If you ship HazMat/dangerous goods by air, you are likely familiar – or should be – with the Dangerous Goods Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).  Though not officially recognized by PHMSA/USDOT, its basis on the International Civil Aviation Administration (ICAO) Technical Instructions – and that it is even more strict in some cases – ensures that the IATA DGR are acceptable for compliance when shipping HazMat/dangerous goods within the U.S. (note that you must still comply with the Hazardous Material Regulations of the PHMSA/USDOT whenever you transport or offer for transport a HazMat/dangerous good within the U.S.)

One important requirement of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations is to mark packages to indicate the type and quantity of dangerous goods within and to communicate other information required by the DGR.  Package mark requirements include but are not limited to the following:

• Identification number.
• Proper shipping name.
• Name and address of shipper (consignor).
• Name and address of receiver (consignee).
• Technical name of dangerous good if a star appears near the proper shipping name in the Dangerous Goods List.
• Net quantity of dangerous good in each package.
• More…

Just as important as providing the required marking on the outside of the package or overpack is to ensure it meets the minimum size requirements of the Dangerous Goods Regulations.

This table summarizes the Size Requirements of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for Package Markings.

Note the impending deadline (January 1, 2016) for the minimum size requirement for both “Overpack” and “Salvage”.

Make certain the dangerous goods packages you ship are marked correctly and that the markings meet the minimum size requirements of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.