the applicable packing instruction.

Multiple hazards under IATA

• Some dangerous goods will meet the definition of more than one hazard class. Usually, the hazard class that poses the greatest danger would become the primary hazard.

Occasionally, there will be situations when dangerous goods meet the definition of more than one hazard class, and it’s not specifically listed by name in the List of Dangerous Goods. In this case, you must determine which of the hazard classes will be the primary hazard. Typically, the hazard class that poses the greater hazard during transport would take precedence and become the primary hazard. This determination will impact your selection of the material’s proper shipping name and ultimately, how the material is identified on the required shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods, packaged, marked, labeled, and placarded.

Dangerous goods must be classed according to the precedence of hazard table located in Section 3.10.

Samples under IATA

• IATA has provisions to allow a shipper to classify and ship small samples of unknown dangerous goods to a laboratory for analysis.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has provisions that allow a shipper to classify and ship unknown dangerous goods to a laboratory for analysis. The samples of unknown dangerous goods may be classified by the shipper and assigned a tentative shipping description, based on the: 

• Defining criteria of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR),
• Hazard class of precedence, if required, and
• Shipper’s knowledge of the material.

Proper shipping name

When shipping samples of unknown dangerous goods the shipper must include the word “sample” in conjunction with the proper shipping name, for example:

• Flammable liquid, n.o.s., sample.

When a not-otherwise-specified (n.o.s.) entry is used for the sample, the proper shipping name does not need to include the technical name.

The most severe packing group possible must be used for the selected proper shipping name.

Limitations

Samples using the exception must not be:

• Forbidden materials and packages
• Explosives
• Infectious substance
• Radioactive

Self-reactive substances and organic peroxides samples must meet the conditions in IATA DGR Sections 3.4.1.2.5 and 3.5.2.6, respectively.

All samples must be transported in combination packaging with a net weight not exceeding 2.5 kgs and not packed with any other goods.

Forbidden dangerous goods under IATA

• Substances with certain properties (for example, likely to explode, dangerously react, or emit toxic gases or vapors) may not be transported on aircraft, except under limited circumstances.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) have forbidden substances with the following characteristics from being transported on aircraft. Substances are not permitted to be shipped if they are likely to:

• Explode,
• Dangerously react,
• Produce a flame or dangerous evolution of heat, or
• Emit toxic, corrosive, or flammable gases or vapors.

Substances known to meet the description above are included in the List of Dangerous Goods in the IATA DGR Section 4.2. They are listed in light type (not bold) and contain the word “Forbidden” shown in Columns G – L.

Some dangerous goods may still be transported by air if listed as “Forbidden” in the List of Dangerous Goods if exempted by the appropriate country authority. The dangerous goods include:

• Radioactive material which is:
  • In vented type B(M) packages,
  • In packages which require external cooling by an ancillary cooling system,
  • In packages subject to operational controls during transport,
  • Explosive, or
  • A pyrophoric liquid.
• Unless otherwise provided, articles and substances (including those described as “not otherwise specified”) with a UN number, which are identified in the List of Dangerous Goods as being forbidden.
• Infected live animals.
• Liquids having a vapor inhalation toxicity which require Packing Group I packaging.
• Substances that are offered for transport in a liquid state at temperatures equal to or exceeding 100°C, or in a solid state at temperatures equal to or exceeding 240°C.
• Any other articles or substance as specified by the appropriate national authority.

Hidden dangerous goods under IATA

• Hidden or undeclared dangerous goods pose a danger to safety when transported by air.

Hidden or undeclared dangerous goods are, unfortunately, a common problem in the transportation industry. If not found, the hidden dangerous goods can cause a tragic incident, especially when transported by air. To reduce or eliminate hidden and undeclared dangerous goods, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) require shippers offering certain commodities to verify by endorsement of the Air Waybill that no part of the package contents is dangerous. The commodities include:

The complete list of commodities can be found in the IATA DGR Section 2.2.

Dangerous goods carried by passengers and crew under IATA

• Certain items listed in the IATA DGR may be brought onboard an aircraft by passengers or crew members, as long as restrictions and limitations are adhered to.

Some dangerous goods can only be transported on an aircraft if they are properly packaged, marked, and labeled by a fully qualified person. However, there are items listed in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) which may be brought onboard the aircraft by passengers and crew members, provided that the listed restrictions and limitations are adhered to.

The table in the IATA DGR Section 2.3.A provides details on the items which may be carried onboard the aircraft by passengers, in either their checked or carry-on baggage.

IATA state and operator variations 

• IATA allows for some variations to the DGR for States or countries that have more restrictive requirements than the DGR, or some operators that can’t accommodate all facets of the DGR.

Some States (countries) may have more restrictive requirements for dangerous goods. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) allow these States to have variations to the regulations for dangerous goods going to, from, or within that State. The variations are in addition to the requirements of the IATA DGR.

Airline operators have different capabilities and may not be able to accommodate all facets of dangerous goods. The IATA DGR allows airline operators to have variations to the regulations for dangerous goods being transported on their aircraft. The variations are in addition to the requirements of the IATA DGR.

The IATA DGR lists the State and operator variation code at the beginning of section that applies to all State and operators that have variations that apply to that section.

For example:

• Section 7.1.3 (Quality and Specification of Marks) has State Variations for BNG-02, BRG-06, DQG-04, HKG-02, MYG-06, PKG-01, RUG-01, USG-01, VCG-06, and VUG-01.
• Section 7.3.4 (Class 1 Explosive (Division 1.6)) has State Variations for PKG-01, VCG-06, and VUG-05. Operator Variations for JW-01 and PX-02.

State variations

Each State (country) that has a variation in the IATA DGR is assigned a code. The code consists of three letters that identify the State, the last of which is always a “G” (Government), followed by numbers that identify the sequence of the variation.

For example, Australia’s code is AUG. Australia currently has five variations, 01-05. The third variation would be identified by AUG-03.

• AUG-03 Infectious substances other than human blood products, human urine, and human tissue are prohibited from entry to Australia without prior approval from Australian Health Authorities.

The List of State Variations is in Section 2.8.2. The variations are listed in alpha-numeric order according to the code assigned.

Operator variations

Each airline operator that has opted to have variations in the IATA DGR is assigned a code. The operator code is two alpha-numeric characters that identify the operator followed by numbers that identify the sequence of the variation. For example: United Parcel Service (UPS) code is 5X. UPS currently has 9 variations, 01-09. UPS’s fifth variation would be identified as 5X-05.

• 5X-05 All Services: When an IATA Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is required, the shipper must present three original copies.

Identifying dangerous goods

• Identifying dangerous goods involves selecting the proper shipping name, selecting a generic or n.o.s. name, and identifying whether the substance is a mixture or solution.

Once familiar with and upon selecting the appropriate hazard class and packing group, the process of identifying the dangerous goods can begin. Identifying dangerous goods involves selecting the proper shipping name, selecting a generic or “not otherwise specified” (n.o.s.) name, and what to do with a mixture or solution.

If assistance is needed in identifying your dangerous goods, there are a few options available:

1. Send the material to a laboratory to be tested. The lab will analyze the goods and send the information back. This is generally done with new dangerous goods that have been developed.
2. Refer to the material’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Section 14 of the SDS typically contains relevant transportation information, such as the ID number, proper shipping name, hazard class, and packing group, for dangerous goods.

Proper shipping names

The List of Dangerous Goods is used to select the proper shipping name and contains approximately 3,000 substances likely to be transported by air. Using Column B in the List of Dangerous Goods, locate the name of the dangerous goods to be shipped. Only the names in bold type are proper shipping names. Portions of an entry that are not in bold type are not part of the proper shipping name but may be used.

