Exceptions - Limited and Small Quantities

Column 8A of the HMT references specific exceptions to packaging requirements. Some of these exceptions include limited and small quantities, agricultural products, materials of trade, and lab packs. Packaging exceptions are not the same as Special Permits, which will be discussed later in the course.

Limited quantity shipments are excepted from specification packaging and placarding in all modes of transportation. Also, except for Division 6.1 materials or materials transported by aircraft, a limited quantity is excepted from labeling. These exceptions are provided in Column 8A of the HMT.

§173.4 excludes small quantities of certain hazardous materials from many of the requirements of the HMR, including marking, labeling, placarding, and shipping paper requirements. Small quantities are even smaller amounts per package than limited quantities. The materials covered by the small quantity exceptions include:

• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids
• Spontaneously combustible materials
• Dangerous when wet materials
• Oxidizers
• Organic peroxides
• Poisonous materials
• Corrosives

In order to qualify for the small quantities exception, the package must be shipped in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Inner receptacle contains not more than 30 ml or 30 g of hazardous material.
2. Inner receptacle is at least 0.2 mm thick and is not liquid full at 55° C.
3. Closure of inner receptacle is positively secured.
4. Absorbent or cushioning requirements are met.
5. Inner receptacle is secured in outer packaging.
6. Prototype packaging must pass a drop test and compressive load test.
7. Package must not contain forbidden materials.
8. Package does not exceed 29 kg.
9. Package is not opened or altered during transportation.
10. Package is labeled with the statement, "This package conforms to 49 CFR 173.4."

To learn more about DOT HAZMAT Awareness visit our DOT HAZMAT General Awareness Online Training web page.