DG Shipping SOP & Quick Reference

Type	What it means	Key identifiers	Typical paperwork
Non-DG	Not regulated as dangerous goods for transport.	SDS Section 14: “Not regulated” / no UN number / no class.	Normal invoice + packing slip; customs docs if international.
EQ	DG shipped in very small quantities (E-code relief).	Excepted Quantity mark; E-code (E0–E5); strict inner+outer limits.	No DG declaration; carrier may require DG account for air.
LQ	DG shipped in limited quantities (inner packaging limit relief).	LQ diamond; “Y” inside for air; gross package ≤ 30 kg (66 lb).	No DG declaration; waybill should mention “limited quantity”.
Full DG	Fully regulated DG (no relief applies).	UN packaging + class labels + UN number + proper shipping name.	Shipper’s Declaration + DG statement on AWB/BOL.

Mix	Same box?	Rule	Best practice
Non-DG + EQ	Allowed	If any EQ is inside → whole box is treated as EQ (EQ mark & EQ rules apply).	Separate boxes if possible (especially air).
Non-DG + LQ	No	Do not mix LQ with non-DG in the same outer package.	Separate boxes.
EQ + LQ	No	Different relief types; do not combine in one outer package.	Separate boxes.
Non-DG + Full DG	No	Full DG must remain in tested/approved configuration.	Separate boxes.
EQ + EQ	Yes	Most restrictive E-code in the box governs the entire outer package.	Apply strictest E-code limits.
LQ + LQ	Yes	Allowed if all items qualify for LQ and package limits are respected.	Keep UN entries documented internally.

E-Code	Max per inner packaging	Max per outer package	Practical meaning
E0	—	—	Not permitted as EQ → use LQ or Full DG
E1	30 g / 30 mL	1000 g / 1000 mL	Small-vial EQ profile (tight inner, generous outer)
E2	30 g / 30 mL	500 g / 500 mL	Same inner as E1, smaller total per box
E3	30 g / 30 mL	300 g / 300 mL	Same inner, smaller total per box
E4	1 g / 1 mL	500 g / 500 mL	Micro-inners; still allows a decent box total
E5	1 g / 1 mL	300 g / 300 mL	Micro-inners; smaller box total

How to apply E-codes (the rules you practiced)

• Inner rule: every inner bottle/vial must be ≤ the E-code inner limit.
• Outer rule: the sum of all EQ contents in the box must be ≤ the E-code outer limit.
• Mixed E-codes inside one box: apply the most restrictive E-code to the entire outer package.
• If any item exceeds inner limit → it cannot ship as EQ → escalate to LQ or Full DG.

Quick worked examples

Common waybill fields (most carriers)

Field	What to enter	Example
Shipper / Consignee	Full legal name, address, phone/email	Elite Essence Labs, street
Description of Goods	Use wording based on DG status (see below)	Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities
Pieces	# of outer packages on the shipment	2 boxes
Weight	Gross weight (per piece or total—carrier-specific)	12.4 lb
Declared value	Commercial value for carriage (if required)	$450
Customs / Invoice	International: attach commercial invoice & export data	Invoice #INV-2025-018
DG / Hazmat checkbox	Tick when applicable (carrier/account dependent)	EQ/LQ contains DG even without DG declaration

What to write in “Description of Goods”

Mixed shipments (multiple boxes, one waybill)

Mix at the shipment level (separate boxes). Avoid mixing relief types inside one box.

Non-DG outer box (recommended layout)

EQ outer box (required marks)

LQ outer box (required marks)

Non-DG bulk

• Compatible container + leak-proof closures.
• Palletize and secure (stretch wrap, banding) to prevent movement.
• No DG marks; ship label + customs docs if international.

DG bulk (typical = Full DG)

• Determine UN number, class, PG, mode requirements.
• Select correct UN-rated drum/jerrican/IBC approved for the PG and contents.
• Apply hazard labels/marks; placards may apply at transport-unit level depending on mode/jurisdiction.
• Prepare DG paperwork (DG declaration where required).

Bulk packaging types

Container	Use	Notes
Steel/Plastic Drum	Bulk liquids	DG requires correct UN drum rating for the PG
Jerrican	Small bulk	Common for solvents; often Full DG
IBC / Tote	Industrial bulk	Carrier acceptance varies; strict controls
Tank load	Very large bulk	Specialized freight

A) Mandatory / core documents (every raw material & concentrate)

Document	What it must include	Use
SDS (Safety Data Sheet)	Correct IDs (CAS/EC), hazards, key properties, Section 14 transport classification, flash point if applicable	DG status (Non-DG/EQ/LQ/Full), carrier acceptance, safety
COA (Certificate of Analysis)	Batch/lot, specs, results, date	QC, traceability, recalls
TDS / Product spec	Physical properties (appearance, density, etc.)	Manufacturing, QC
Lot traceability	Lot numbers on containers + documents	Audit readiness

B) Fragrance-specific compliance docs (often required)

Document	What it must include	Use
IFRA certificate	IFRA version, category limits, compliance statement	Customer/regulatory compliance
Allergen declaration	Allergens list + levels as required by target markets	Labeling/documentation
Regulatory statements	REACH/TSCA/Prop65 (as applicable)	Market access
Origin + HS code guidance	Country of origin, suggested HS codes	Customs clearance

C) Shipping classification controls (what you should verify)

• Transport statement in SDS Section 14 matches the real composition/flash point.
• If supplier says “Non-DG” but Section 14 is incomplete → treat as unverified until corrected.
• For DG: record whether it qualifies for EQ/LQ and store those limits in your shipping profile.