If the UN or ID number of the substance is known, but not the proper shipping name, use the Cross-reference list to locate the proper shipping name. Then, locate the substance in the List of Dangerous Goods to access additional shipping information.

Generic and n.o.s. names

If the name of the substance you are shipping is not contained in the List of Dangerous Goods, you must first make sure it is not forbidden for transport by referring to the IATA DGR Section 2.1. If your substance is not forbidden, select a generic or “not otherwise specified” (n.o.s.) description, found in the List of Generic and n.o.s. Proper Shipping Names of Section 4.1, that most accurately describes your material. For example:

• The most suitable proper shipping name for a material not listed in Column B by name but that meets the Class 3 (flammable liquid) hazard definition may be “Flammable liquid, n.o.s.”
• If a material is an alcohol that is not listed by name, “Alcohols, n.o.s.” may be the most satisfactory proper shipping name.

Generic or n.o.s. proper shipping names followed by a star symbol must include a technical or chemical group name.

Mixtures and solutions

Dangerous goods that are a mixture or solution of one or more substances must be identified by the proper shipping name of the predominant substance. The appropriate word “mixture” or “solution” must be added to the proper shipping name. The applicable concentration of the mixture or solution may also be indicated in the proper shipping name. For example: Acetone 80% solution.

Keep in mind that if a mixture or solution is combined with a substance not considered a dangerous good and is diluted to a point where it no longer meets the definition of any hazard class, it would no longer be regulated by the IATA DGR.

IATA Shipper’s Declaration specifications 

• The Shipper’s Declaration must meet detailed specifications regarding size, type of printing, English wording, and more.

The Shipper’s Declaration must meet very detailed specifications, including:

• Wording in English, but may include accurate translations of another language;
• Printing in black and red on white paper, or in red only; the diagonal hatchings printed vertically in the left and right margins must be red; and
• Printing on ISO standard paper size A3 or A4, or the North American equivalent (11 x 17 inches or 11 x 8.5 inches).

Shippers must avoid adding any irrelevant information on the declaration. If both dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods are listed on the declaration, the dangerous goods must be listed first or highlighted or emphasized in some way to call them out.

If a Shipper’s Declaration form was created by a computer, then the form must still meet the specifications identified in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

IATA Shipper’s Declaration general instructions 

• Instructions for properly completing a Shipper’s Declaration are found in the IATA DGR Section 8.1.6.

The “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods” form must be completed strictly according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 8.1.6, “Detailed Instructions for Completing the Declaration Form.” The shipper is required to enter all details on the Shipper’s Declaration, except that the “Air waybill number,” “Airport of Departure,” and “Airport of Destination,” may be entered or amended by the shipper, the shipper’s agent, or by the operator. Any other details can be entered only by the shipper, or persons/organizations employed by the shipper to act on the shipper’s behalf.

The Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods must contain the following information:

• Shipper: Enter the full name and address of the shipper.
• Consignee: Enter the full name and address of the consignee.
• Air Waybill Number: Enter the appropriate Air Waybill number for the shipment.
• Page … of … Pages: Enter the appropriate page number and total number of pages.
• Aircraft Limitations: Delete the box that does not apply to indicate whether the shipment is packed to comply with the limitations for passenger and cargo aircraft or cargo aircraft only. Refer to Section 8.1.6.5 for complete details of this section.
• Airport of Departure: Enter the full name of the airport or city of departure. This information is optional and may be left blank.
• Airport of Destination: Enter the full name of the airport or city of destination. This information is optional and may be left blank.
• Shipment Type: Indicate if the shipment is non-radioactive or radioactive. If Radioactive, Radioactive materials cannot be included on the same declaration form as other dangerous goods except for Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) if used as a refrigerant.
• Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods: Refer to complete details in Section 8.1.6.9 and 8.1.6.10. Enter the identification of each dangerous good in the following order:
  • UN number
  • Proper shipping name (see IATA DGR Section 8.1.3 for complete details)
  • Class/division, subsidiary class/division listed in parenthesis
  • Packing group
  • Quantity and type of packaging
  • Packing instruction number
  • Authorization
• Additional Handling Information: Enter any special handling information relevant to the shipment. Note that there are details required for the handling of or samples of organic peroxides and self-reactive substances, chemical oxygen generators, infectious substances and controlled substances, fireworks classification references, and viscous flammable liquids.
• Certification Statement: The Shipper’s Declaration must include a certification statement and the air transport declaration statement:
  
  “I hereby declare that the contents of this consignment are fully and accurately described above by the proper shipping name and are classified, packaged, marked and labelled/placarded and are in all respects in proper condition for transport according to applicable international and national governmental regulations. “I declare that all of the applicable air transport requirements have been met.”
  
• Name and Title of Signatory: Enter the name and title of the person signing the declaration. The title is optional.
• Date: Enter the date when the Shipper’s Declaration was signed. The date format is not mandated; however, YYYY-MM-DD is preferred.
• Signature: The declaration must be signed by the shipper.

In addition, other information may be required by the national authority depending on the mode of transport. For example, this additional information could include the flash point or flash point range in degrees Celsius.

Copies and recordkeeping

If using paper declarations, the shipper must provide the operator with two signed copies of the Shipper’s Declaration. The operator will keep one copy and the other copy will be sent with the shipment. Carbon copies are acceptable. Only the original operator is required to keep the copy; if a shipment is transhipped, a photocopy is acceptable.

If the declaration is via electronic data processing (EDP) or electronic data interchange (EDI), the data must be able to immediately be produced as a hard copy paper document, including all of the pertinent details.

The shipper is required to keep the Shipper’s Declaration for at least three months. If the declarations are kept electronically, the shipper must be able to print them.

IATA Shipper’s Declaration exceptions and special circumstances

• There are some exceptions in which a Shipper’s Declaration may not be needed, and special circumstances that may require variations to the Shipper’s Declaration from the general instructions.

The following dangerous goods do not require a Shipper’s Declaration:

• UN 3164, Articles, pressurized, hydraulic (see Packing Instruction 208(a));
• UN 3164, Articles, pressurized, pneumatic (see Packing Instruction 208(a));
• UN 3373, Biological substance, Category B (see Packing Instruction 650));
• UN 1845, Carbon dioxide, solid (Dry ice) when used as a refrigerant for other than dangerous goods (see Packing Instruction 954(c));
• Dangerous goods in excepted quantities (see 2.6.8);
• UN 3245, Genetically modified organisms, Genetically modified microorganisms (see Packing Instruction 959);
• Lithium ion or lithium metal cells or batteries meeting the provisions of Section II of Packing Instructions 965–970;
• UN 2807, Magnetized material (see Packing Instruction 953);
• Radioactive material, excepted packages (RRE) (see 10.5.8).

Special circumstances

Take note of the following special circumstances surrounding the Shipper’s Declaration:

• Consolidated shipments. Consolidated shipments (consignment of multi-packages) require separate declaration forms for each part of the shipment containing dangerous goods. See Section 8.1.2.4 for more details.
• Multi-page declarations. If there’s not enough room for the “Nature and Quantity of Dangerous Goods” box to include the required information, additional pages can be used. The additional pages must have vertical red hatchings. Each page must list the page number and total number of pages along with the Air Waybill number.
• Alterations and Amendments. Altered or amended declaration forms will not be accepted by operators; however, they may be accepted if the alteration was signed by the shipper. Note that the Air Waybill Number and the Airport of Departure or Destination are exceptions.
• Carbon dioxide. When Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) is used as a refrigerant for dangerous goods that require a Shipper’s Declaration, the details of the Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) must be shown on the Shipper’s Declaration.

