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Scope
Limited quantities are smaller amounts of hazardous materials in non-bulk combination packages. A limited quantity exception can only be used for a hazardous material if Column 8A of the Hazardous Materials Table (172.101) references the specific section in Part 173 that contains the exception.
Regulatory citations
- 49 CFR 173.150 — Exceptions for Class 3 (flammable and combustible liquids)
- 49 CFR 173.151 — Exceptions for Class 4
- 49 CFR 173.152 — Exceptions for Division 5.1 (oxidizers) and Division 5.2 (organic peroxides)
- 49 CFR 173.153 — Exceptions for Division 6.1 (poisonous materials)
- 49 CFR 173.154 — Exceptions for Class 8 (corrosive materials)
- 49 CFR 173.155 — Exceptions for Class 9 (miscellaneous hazardous materials)
- 49 CFR 173.306 — Limited quantities of compressed gases
Key definitions
- Combination package: A combination of packaging, for transport purposes, consisting of one or more inner packagings secured in a non-bulk outer packaging.
- Limited quantity: The maximum amount of a hazardous material for which there is a specific labeling or packaging exception.
- Outer packaging: The outermost enclosure of a composite or combination packaging together with any absorbent materials, cushioning and any other components necessary to contain and protect inner receptacles or inner packagings.
Summary of requirements
The sections in Part 173 that contain the limited quantity requirements for the different hazard classes and divisions are:
- 173.306 — Class 2 (gases)
- 173.150 — Class 3 (flammable and combustible liquids)
- 173.151 — Class 4 (flammable solids, spontaneously combustible, dangerous when wet)
- 173.152 — Class 5 (oxidizers and organic peroxides)
- 173.153 — Division 6.1 (poisons)
- 173.421 — Class 7 (radioactives)
- 173.154 — Class 8 (corrosives)
- 173.155 — Class 9 (miscellaneous)
To be eligible for the above exceptions, Column 8A of the Hazardous Materials Table (172.101) must reference the section for the material being shipped and the material must be packaged within the limits specified in the section.
Although not identified as limited quantities, Class 1 has some similar exceptions listed in 173.63 for certain less hazardous explosive materials.
Exceptions
In general, limited quantity shipments are excepted from the following requirements:
- Specification packaging,
- Shipping papers,
- Labeling,
- Placarding, and
- Listing an emergency response telephone number on shipping papers.
Except for Class 1 and 7, each combination package may not exceed 66 pounds (30 kg) gross weight. The size of inner packagings that are allowed to be used varies depending on the hazard/division and packing group of the material. For example, Class 8 materials in packing group III must be in inner packagings not over 1.3 gallons (5 L) for liquids or not over 11 pounds (5 kg) for solids. These inner packagings must be packed in a strong outer packaging.
Shipping papers. Shipping papers are not required for many limited quantities of hazardous materials. Shipping papers are required for a limited quantity of a hazardous material that is a hazardous substance, hazardous waste, marine pollutant, or is offered/transported by air or water. The words “Limited Quantity” or the abbreviation “Ltd Qty” must follow the basic description for the hazardous material.
Labeling. Labels are not required for most limited quantities of hazardous materials. However, labels are required if the limited quantity is to be offered/transported by aircraft or if it is a poison-by-inhalation material.
Markings. Markings are required for a package containing limited quantities of hazardous materials. See Limited Quantity Markings for more information.