• 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.