Additional documentation required

The following additional documentation requirements must be followed when applicable:

IATA air waybill dangerous goods requirements 

• An air waybill is a document that gives more detail about the dangerous goods that are being shipped.

Air waybills are simply documents that give more detail about the cargo being shipped. When dangerous goods are involved, air waybills have additional requirements as provided in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 8.2.

The “Handling Information” section of an air waybill accompanying dangerous goods must include:

1. A statement declaring “Dangerous goods as per associated Shipper’s Declaration” or “Dangerous Goods as per associated DGD” and/or “Cargo Aircraft Only” or “CAO.”
2. When mixed shipments of dangerous goods and non-dangerous goods are involved, the number of pieces of dangerous goods. This information can appear before or after the statement in item 1.

If a Shipper’s Declaration is not required for the shipment, the “Nature and Quantity of Goods” box on an air waybill must show the following:

• UN or ID number (not required for Magnetized Material);
• Proper shipping name;
• Number of packages (unless these are the only packages within the consignment); and
• Net quantity per package (required only for UN 1845). The order of these items is not mandated, but the order provided above is preferred.

Excepted quantities

The requirements specified above for the “Handling Information” and “Nature and Quantity of Goods” do not apply to “excepted quantities of dangerous goods,” but the air waybill must reflect this information. The air waybill’s “Nature and Quantity of Goods” box must state, “Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities” along with the number of packages (unless these are the only packages within the consignment).

IATA markings

• Dangerous goods packaging must include specific markings on the outside, including proper shipping name, UN/ID number, name and address of the shipper and consignee, net quantity, and more.

Unless otherwise stated in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR), the outside of each package must be durably and legibly marked with the:

• Proper Shipping Name(s) including the UN/ID number(s). This information is provided in the IATA DGR Section 4.2, the table listing the proper shipping names and UN/ID numbers.
• Full name and address of the shipper.
• Full name and address of the consignee.
• Net quantity. The net quantity is the net quantity of dangerous goods in each package. The net quantity must appear next to the proper shipping name and UN/ID number; however, if there’s only one dangerous goods package, multiple packages of the same dangerous goods, consumer commodity (ID 8000), or radioactive materials (Class 7), the net quantity requirement does not apply.

Note there are special marking requirements for the following materials; consult the IATA DGR for more details:

• Dry ice;
• Division 6.2, Infectious Substances (other than UN3373);
• Class 2, Refrigerated Liquefied Gases referenced in Packing Instruction 202;
• UN3373, Biological Substance, Category B materials;
• Chemical oxygen generators contained in Protective Breathing Equipment; and
• Environmentally hazardous substances.

Outer packagings containing more than one dangerous good must be marked for each dangerous good.

Marking specifications and sizes

The UN/ID number and “overpack” marks must be at least 12 mm high. If a package meets any one of the following, the UN/ID number must be at least 6 mm high:

• A package that is 30 liters capacity or less,
• A package of 30 kilograms maximum net weight; or
• Cylinders of 60 liters water capacity or less.

The UN/ID number must be reduced, but still viewable (an appropriate size), if a package is 5 liters capacity or less or 5 kilograms maximum net weight.

Overpack marks displaying the word “Overpack” should be 6 millimeters if the packages are 30 liters or 30 kilograms capacity or less.

Limited quantity markings

Dangerous goods in limited quantities must be marked with the limited quantities marking. The marking is as follows:

Each side of the marking must be 100 mm (approximately 4 inches) and the black diamond outline must be 2 mm wide.

If necessary to fit onto the package, the marking can be made smaller. The marking can be no less than 50 mm per side, with the black diamond outline at least 1 mm wide.

Salvage markings

Salvage packaging must be marked with the dangerous good’s proper shipping name and the UN number. The package must also have “SALVAGE” marked on the package in letters at least 12 mm high.

Markings on empty packagings

Except for Class 7 materials, an empty package that previously contained dangerous goods requires markings unless it has been thoroughly cleaned and purged (in the case of infectious substances, before it can be returned to the shipper or shipped to another place, the empty packaging must be thoroughly disinfected/sanitized).

Lithium battery markings

Lithium battery shipments are required to display this lithium battery marking, with a minimum dimension of 100 millimeters high by 100 millimeters wide, with hatching at least 5 mm wide:

A lithium battery marking may be reduced in size if the size of the package requires it, but no less than 100 millimeters by 70 millimeters.

• The following items are required on the marking:
• The following UN/ID numbers as applicable, in numerals at least 12 millimeters high:
  • “UN 3090” for lithium metal cells or batteries;
  • “UN 3480” for lithium ion cells or batteries;
  • “UN 3091” for lithium metal cells or batteries contained in, or packed with, equipment; or
  • “UN 3481” for lithium ion cells or batteries contained in, or packed with, equipment;
• Telephone number for additional information.

If the UN/ID number varies among the types of batteries in a single package, then all UN/ID numbers must be indicated on one or more markings.

In certain cases, lithium battery packages must display both the lithium battery mark and the lithium battery Class 9 hazard label. See the IATA DGR Section 7.1.5.5.4 for more details.

Orientation arrows

Arrows (other than orientation arrows) cannot be placed on a package or overpack containing liquid dangerous goods.

Overpack markings

If the markings aren’t visible through the overpack, then the overpack must be marked accordingly. An “overpack” marking must appear on the outside of the overpack along with other required markings (except for net quantity of each package, unless the overpack contains UN1845, the total quantity of dry ice within the overpack must be marked).

However, if an overpack contains more than one UN number, then the total quantity of dangerous goods should be shown by UN number.

If a shipment contains more than one overpack, then each one must have some type of identification along with the total quantity of dangerous goods.

Limited quantity markings are also required on the overpack, unless the limited quantity marking on the packages is visible.

IATA labeling

• Correct labeling must be supplied for each dangerous substance in a package. Labels must meet IATA DGR specifications as to color, size, placement location on the package, and more.

When labeling a package, shippers have certain responsibilities under the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) when a package or overpack is offered to the operator for shipment. Shippers must remove or cover any irrelevant labeling on packages or overpacks. They must ensure that labels are durable and meet the specifications in the regulations (color, size, etc.). Shippers must also ensure labels are placed in the appropriate spot, on a contrasting background (or outlined with a dotted line or solid line), and include any additional details as required.

Packages must be labeled for each dangerous substance in a package.

Label specifications and sizes

Generally, labels must be diamond-shaped and be at least 100 millimeters by 100 millimeters. They require a line inside the edge of the label forming a diamond that’s about 5 millimeters from the outside of the line to the edge of the label. Labels must display the class or division number.

“Worded” labels are acceptable (the hazard can be provided on the lower half of the label in addition to the division number or compatibility group). See the IATA DGR Section 7.3 for hazard labels and Section 7.4 for handling label colors, sizes, specifications, and examples.

Label placement

• Labels must on the packaging on-point (in a diamond shape).
• Labels must be placed on a cylinder or slim package in a such a way so that it does not overlap itself. Labels must also be placed so that they aren’t bent around the corner of the package (the package should be big enough to accommodate the label(s)).
• If a package is oddly shaped, a label can be placed on a tag and affixed to the package.
• Labels must be placed on the same side of the package as the proper shipping name mark and next to the shipper’s or consignee’s address.
• If primary and subsidiary labels are required, the labels must be on the same side of the package and next to each other. If different dangerous goods are packed together in one package, but multiple labels are required, they must appear on the package next to each other.

Empty packaging labels

If a package once contained dangerous goods, it must be marked and labeled as if it still contained the dangerous goods; however, if the packaging has been thoroughly cleaned and purged (or disinfected if it contained infectious substances), labels are not required.

