Dangerous goods consigned according to chapter 3.4 of IMDG Code has relaxations from many provisions of IMDG Code including marking, labelling, placarding. The biggest relaxation is less stringent requirement of segregation.

Packing for Limited Quantities

Dangerous Goods in limited quantities must be always packed in combination packing. Inner packing is not required for articles such as aerosols or receptacles, small, containing gas. Corrosive liquids of class 8, packing group II in glass, porcelain or stoneware inner packagings must be packed in a compatible and rigid intermediate packaging.

Maximum mass of outer packaging is fixed at 30 KG for all types of packaging except for shrink-wrapped or stretch-wrapped trays which is fixed at 20 KG.

Column 7a of Dangerous Goods List in chapter 3.2 of IMDG Code sets the maximum quantity per inner packing for limited quantities. If value in column 7a is “0” then that entry is not permitted to be transported in accordance with chapter 3.4, limited quantities.

Segregation of Dangerous Goods in Limited Quantities

Different outer packaging

Dangerous goods packed in limited quantities need not be segregated from other dangerous goods. However articles of class 1 division 1.4 compatibility group S in limited quantities must not to be loaded in the same compartment or cargo hold, or container) dangerous goods of class 1 of compatibility groups A and L.

Same outer packaging

Different dangerous goods may be packed in the same outer packaging as limited quantities provided:

• They do not dangerously react with each other and cause 
• combustion and/or evolution of considerable heat;
• evolution of flammable, toxic or asphyxiant gases;
• the formation of corrosive substances; or
• the formation of unstable substances.

2. Segregation provisions of chapter 7.2 and column 16b is met with.
3. Different dangerous goods of same class may be packed in the same outer packing disregarding provisions of column 16b provided both are in packing group III and meets the conditions of point no. 1 above.

Stowage on board ships

Stowage category for dangerous goods in limited quantities is category A = On or Under Deck. Stowage provisions in column 16a of dangerous goods list is not applicable to dangerous goods in limited quantities.

Marking of limited quantities packages

Limited quantities packages must be marked with below mark.

• The mark must be in the form of a square set at an angle of 45° (diamond-shaped). 
• The top and bottom portions and the surrounding line shall be black.
• The centre area shall be white or a suitable contrasting background.
• The minimum dimensions shall be 100 mm × 100 mm and the minimum width of the line forming the diamond shall be 2 mm.
• If the size of the package so requires, the minimum outer dimensions shown above may be reduced to be not less than 50 mm × 50 mm provided the mark remains clearly visible. The minimum width of the line forming the diamond may be reduced to a minimum of 1 mm.

If inner packing contains liquid then outer packing must be marked with orientation arrows on two opposite vertical sides.

Limited quantities packages need not be marked or labelled with below

• UN Number
• Proper Shipping Name
• Class label
• Subsidiary Risk label
• Marine Pollutant mark

Placarding and Marking of containers packed with limited quantities

 Container packed only with dangerous goods in limited quantities must be marked with below mark on all four sides. The minimum dimension must be 250 mm x 250 mm

Container packed with dangerous goods in limited quantities and dangerous goods not in limited quantities must be placarded and marked for dangerous goods not in limited quantities on all four sides.

Container packed with dangerous goods in limited quantities and dangerous goods not in limited quantities but not requiring any placard or marks then container must be marked with limited quantities mark on all four sides.

Are you trained in IMDG Code?

It is mandatory to receive training in IMDG Code even for shipping dangerous goods in limited quantities. We can provide you Online IMDG Code training or those in and around Mumbai, India, can attend our upcoming classroom training.