Under the IMDG Code, limited quantities (Chapter 3.4) and excepted quantities (Chapter 3.5) let dangerous goods packed in small inner packagings travel by sea with fewer requirements than full dangerous goods consignments. The amount allowed for each substance is shown in column 7a (limited quantities) and column 7b (excepted quantities) of the Dangerous Goods List. Both concessions come with their own packing, marking and documentation conditions, and goods that fail to meet them must be shipped under the full requirements of the Code.
Why the concessions exist
Dangerous goods in small, well-packed inner receptacles present a lower risk in transport than the same goods in bulk or in large packagings. The UN Model Regulations, and the modal rules built on them, recognise this with two levels of relief:
- Limited quantities (LQ): typically consumer-sized products such as aerosols, paints, adhesives and cleaning products, packed in combination packagings.
- Excepted quantities (EQ): very small amounts, usually grams or millilitres, such as samples or laboratory reagents, packed to a stricter three-layer standard.
The provisions are closely aligned across the IMDG Code, ADR and other modal rules, which helps multimodal shipments, but modal differences remain and should be checked for each leg.
Limited quantities: IMDG Code Chapter 3.4
Column 7a of the Dangerous Goods List
Column 7a gives the maximum quantity allowed in each inner packaging or article for a substance shipped as a limited quantity. Where column 7a shows “0”, the substance may not be shipped under the limited quantity provisions.
Packaging
Limited quantities must be packed in inner packagings placed inside suitable outer packagings. The packaging does not need to be UN-specification tested, but it must meet the general packing requirements of the Code. The total gross mass of each package is limited.
The limited quantity mark
Packages must show the limited quantity mark: a square set on a point (diamond), with black top and bottom sections and a white or contrasting centre. The mark should be at least 100 mm × 100 mm, reduced to no less than 50 mm × 50 mm if the package is too small. The “Y” version of the mark, used for limited quantities under the ICAO Technical Instructions for air transport, may also be accepted for sea transport.
Marking cargo transport units
A cargo transport unit (such as a freight container) containing only dangerous goods in limited quantities must display the limited quantity mark on the outside instead of placards. US rules for vessel shipments under 49 CFR § 172.315 use the same approach, requiring the mark once on each side and each end of the unit, with each side of the mark at least 250 mm.
Documentation
Limited quantities are not exempt from documentation at sea. The dangerous goods transport document must still be provided, with the words “limited quantity” or “LTD QTY” included in the dangerous goods description.
Stowage and segregation concessions
Limited quantity packages are allocated stowage category A, and the other stowage provisions in column 16a of the Dangerous Goods List do not apply. In general, the segregation provisions of Chapter 7.2 and column 16b do not apply to limited quantity packages, either between themselves or with other dangerous goods. An exception applies to Division 1.4, Compatibility Group S articles, which must not be stowed in the same compartment, hold or cargo transport unit as Class 1 goods of Compatibility Groups A and L.
Excepted quantities: IMDG Code Chapter 3.5
Column 7b and the E codes
Column 7b shows an excepted quantity code, E0 to E5. E0 means the substance cannot be shipped as an excepted quantity. The other codes set a maximum net quantity per inner packaging and per outer packaging. In the harmonised UN text, the limits are:
| Code | Max per inner packaging | Max per outer packaging |
|---|---|---|
| E0 | Not permitted as an excepted quantity | |
| E1 | 30 g / 30 ml | 1,000 g / 1,000 ml |
| E2 | 30 g / 30 ml | 500 g / 500 ml |
| E3 | 30 g / 30 ml | 300 g / 300 ml |
| E4 | 1 g / 1 ml | 500 g / 500 ml |
| E5 | 1 g / 1 ml | 300 g / 300 ml |
For gases, the volume refers to the water capacity of the receptacle. Where goods with different codes are packed together, the most restrictive code applies to the outer packaging.
Packaging and testing
Excepted quantities need a three-part packaging: an inner packaging with a secure closure, an intermediate packaging with cushioning (and enough absorbent for liquids), and a strong, rigid outer packaging. The complete package must pass a drop test from 1.8 m and a 24-hour stacking test without breakage or leakage of any inner packaging.
The excepted quantities mark
Packages must show the excepted quantities mark, at least 100 mm × 100 mm. The mark shows the first or only hazard label number for each substance in the package, plus the consignor’s or consignee’s name if this is not shown elsewhere on the package. Hazard labels are not required.
Documentation and stowage
Where a transport document accompanies excepted quantities, the harmonised text requires it to include the statement “Dangerous goods in excepted quantities” and the number of packages. Under the RID equivalent, a single wagon or container may hold no more than 1,000 excepted quantity packages.
Limited vs excepted quantities at a glance
| Limited quantities | Excepted quantities | |
|---|---|---|
| IMDG chapter | 3.4 | 3.5 |
| DGL column | 7a (quantity per inner packaging) | 7b (codes E0–E5) |
| Typical quantities | Up to litres or kilograms per inner packaging | 1 g/ml or 30 g/ml per inner packaging |
| Packaging | Combination packaging; UN testing not required | Inner, intermediate and outer packaging; drop and stack tested |
| Package mark | LQ mark (diamond) | EQ mark, showing class and consignor/consignee |
| Documentation | DG transport document with “limited quantity” or “LTD QTY” | “Dangerous goods in excepted quantities” and number of packages |
How Hazcheck can help
Hazcheck Search shows the column 7a and 7b entries for each UN number across the IMDG Code, ADR and 49 CFR, so you can see quickly whether a concession is available. Hazcheck Validate checks bookings declared as LQ or EQ against the quantity limits. To build your team’s knowledge, see our IMDG Code e-learning, the ADR/IMDG Code Interface Course and the Dangerous Goods Transport General Awareness Course, or contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Do limited quantities need a dangerous goods declaration for sea transport?
Yes. Unlike some road concessions, the IMDG Code still requires a dangerous goods transport document for limited quantities, with “limited quantity” or “LTD QTY” included in the description.
What does “0” in column 7a mean?
It means the substance cannot be shipped as a limited quantity. It must be shipped under the full provisions of the Code.
Can I put limited and excepted quantities in the same container?
Generally yes, as both concessions relax stowage and segregation, but each package must meet its own chapter’s requirements. Check the specific segregation exceptions, such as those for Class 1 goods.
Are UN-approved packagings needed for limited quantities?
No. Limited quantity packagings do not need to be UN-specification tested, but they must meet the general packing requirements and gross mass limits.
Is the IMDG limited quantity mark the same as the ADR one?
Yes, the same diamond mark is used for sea and road, and US rules (49 CFR § 172.315) use the same design, which helps multimodal shipments.
Sources
- IMO – Dangerous goods
- HSE – Carriage of dangerous goods: main exemptions (limited and excepted quantities)
- RID Chapter 3.5 – Dangerous goods packed in excepted quantities (harmonised text, Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs)
- eCFR – 49 CFR § 172.315 Limited quantities
- eCFR – 49 CFR § 173.4a Excepted quantities
- J. J. Keller – Limited quantities under IMDG (secondary source)