Other labels

See the IATA DGR Sections 7.4.4 through 7.4.G for handling labels specifications for the following labels:

• Magnetized material – used on packages and/or overpacks with magnetized materials.
• “Cargo Aircraft Only” – used on dangerous goods that are allowed on cargo aircraft only and placed on the same side of the package as, and close to, the hazard labels.
• Cryogenic liquids – used with the non-flammable gas label for cryogenic liquids.
• Package orientation (This Way Up) – used on packages containing liquid dangerous goods (note that orientation arrows aren’t allowed for any other purpose other than to show package orientation on liquid dangerous goods packages).
• Keep away from heat – used on packages containing self-reactive materials (Division 4.1 and 5.2).
• Radioactive materials, excepted package – used on excepted packages of radioactive materials except for packages with UN3507 or if special provision A130(b) applies.

Package orientation labels aren’t required on certain types of packages; for example, liquid dangerous goods in inner packages containing 120 milliliters or less (packed in absorbent materials) or dangerous goods in inner packagings not exceeding 500 milliliters that are packed in gas-tight packagings. See the IATA DGR Section 7.2.4.4 for a complete listing.

Other markings and labels

Markings that indicate how a package must be handled or stored, or symbols on labels that indicate this information, can also be displayed on a package if appropriate. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) symbols are recommended.

Accepting cargo under IATA

• Staff who accept cargo for shipment must be trained to identify dangerous goods and to confirm with shippers the contents of the cargo if there are questions about whether dangerous goods are included.
• Dangerous goods must be accompanied by information about the contents of the shipment, such as a Shipper’s Declaration.

Operators’ acceptance staff must be trained to identify and detect dangerous goods present as general cargo. Information about the following must be provided to cargo acceptance staff:

• Descriptions frequently used for items in cargo which may contain dangerous goods; and
• Other indications, such as labels or marks, that dangerous goods may be present.

Staff should seek confirmation from shippers about the contents of any item of cargo if there are suspicions that it contains dangerous goods to help prevent undeclared dangerous goods on an aircraft. Many ordinary looking items may contain dangerous goods; for example, car parts, electrical equipment, household goods, and battery-powered devices/equipment. See a complete listing in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 2.2.

Operators are prohibited from accepting packages or overpacks with dangerous goods or a unit load device containing dangerous goods, or a freight container containing radioactive material for transport aboard an aircraft unless one of the following is met:

• There are two copies of the “Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods”;
• The information applicable to the consignment is provided in electronic form; or
• The shipment is accompanied by alternative documentation, if allowed.

If a Shipper’s Declaration is used, then one copy of the declaration form must accompany the consignment to final destination, and the other copy must be retained by the operator at a location on the ground where it’s available to access.

If the information is provided electronically, the information must be available to the operator during transport and the data must be able to be produced as a paper document. If a paper document is provided, the data must be presented as required by IATA DGR Section 8.

Acceptance checklist under IATA

• Operators must check for compliance before accepting cargo for shipment.

Before a consignment is first accepted for carriage by air, the operator must use a checklist to verify:

• The documentation is compliant;
• The quantity is within the limits per packages on aircraft (either cargo or passenger);
• The markings are consistent with the Shipper’s Declaration and are visible;
• The labels are appropriate;
• The outer packaging of combination packaging or the single packaging is permitted and is the type stated on the Shipper’s Declaration;
• The package or overpack does not contain dangerous goods that require segregation; and
• The dangerous goods are not leaking and the package integrity is not compromised.

Operators must identify the person who performs the check.

There are exceptions to these procedures; see the table in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 9.1.3.3.

Loading dangerous goods on aircraft/cargo aircraft under IATA

• Some dangerous goods must be transported by cargo aircraft only. Other types of dangerous goods may be allowed on a passenger aircraft, but with some restrictions (such as not carried in the aircraft cabin or the flight deck).

Dangerous goods cannot be carried in the aircraft cabin with passengers or on the flight deck (unless permitted under certain parts of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)).

Dangerous goods may be carried in a main deck cargo compartment of a passenger aircraft provided that the compartment meets all the certification requirements.

Dangerous goods that could react with one another cannot be stowed together on an aircraft. Segregation requirements can be found in the IATA DGR Section 9.3.2.

If a dangerous good displays the “Cargo Aircraft Only” label, then it is prohibited on passenger aircraft. If the shipment is for cargo aircraft only, then one of the following loading provisions apply:

• In a Class C aircraft cargo compartment;
• In a unit load device (ULD) equipped with a fire detection/suppression system equivalent to that required by the certification requirements of a Class C aircraft cargo compartment as determined by the appropriate national authority (a ULD that is determined by the appropriate national authority to meet the Class C aircraft cargo compartment standards must include “Class C compartment” on the ULD tag);
• In such a manner that in the event of an emergency involving such packages or overpacks, a crew member or other authorized person can access those packages or overpacks and can handle and where size and weight permit, separate such packages from other cargo;
• External carriage by helicopter; or
• With the approval of the State of the operator, for helicopter operations, in the cabin.

There are some exceptions to this requirement provided in the IATA DGR Section 9.3.4.3.

Damaged dangerous goods packages under IATA

• Packages and overpacks must be inspected for leaks or other damage. If such damage is found, the area must be inspected for contamination, and the contamination removed.
• If infectious substances are involved, the proper public health authorities must be notified.

Operators are required to ensure dangerous goods packages are protected from damage. Packages must be secure to prevent movement during transport.

Packages and overpacks must be inspected to ensure they are not leaking or damaged. Before loading on an aircraft, unit load devices must be free of leaks or damage.

If labels are lost or illegible, the operator is required to replace them (does not apply if the labels are missing or illegible when the package is accepted).

Before unloading from the aircraft or unit load device, packages and overpacks must be inspected for signs of damage or leaking. If damage or leaks are found, the area around the dangerous goods on the aircraft must be inspected for damage or contamination. Any contamination must be removed.

If packages contain infectious substances and are found to be damaged or leaking, the person who noticed the issue must avoid handling the package (or keep handling to a minimum), inspect surrounding areas, inform the public health authority or veterinary authority in the countries of transit to inform them of the potential danger, and notify the shipper and/or the consignee.

IATA notifications to the pilot-in-command 

• The operator of an aircraft that is transporting dangerous goods must notify the pilot-in-command and ensure the pilot has accurate information about the dangerous goods on board the aircraft.

As soon as possible prior to the aircraft’s departure (but not after the aircraft moves under its own power), the operator of an aircraft in which dangerous goods are to be carried must:

• Provide the pilot-in-command with accurate information concerning dangerous goods that are to be carried; and
• Provide personnel with responsibilities for operational control of the aircraft, such as the flight operations officer, flight dispatcher, or designated ground personnel responsible for flight operations, with the same information that is provided to the pilot-in-command. Each operator must specify the personnel (job title or function) to be provided this information in their operations manual and/or other appropriate manuals.

The notification must include the items provided for in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 9.5.1.1.

IATA accident and incident reporting 

• Operators must report accidents or incidents involving the transportation of dangerous goods.

Operators must report:

• Dangerous goods accidents or incidents to the appropriate authorities of the State of the operator and the State in which the accident or incident occurred.
• When undeclared or mis-declared dangerous goods are found in cargo or mail, to the appropriate authorities of the State of the operator and the State in which the incident occurred.

If there is an aircraft accident or serious incident where dangerous goods are involved, the operator immediately must provide information to emergency services responding to the accident or serious incident. The information includes data about the dangerous goods on board, as shown on the information to the pilot-in-command.