Step A — Confirm Non-DG

• SDS Section 14: Not regulated.
• No UN number / no hazard class / no packing group.

Step B — Packaging (best practice)

• Inner: leak-proof bottle/pouch; compatible.
• Seal: foil/tamper seal + cap; tape around cap if needed.
• Secondary: each bottle in sealed bag; absorbent recommended for liquids.
• Outer: strong box; void fill; H-tape closure.

Step C — Labeling

• Shipping label.
• Optional handling: “This side up”, “Handle with care”.
• No DG marks.

Step D — Documents

• Domestic: packing slip; invoice if needed.
• International: commercial invoice + customs docs; accurate description.

Step A — Identify E-code & limits

• Confirm EQ eligibility and E-code for the substance.
• Verify max per inner and max per outer.

Step B — Packaging

• Inner: leak-proof; individually protected.
• Absorbent: sufficient for largest inner container.
• Outer: strong rigid box; drop-test logic.

Step C — Mixed E-codes

Step D — Marking

• Apply EQ mark; keep visible and not covered.
• No hazard labels, no LQ diamond, no UN number.

Step E — Documents

• No DG declaration required.
• Waybill should mention EQ.

Step A — Confirm LQ limits

• Check LQ inner packaging limit for the UN entry.
• Gross package ≤ 30 kg (66 lb).

Step B — Packaging

• Inner: leak-proof; protected.
• Absorbent required for liquids.
• Outer: strong; prevent movement; correct closure.

Step C — Marking

• Ground/Sea: LQ diamond.
• Air: LQ diamond with “Y” inside.

Step D — Documents

• No DG declaration required; use waybill LQ text.

• Correct UN number + PSN + class + packing group.
• UN-approved packaging in tested configuration.
• Required labels/marks + orientation arrows for liquids when required.
• DG declaration + DG statement on AWB/BOL where required.
• DG-trained personnel.

Example formats (as on your poster)

1) UN symbol

“UN” confirms the packaging has passed UN performance tests and can be used for regulated DG when used within the marked limits and tested configuration.

2) Packaging identification code (what “4G”, “1A1”, etc. mean)

Code	Meaning	Practical use
4G	Fiberboard box	Common outer for combination packaging
1A1	Steel drum, non-removable head	Common for liquid DG
1A2	Steel drum, removable head	Often for solids or inner packagings
3H1	Plastic jerrican, non-removable head	Common for liquids (solvents)

UN packaging code legend (type + material)

Element	Code	Meaning
Packaging type	1	Drum
Packaging type	2	Wooden barrel
Packaging type	3	Jerrican
Packaging type	4	Box
Packaging type	5	Bag
Packaging type	6	Composite packaging
Packaging type	7	Pressure receptacle
Material	A	Steel
Material	B	Aluminum
Material	C	Natural wood
Material	D	Plywood
Material	F	Reconstructed wood
Material	G	Fiberboard
Material	H	Plastic
Material	L	Textiles
Material	M	Paper, multiwall
Material	N	Other metal
Material	P	Glass, porcelain, stoneware

3) Packing group performance level: X / Y / Z

• X = tested to PG I level → acceptable for PG I, II, III (if other limits also met).
• Y = tested to PG II level → acceptable for PG II & III only.
• Z = tested to PG III level → acceptable for PG III only.

4) “Gross mass” vs “Specific gravity”

5) Hydrostatic test pressure (liquids)

For liquid packagings, a number like 250 indicates the hydrostatic pressure test (kPa) the packaging passed for liquids.

6) Year and location of manufacture

• “19” = year of manufacture (last two digits).
• Country code indicates location/approval traceability (e.g., USA, D).

7) Manufacturer / certification mark

Identifies the manufacturer or approval/certification symbol for traceability.

DG-specific documents

• Non-DG: no DG docs.
• EQ: no DG declaration; waybill statement recommended.
• LQ: no DG declaration; waybill statement recommended.
• Full DG: DG declaration + DG statement on AWB/BOL.

Non-DG

EQ

LQ

Full DG

Mixed shipment (multiple boxes on one waybill)

Non-DG

EQ

LQ

International invoice must include

• HS code
• Country of origin
• Quantity + unit size
• Unit value + total value

Pre-ship gate (all shipments)

• [ ] Correct classification (Non-DG / EQ / LQ / Full DG)
• [ ] Inner packaging leak-proof + compatible
• [ ] Secondary containment + cushioning
• [ ] Correct outer box + closure
• [ ] Correct marking/labels
• [ ] Domestic vs international docs prepared
• [ ] Waybill text correct

EQ-only gate

• [ ] E-code confirmed
• [ ] Inner limit met for every bottle
• [ ] Outer limit met for total contents
• [ ] Strictest E-code applied if mixed
• [ ] EQ mark applied; not obscured

LQ-only gate

• [ ] LQ inner limit met
• [ ] Gross package ≤ 30 kg (66 lb)
• [ ] LQ diamond applied (Y inside for air)

Question	If YES	If NO
SDS Section 14 says “Not regulated”?	Ship as Non-DG	Next
Eligible for EQ and within inner + outer limits?	Ship as EQ	Next
Eligible for LQ and within inner limits + ≤ 30 kg?	Ship as LQ	Next
Otherwise	Ship as Full DG

Always confirm carrier acceptance rules for the lane/service level, especially for air.