IATA Class 1 Divisions

Explosive articles and substances are divided into six divisions based on their explosive characteristics and the type of hazard they present. Each division is described as follows.

Division 1.1 articles and substances are characterized as having a mass explosion hazard. This means that the explosion would affect the entire load almost instantaneously. Examples of Division 1.1 explosives include dynamite, trinitrotoluene (TNT), and black powder.

Division 1.2 articles and substances have a projection hazard but not a mass explosion hazard. Examples include aerial flares and detonating cords.

Division 1.3 articles and substances have a fire hazard and either a minor blast hazard or a minor projectile hazard or both, but they do not have a mass explosion hazard. These articles and substances are capable of producing considerable radiant heat or burning, resulting in minor blasts or projectiles. An example of this division is propellant explosives, such as display fireworks.

Division 1.4 articles and substances present no significant hazards. They may present a small hazard in the event of ignition or initiation during transport. The effects are largely confined to the package and no projection fragments of appreciable size are expected. An external fire would not cause instantaneous explosion. Articles and substances in this class and compatibility group S are the only Class 1 dangerous goods allowed for transport on passenger aircraft. Examples of Division 1.4 explosives include practice ammunition, signal cartridges, and consumer fireworks.

Division 1.5 articles and substances consist of very insensitive substances. They have a mass explosion hazard, but they are so insensitive that there is very little probability of initiation under normal conditions of transport. This includes explosive blasting agents, such as ammonium nitrate fuel. These types of substances are often used in mining. There are five blasting types, labeled A through E.

Division 1.6 articles and substances consist of extremely insensitive articles, which do not have a mass explosion hazard. They have a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation. In addition, the risk from Division 1.6 articles is limited to a single article.

An explosive, extremely insensitive (EEI) is an article that contains only extremely insensitive substances and that demonstrates a negligible probability of accidental initiation or propagation under normal conditions of transport.

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