The operator must immediately provide the same information to the State authorities of the operator and the State in which the accident or serious incident occurred. The information must also be shared with emergency services responding to the incident.

Operators must report to their State when:

• Dangerous goods were carried when not appropriately loaded, segregated, separated or secured;
• Dangerous goods were carried without appropriate information provided to the Pilot-in-Command.

IATA training requirements and record retention

• Operators must ensure that the employees involved with transporting dangerous goods are properly trained in their responsibilities.
• Operators must ensure that applicable transport documents (such as the Shipper’s Declaration) are retained for a minimum of three months following the transport

Operators must ensure training is provided to employees to enable them to carry out the dangerous goods transportation functions regarding passengers and their baggage, and cargo and mail. The training requirements can be found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 1.5.

Operators must keep at least one copy of the documents or information appropriate to the transport by air of a dangerous goods consignment, for a minimum period of three months after the flight on which the dangerous goods were transported.

At a minimum, the documents which must be retained are the Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods and other applicable transport documents, the acceptance checklist (when this is in a form which requires completion), the identification of the person who performed the acceptance check and the written information to the pilot-in-command.

These documents or the information must be made available to the appropriate national authority upon request.

If a package or overpack containing dangerous goods or freight container containing radioactive material or unit load device containing dangerous goods was not accepted by an operator because of an error or omission by the shipper in packaging, labeling, marking or documentation, then a copy of the documentation and the checklist (when this is in a form which requires completion), and the identification of the person who performed the acceptance check should be retained for a minimum period of three months after the completion of the acceptance checklist.

If documents or information are kept electronically or in a computer system, they should be capable of being printed.

General packing requirements under IATA

• There can be many variations to packing requirements listed in the IATA DGR. Shippers should consult the packing requirements themselves, as well as variations listed in IATA DGR Section 2.8.

States and operators commonly submit variations to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Always check for applicable variations to packing requirements, which are listed in the IATA DGR Section 2.8:

• Variations against commodities in the List of Dangerous Goods are referenced in the appropriate packing instruction, and
• Variations related to the text of the IATA DGR are referenced under the subsection headings.

Substances assigned to packing groups by experience rather than through the application of any technical criteria are shown in the List of Dangerous Goods. The list also indicates the packing group to which a listed substance is assigned. The packing group criteria for the classes and divisions are given in the IATA DGR Section 3.

Radioactive materials

The general packing requirements of this subsection do not apply to Class 7 Radioactive Materials. When packing radioactive materials, the shipper must comply with the packing instructions, packaging specifications, and performance testing in the IATA DGR Section 10.

IATA packaging quality requirements

• Packagings for dangerous goods must be strong enough to withstand conditions encountered during transport, including through different modes of travel (highway, air, etc.)
• Packaging must be appropriate to the type of material being shipped, whether it is a solid, liquid, or liquid that may become a solid.
• Before filling and handing over for transport, shippers must inspect every packaging to ensure it is free from corrosion, contamination, or other damage.

Dangerous goods packagings must be strong enough to withstand the shocks and loadings normally encountered in transport. Packages must prevent any loss of contents that might be caused:

• Under normal conditions of transport,
• By vibration, or
• By changes in temperature, humidity, or pressure (resulting from altitude, for example).

All packages, inner packagings, and receptacles must be closed according to manufacturer instructions. No dangerous residue may adhere to the outside of packages during transport. This applies to all packaging, including new, reconditioned, and remanufactured.

During shipping, packages regularly move between different modes of transport, from vehicles into warehouses and then onto aircraft, for example. To avoid damage and leakage from packages during transport, shippers should take this into account when selecting appropriate packaging or determining the suitability of an already packaged item.

Because of this, when transporting single steel or aluminum packagings in narrow-bodied aircraft, always provide overpacks, pallets, or another means to protect the bottom head and chime against abrasive effects experienced in loading the aircraft.

Also use overpacks for small single packagings (with a capacity of 2 L or less) to:

• Facilitate handling, and
• Permit adequate securing of the dangerous goods aboard the aircraft.

Manufacturers and subsequent distributors of packagings must provide:

• Procedures to be followed for use (including closure instructions for inner packagings and receptacles);
• A description of the types and dimensions of closures (including required gaskets); and
• Any other components needed to ensure that packages presented for transport comply with applicable performance tests and pressure differential requirements.

Packaging test requirements

New, remanufactured, reused, or reconditioned packagings must meet the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 6. The packagings must be manufactured and tested under a quality assurance program to ensure that they meet the applicable requirements.

Temperature and vibration resistance

The body and the closure of any packaging must be constructed to resist the effects of temperature and vibration that occur in normal conditions of transport. The closure device must be designed so it:

• Is unlikely to be incorrectly or incompletely closed,
• May easily be checked to determine that it is completely closed, and
• Remains closed during transport.

Closures on inner packagings containing liquids must be held securely, tightly, and effectively in place by secondary means.

When secondary means of closure cannot be used, the inner packaging must be:

• Securely closed,
• Placed in a leakproof liner, and
• Placed in an outer packaging.

Internal pressure standards

Packagings designed to retain liquid must be capable of withstanding, without leakage, an internal pressure that produces a pressure differential of the greater of the following:

• Not less than 95 kPa (0.95 bar),
• Not less than 75 kPa (0.75 bar) for liquids in Packing Group III of Class 3 or Division 6.1, or
• A pressure related to the vapor pressure of the liquid to be conveyed.

The pressure related to the vapor pressure must be determined by one of the methods described in the IATA DGR Section 5.0.2.9.

Packagings for liquids

Packaging that will contain liquids must successfully pass a test showing it is leak-proof:

• Before it is first used for transport; and
• Before it is used for transport after being remanufactured or reconditioned.

Packagings for solids that may become liquid

Packagings used for solids that may become liquid at temperatures encountered during air transport must be able to contain that substance in the liquid state.

Packagings for solids (both inner and single) that may be permitted by the packing instruction should not be used if they are unsuitable for containing liquids. For example, paper or plastic bags as inner packagings or unlined fiber drums as single packagings should not be used.

Where single packagings are permitted for these substances, only single packagings approved for solid materials may be used.

IATA inner packagings requirements

• Inner packaging must be packed in such a way that they will not break, be punctured, or leak into outer packaging.

Inner packagings must be packed, secured, or cushioned in outer packaging so that they cannot:

• Break,
• Be punctured, or
• Leak their contents into the outer packaging.

Inner packagings containing liquids must be:

• Packaged with their closures upward, and
• Placed within outer packagings consistent with the requirements for orientation marks.

Inner packagings that could break or be punctured easily must be secured in the outer packagings with suitable cushioning material. Any leakage of contents must not impair the protective properties of the cushioning material or of the outer packaging.

“Inner packaging” versus “inner receptacle”

The inners of combination packagings are termed “inner packagings.” A glass bottle is an example of such an inner packaging.

The inners of composite packagings are termed “inner receptacles.” For example, the inner of a 6HA1 composite packaging is an “inner receptacle,” since it is not designed to perform a containment function without its outer packaging.

Using different inner packagings

If an outer packaging of a combination packaging has been successfully tested with different types of inner packagings, a variety of those different inner packagings may be assembled in the outer packaging.

If an equivalent level of performance is maintained, the following variations in inner packagings are also allowed without further testing of the package:

• Inner packagings of equivalent or smaller size may be used if:
  • The inner packagings are of similar shape to the tested inner packagings;
  • The material of construction of the inner packagings offers resistance to impact and stacking forces equal to or greater than that of the originally tested inner packaging;
  • The inner packagings have the same or smaller openings and the closure is of similar design;
  • Sufficient additional cushioning material is used to take up void spaces and to prevent movement of the inner packagings; and
  • Inner packagings are oriented within the outer packaging in the same manner as in the tested package.
• A lesser number of the tested or alternative inner packagings may be used if sufficient cushioning is added to fill the void space and prevent movement of the inner packagings.

