Excepted Quantities

Some types of dangerous goods may be transported in very small quantities as cargo-only without complying with all the requirements of the DGR. This provision is referred to as Excepted Quantities. Excepted quantities of dangerous goods are not permitted in checked or carry-on baggage or in the mail.

DGR 2.6.2.2 lists the classes and divisions of dangerous goods substances that may be carried under the provisions for Excepted Quantities. It is important to note that not all dangerous goods may be treated as excepted quantities.

DGR Table 2.6.A lists the Excepted Quantity (EQ) codes and the maximum quantity per package that corresponds with each code. The EQ code is identified as E1 through E5. E0 is assigned to items that are not permitted as Excepted Quantity. If dangerous goods with different EQ codes are packed in the same outer packaging, the total quantity per outer packaging must be limited to the most restrictive EQ code.

The shipper is responsible for determining whether the shipment of dangerous goods may be transported as an Excepted Quantity, packing requirements, quantity limits, and labeling requirements.

The cargo agent, the freight forwarder, and the operator's cargo acceptance staff are responsible for checking that Excepted Quantity packages are properly labeled and an Air Waybill is issued.

To learn more about Function Specific topics for Shippers, Packers, Freight Forwarders visit our IATA DGR Shippers, Packers & Freight Forwarders Online Training web page.