IATA overpacks and salvage packaging

• Overpacks should not include substances that may react with each other or that require segregation.
• Each package inside an overpack must be properly packed, marked, and labeled.
• Overpacks may contain packages of goods that are not subject to the DGR

Overpacks used to enclose packages of dangerous goods must meet the following requirements:

• The overpack must not contain substances that might react dangerously with each other or packages of dangerous goods that require segregation.
• Packages containing lithium metal batteries or lithium ion batteries are not permitted in an overpack with packages containing certain dangerous goods.
• Each package inside an overpack must be:
  • Properly packed, marked, and labeled;
  • Free of any indication of damage or leakage;
  • Properly prepared as required in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR); and
  • Secured within the overpack.

The overpack may not impair the intended function of any inner package.

The overpack may also contain packages of goods not subject to the DGR.

Shippers are advised to check for applicable variations, which are listed in the IATA DGR Section 2.8. Numerous operator variations exist for using overpacks.

Package/Overpack reuse

Before reusing a packaging or an overpack, the shipper must remove or completely obliterate all inappropriate dangerous goods marks and labels.

Not all packages are intended to be reused for shipments of dangerous goods. When a package meets the conditions of the Dangerous Goods Packing Test Requirements and may be reused, the shipper must have access to:

• The procedures to be followed (including closure instructions);
• A description of the types and dimensions of closures; and
• Any other components needed to ensure that packages pass performance tests and meet pressure differential requirements.

Salvage packaging

Numerous operator variations exist for using salvage packaging. Be sure to check for applicable variations, which are listed in the IATA DGR Section 2.8. Damaged, defective, leaking, or non-conforming packages, or dangerous goods that have spilled or leaked, may be transported in salvage packagings that meet certain requirements.

To use salvage packagings, shippers must:

• Take appropriate measures to prevent excessive movement of the damaged or leaking packages within the salvage packaging.
• When the salvage packaging contains liquids, add absorbent material to eliminate the presence of free liquid.
• Meet all applicable requirements of the DGR.
• Obtain prior approval from the appropriate national authority to ship the salvage packagings.

Salvage packagings must be single packagings of material that is resistant to any chemical or other action of the leaking or spilled dangerous goods. Only one damaged, defective, or leaking package may be packed in any single salvage packaging.

Damaged, defective, or leaking packages of certain dangerous goods of Classes 1, 2 and 7 and Division 6.2 must not be transported in salvage packagings. An exception to this restriction is available for clinical waste and medical waste under UN 3291.

Damaged, defective, or leaking packages of certain self-reactive substances in Division 4.1 or substances in Division 5.2 must not be transported in metal salvage packagings meeting Packing Group I requirements.

IATA compatibility requirements

• Shippers must ensure that the packaging used for dangerous goods will not be affected or weakened by contact with the dangerous goods, or otherwise compromised by things such as chemical reactions, temperatures during transport, and more

Parts of packagings that are in direct contact with dangerous goods:

• Must not be affected or weakened by the dangerous goods;
• Must not cause a dangerous effect, catalyze, or react with the dangerous goods; and
• Must not allow permeation of the dangerous goods that could create a danger under normal conditions of transport.

Where necessary, the packagings must include a suitable inner coating or treatment.

Shippers must also ensure that absorbent materials and the materials of intermediate packagings for liquids do not react dangerously with the liquid.

Materials may not be used if they can be significantly softened or rendered brittle or permeable:

• By temperatures experienced during transport, or
• Because of the chemical action of the contents, or
• From the use of a refrigerant.

While certain packagings are specified in individual packing instructions, it is the responsibility of the shipper to ensure that all packagings are in every way compatible with the articles or substances contained in those packagings. Pay particular attention to the following:

• The effect of fluorine on glass,
• The effects of corrosion on metals such as steel and aluminum, and
• The interaction of substances with polymer materials.

Shippers must:

• Ensure that packagings used are compatible with the dangerous goods to be transported, and
• Provide evidence of those measures or assessments when requested.

Different dangerous goods packed in one outer packaging under IATA

• Dangerous goods may be packed into a single outer packaging, provided that the goods do not require segregation and will not dangerously react with each other.
• Outer packagings must meet all the requirements of the packing instructions for each dangerous good that is packed therein.

An outer packaging may contain more than one item of dangerous goods or other goods only as follows:

• The dangerous goods do not react dangerously with each other or with the other goods;
• The dangerous goods do not require segregation;
• An outer packaging containing Division 6.2 Infectious Substances must not contain other dangerous goods except as provided in Packing Instruction 620 of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR);
• The inner packaging used for each item of dangerous goods and the quantity contained within it complies with the relevant part of the packing instruction for that item;
• The outer packagings used are permitted by all the packing instructions that apply to each item;
• The package meets the performance tests for the most restrictive packing group of a substance or article contained in the package;
• The quantities of different dangerous goods contained in one outer packaging must be such that “Q” does not exceed the value of 1, where “Q” is calculated using the formula:
  

• where n1, n2, etc., are the net quantities per package of the different dangerous goods and M1, M2, etc., are the maximum net quantities per package for these different dangerous goods according to the List of Dangerous Goods, for passenger or cargo aircraft, as applicable; and

• The following dangerous goods do not need to be considered in calculating the “Q” value:
  • Carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice) UN 1845;
  • Those where Columns J or L of the List of Dangerous Goods indicate “No limit”;
  • Those with the same UN number, packing group, physical state and the same maximum net quantity according to Table 4.2 in the List of Dangerous Goods, provided they are the only dangerous goods in the package and the total net quantity does not exceed the maximum net quantity shown in the List of Dangerous Goods.

Additional requirements for packages containing radioactive material are found the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 10.5.

The calculated “Q” value must be:

• Rounded up to the first decimal place, and
• Entered on the Shipper’s Declaration.

UN 3316 is not permitted in the same outer packaging with other dangerous goods.

Certain lithium metal and lithium ion batteries are not permitted in the same outer packaging with most other dangerous goods.

For dangerous goods where the maximum quantity per package has a packing instruction reference shown in Column J or L in the List of Dangerous Goods, check and comply with the maximum net quantity per package as shown in the packing instruction.

Other packaging requirements under IATA

• Several requirements exist in the DGR regarding friction, venting, package orientation during shipping (especially of liquids), and more.

The nature and the thickness of outer packaging must prevent friction during transport that could generate heat and alter the chemical stability of the contents.

Venting of packagings to reduce internal pressure that may develop by the evolution of gas from the contents is not permitted for air transport, except as specifically noted in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR).

With few exceptions, combination packagings with inner packagings containing liquid dangerous goods must be packed so that the closures on the inner packagings are upward. The upright position of the package must be indicated by the “Package Orientation” label. The words “This Side Up” or “This End Up” may also be displayed on the top cover of the package.

Orientation arrows are not required on outer packagings of combination packagings containing:

• Dangerous goods in inner packagings each containing 120 mL or less with sufficient absorbent material;
• Dangerous goods in gas-tight inner packagings containing no more than 500 mL that are opened by breaking or puncturing;
• Infectious substances in primary receptacles not exceeding 50 mL; or
• Radioactive material.

A package must be large enough to affix all required marks and labels.

Empty packaging that has contained dangerous goods must be treated the same as a package filled with that substance (including identifying, marking, labeling, and placarding) unless any hazard has been nullified. Acceptable methods of nullifying hazards include purging and thorough flushing of the packaging with a neutralizing agent.

Before an empty packaging that previously contained an infectious substance is referred to the shipper or sent elsewhere, the shipper must:

• Thoroughly disinfect or sterilize the packaging, and
• Remove or obliterate any label or mark indicating that it contained an infectious substance.

Freight containers, packagings, and overpacks used to transport radioactive material may only be used to store or transport other goods if decontaminated below the following levels:

• 0.4 Bq/cm2 for beta and gamma emitters and low toxicity alpha emitters, and
• 0.04 Bq/cm2 for all other alpha emitters.

When using wet ice as a coolant, it must not affect the integrity of the packaging.

Alternative packaging under IATA

• In some cases, the State of origin may approve packaging options that are different from those provided in the List of Dangerous Goods, provided that the alternative packaging provides at least the same level of safety as the original packing instruction.

In some cases, the authority of the State of origin may approve the use of packaging alternatives to those provided in the List of Dangerous Goods. The alternative packaging must meet the requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Sections 5.0.2 to 5.0.4.

When the List of Dangerous Goods specifies packagings listed in Table 5.0.C, the alternative packaging must also meet the requirements of Section 6 of the DGR.

For the type of alternative packaging being considered, the phrases “Not used in these Regulations” or “Specialized use only” may not appear in Table 5.0.C.

The State of origin must determine that the alternative packaging provides at least the same level of safety as if the substance were packed according to the method specified in the packing instruction in the List of Dangerous Goods.

The maximum net quantity of dangerous goods in the packaging may not exceed the quantity specified in the List of Dangerous Goods.

A copy of the document of approval must accompany each consignment being transported in the alternative packaging.

IATA UN specification markings

• Specification markings indicate to manufacturers, users, and operators that the packaging meets the tested design type.

Specification markings indicate the packaging meets the tested design type. They’re meant to assist package manufacturers, package users, operators, and others.

Most single packagings and all outer packagings of combination packagings and of composite packagings that have been manufactured and tested must show durable, legible markings. If a package has a gross weight exceeding 30 kilograms, the marks must appear on the top or on the side of the package. The lettering must be at least 12 millimeters high (except for packagings of 30 liters capacity or less or of 30 kilograms maximum net weight; then they need to be at least 6 millimeters high).

If a packaging has a 5 liter capacity or less or 5 kilograms maximum net weight, the letters, numbers, and symbols must be an appropriate size.

Markings consist of the following:

1. The UN symbol:
   
2. The code number indicating the packaging type.
3. X, Y, Z, which indicates the packing group.
4. For single packagings for liquids, the relative density for which the design type was tested; for packagings for solids or inner packagings, the maximum gross weight in kilograms at which the design type was tested.
5. For packagings for liquids, the hydraulic test pressure; for solids, the letter “S”.
6. The last two digits of the year during which the package was manufactured.
7. The State authorizing the mark.
8. The name of the manufacturer or other identification of the package specified by the appropriate national authority.

Details for markings for metal drums and recycled plastic material can be found in the IATA DGR Sections 6.0.4.3 and 6.0.4.4.

IATA inner packagings

• IATA requires that inner packagings be well constructed, and packings must meet additional standards depending on the material (plastic, glass, metal, etc.)

Plastic, glass, and metal inner packagings must be well constructed. The following requirements also apply to inner packagings:

• Plastic: The packaging and closures must be good quality and appropriate for the substance. Closures must be tight and must prevent leaks. Any stoppers must be held in place by tape or wire, for example.
• Glass: The packaging and closures must be good quality and appropriate for the substance. Closures must be tight and must prevent leaks. Any stoppers must be held in place by tape or wire, for example. If the container has a neck with screw-on caps, the caps must have a liner resistant to the contents. Glass ampules must be heat sealed and gas and liquid tight. They cannot react with the contents. Glass tubes, if permitted, must be thick walled and defect-free.
• Fiber cans or boxes: Packages must be good quality. Metal tops and bottoms can be used.
• Paper bags: Kraft paper of at least two sheets must be used.
• Plastic bags: Weld-seams and closures must be sift-proof and bags must be at least 0.1 millimeter thick.
• Aerosol inner packaging requirements can be found in the IATA DGR Sections 6.1.7 through 6.1.9.

Other types of packaging under IATA

• IATA provides specifications for other specialized types of packagings.

Marking reconditioned and remanufactured UN specification packagings

Most packagings that undergo a reconditioning process must bear the proper markings in a permanent form.

Salvage packagings

The requirements for markings on salvage packagings can be found in the IATA DGR Section 6.0.6.

Specifications and testing UN packaging

The specifications and testing for UN outer, single, and composite packaging can be found in the IATA DGR Sections 6.2 and 6.3. Manufacturers must comply with the criteria in these sections.

Construction and testing of cylinders, cryogenic receptacles, aerosol dispensers, and gas cartridges

Details on the construction and testing of cylinders, cryogenic receptacles, aerosol dispensers, and gas cartridges can be found in the IATA DGR Section 6.4.

Infectious substance packagings (Category A)

Details on infectious substance packagings can be found in the IATA DGR Section 6.5.

Tests for limited quantity packagings

Limited quantity packagings must undergo drop tests and stacking tests:

• Drop test. The package must be able to withstand a 1.2 meter drop onto a flat surface. The package must not show damage and there must not be leaks in the inner packagings.
• Stacking test. Packages must withstand for 24 hours the total weight of identical packages stacked to a height of 3 meters.

Construction and testing of IBCs

The IATA DGR Section 6.8 covers the construction and testing of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) used for the air transport of “UN3077, Environmentally hazardous substance , solid, n.o.s.”

IATA general requirements and exceptions

• Many of the general regulations regarding the transport of dangerous goods by air also apply to shipments of radioactive materials.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) apply to the air transport of radioactive materials. This includes packaging design and packaging manufacturing along with the preparation of a radioactive material for loading/unloading, offering a radioactive material for transportation, and in-transit storage of the material.

The following sections of the IATA DGR are applicable to the transport of radioactive materials by air:

• Definition of Dangerous Goods (Section 1.0);
• Basis of the Regulations (Section 1.1);
• Application of the Regulations (Section 1.2);
• Shipper’s Responsibilities (Section 1.3);
• Operator’s Responsibilities (Section 1.4);
• Training Requirements (Section 1.5);
• Dangerous Goods Security (Section 1.7);
• Hidden Dangerous Goods (Section 2.2);
• Dangerous Goods Carried by Passengers or Crew (Section 2.3);
• Dangerous Goods in Operator’s Property (Section 2.5);
• Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities (Section 2.6);
• State and Operator Variations (Section 2.8).

Certain radioactive materials are prohibited for transport on an aircraft, for example, packages that require external cooling systems, explosives, and pyrophoric liquids.

The IATA DGR on radioactive materials does not apply to:

• Diagnostic or treatment-related radioactive materials implanted in a person or animal;
• People being transported for treatment because the person was exposed (either accidentally or deliberately) to radioactive materials or contamination.
• Radioactive material in consumer products which have received regulatory approval, following their sale to the end user;
• Natural material and ores containing naturally occurring radionuclides, under certain conditions; or
• Non-radioactive objects with radioactive substances present on any surfaces in quantities up to the limits identified in the “contamination” definition.

Specific provisions for excepted packages can be found in the IATA DGR Section 10.0.1.5.

Radiation Protection Program and Management System under IATA

• A Radiation Protection Program must address measures to keep radiation exposure to a minimum, and offer emergency response procedures in regard to shipping radioactive material.

Radioactive material transportation must be done under a Radiation Protection Program, which must adequately address radiation protection measures. The program must address measures that will be taken to keep doses to persons below dose limits and to keep exposures as low as possible. These measures must be related to the significance and chances of radiation exposures. Finally, the program must address applicable emergency response procedures.

If the competent authority requests to see the program documents, then such documents must be available to the competent authority.

More details on the Radiation Protection Program can be found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 10.0.2.

A Management System, acceptable to the competent authority, must be in place to ensure compliance with the regulations is maintained. More details can be found in the IATA DGR Section 10.0.3.

Classification, proper shipping names, and packing of radioactive materials under IATA

• The IATA DGR Section 10 details requirements for the classification, proper shipping names, and packing of radioactive material.

Details on the classification of radioactive materials must be referenced in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 10.3.

Radioactive materials are assigned a proper shipping name as provided in the IATA DGR Section 10.4, Table 10.4.A. This section also includes a classification flowchart to help determine proper shipping name.

Radioactive materials packing is the responsibility of the shipper. Shippers must follow the package and packaging requirements found in the IATA DGR Sections 10.5 and 10.6.

IATA radioactive markings on packages 

• Radioactive materials packaging, overpacks, and freight containers must be properly marked by the shipper before transport.

Radioactive material packages, overpacks, or freight containers must be marked appropriately by the shipper. Markings must be durable, visible, able to withstand weather exposure, and displayed in a color that is in contrast with the background. In addition to the language required by the State of origin, English must be used.

The following markings are required on radioactive materials in Industrial Package Types IP-1, IP-2, and IP-3, Type A, Type B(U), Type B(M), and Type C packages:

• Proper shipping name;
• UN Number;
• Shipper’s and consignee’s full name and address;
• Permissible gross weight if the package’s gross weight exceeds 50 kilograms; and
• If dry ice is used as a refrigerant, the marks required for dry ice in IATA DGR Section 7.1.4.1(d).

Specific markings are required for Type A Packages, Type B Packages, Type C Packages, and Fissile Packages, which can be found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Sections 10.7.1.3.4 through 10.7.1.3.7.

The “UN” letters must be at least 12 mm high, except if the packagings are 30 liters or 30 kilograms capacity or less, then they must be at least 6 mm in height (for packagings of 5 L or 5 kg or less when they must be of an appropriate size).

Package and overpack marks should be at least 12 mm high, except for packages of 30 L or 30 kg capacity or less when they should be at least 6 mm high.

When a shipper is preparing a package or an overpack containing radioactive material, the shipper is required to:

• Ensure markings meet the regulations in the IATA DGR section 10.7.1.2, and are in the correct locations on the package;
• Remove or cover irrelevant or inappropriate markings;
• Ensure the outer or single packaging contains the appropriate packaging marks;
• Place any new markings in the proper location and ensure the markings meet the quality and specification requirements; and
• Ensure their marking responsibilities are complete when the package or overpack is presented for shipment.

Overpacks

Unless all marks for dangerous goods in the overpack are visible, the overpack must be marked with:

• An “OVERPACK” marking,
• The UN number, proper shipping name, and shipper’s and consignee’s full name and address; and
• Any special instructions.

Labeling packages under IATA

• Specialized labeling is required for packagings containing radioactive materials.

In addition to marking, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) require the shipper to label radioactive material packages, overpacks, or freight containers. Labels must be durable with a minimum dimension of 100 mm by 100 mm and diamond shaped. There must be an inside line about 5 mm from the edge of the diamond. The upper half of the label is reserved for the trefoil symbol and the lower half is for text and the class number (except for the Criticality Safety Index label (CSI)).

On a package of adequate size, place one set of labels on the same surface of the package near the proper shipping name mark. Labels must be placed next to the shipper’s or consignee’s address. If subsidiary labels apply, affix them next to the primary hazard labels on the same surface of the package.

If a “Cargo Aircraft Only” handling label is necessary, place it on the same surface as all other hazard labels. It must always be used on Type B(M) packages and on freight containers with such packages. Orientation labels are not necessary.

The Radioactive Material label together with any subsidiary hazard label(s), the Criticality Safety Index label (if applicable) and the “Cargo Aircraft Only” label (if applicable) must be affixed to two opposite sides of the package.

Comply with the following number of labels on a package or container:

Shippers must for packages and overpacks:

• Remove or cover irrelevant labels;
• Use durable labels of the proper size and color;
• Ensure any additional information is added to the label;
• Securely apply the appropriate labels to the packages;
• Ensure labels are on the package or overpack before it is given to the operator for shipment; and
• Ensure empty packages no longer contain labels.

Subsidiary hazard labels

If the radioactive material has other hazardous properties in one or more other hazard class, then the package must display the subsidiary label (except for non-flammable, non-toxic non-compressed gases).

Criticality Safety Index (CSI) label

Packages of fissile materials must display the Criticality Safety Index (CSI) label next to the radioactive hazard label.

Label markings

On labels, the contents, activity, and the transport index (on Category II and III Yellow labels) must be marked on the label. The Criticality Safety Index (CSI) must be displayed on a CSI label.

Contents must be as follows:

• The radionuclide symbol from Table 10.3.A (except for LSA-1 material);
• For a mixture or for different radionuclides packed in the same package, the most restrictive radionuclides must be listed on the line (as space permits);
• The LSA or SCO of the symbol, followed by “LSA-II,” “LSA-III,” “SCO-I,” or “SCO-II;” and
• For LSA-1 materials, use the term “LSA-1.”

Activity means the maximum activity of the radioactive contents. It must be marked in becquerel (or multiples). The activity in curies (or multiples) can be provided in parentheses after the becquerel units. Use full or correct abbreviations of units. In the case of fissile materials, provide the total mass of fissile nuclides in grams or kilograms (and clearly indicate all units).

The transportation index determined by the IATA DGR Section 10.5.14.1 must be placed in the box provided, rounded up to one decimal place (tenths).

The Criticality Safety Index (CSI) must be placed in the box provided. If in an overpack or freight container, the CSI is the sum of the indexes of all packages in the container. For information on excepted packages of radioactive materials labeling, refer to the IATA DGR section 10.7.4.4.3.

Placarding large containers

Freight containers with radioactive materials must display four placards in addition to the labels. It is an option to display enlarged radioactive material labels that meet the IATA DGR Sections 10.7.7.1 to 10.7.7.3 (and if appropriate 10.7.7.4).

Documentation for radioactive materials under IATA

• Radioactive materials require a shipper’s declaration of dangerous goods and an air waybill. Detailed instructions are listed in IATA DGR Section 10.8.

The shipper’s declaration of dangerous goods and an air waybill must be completed for radioactive materials consignments. The shipper is responsible for providing the information to the operator. Shippers must keep copies of the shipper’s declaration for at least three months.

The documentation necessary for radioactive materials is very detailed and itemized instructions for completing the shipper’s declaration and the air waybill can be found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 10.8.

Example documentation can be found in the IATA DGR sections 10.8.A and B.

Handling radioactive materials under IATA

• Radioactive materials must be kept away from workers and the general public. The amount of exposure that workers can receive in one year is limited.

In general, radioactive materials must be separated from workers and the general public. Worker exposure to radioactive materials must be limited so that they do not receive a dose in excess of 5 mSv in a year. Storage personnel must receive instructions on the hazards and precautions they need to take around radioactive materials.

Radioactive materials must be stored as far away from passengers and crew as possible. Detailed separation distances, along with other loading restrictions and limitations, can be found in the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) Section 10.9.

Additional shipment preparation procedures and requirements can be found in the IATA DGR Section 10.10.